In all honesty, there are two factors that some would consider negative when considering whether or not to install a screen enclosure. They are the initial cost and maintenance. But can we consider those as negatives when looking at the big picture?
Hiring someone to build your enclosure is going to be a large expense—but the end result increases your property value. How much, of course, depends on varying factors. Moreover, many companies offer payment plans allowing customers to stretch out the cost over time. Other homeowners may approach their lender to fund the process. Having those options makes this property enhancement more affordable for many families.
Regarding maintenance, your enclosure may need minor repairs now and then, but most will likely amount to small screen repairs. Other than that, investing the man-hours to keep your screens clean of dirt and debris is all you need to worry about. If you have kids, they may look forward to helping you clean by breaking out the high-powered water guns to battle the soap suds—or your hose. Add some scrub brushes and a bucket of sudsy water and it’s a done deal.
Those pros though
Any home improvement is going to be costly—especially these days! And, of course, maintaining the integrity of your investment just makes good sense. You ought to consider the wealth of benefits your family can enjoy year-round. They easily cancel out the so-called “cons.”
Privacy
If you’re considering an enclosure to provide your family with an added level of privacy, you are in good company. It’s the number one reason that homeowners give for making the move. Screen enclosures don’t provide 100% blockage, but creating the illusion of privacy with the screen barricade makes a big difference in how the space feels.
Homeowners report a greater sense of peace and feeling more relaxed when gathered together on the lanai or around the pool.
Moreover, choosing to work with a company that customizes the screens allows you to enjoy an even greater level of privacy. Images are printed directly onto the screens using dyes treated with added UV protection to keep colors vibrant for years. The results are pretty spectacular.
UV protection
Even though a screen enclosure won’t completely shade you, the sun filters through them which does provide a level of protection from damaging UV rays. You won’t need to apply sunscreen as often which will be a huge plus in the kids’ eyes for sure! And, we’re curious to know if that cuts down on the cost of snacks because we all use them to lure them out of the water, now, don’t we?
Blocks dirt and debris
Your enclosure provides a barrier keeping dirt and storm debris from covering the space. That means you can head out to enjoy the fresh air after the rain passes without cleaning up before you sit down.
Moreover, if you’re enclosing the pool, getting caught unawares with the cover off is a thing of the past!
Creatures aren’t coming close
Our hot, humid weather provides the perfect environment for bugs to thrive—especially throughout the spring and summer. Enclosing your space gives your family a bug-free zone. No more dousing yourself with insect repellant! The finely woven screen prevents all kinds of bugs and insects from invading the area.
Have you ever experienced the jolt of surprise—or terror—upon discovering a snake has burrowed under your throw pillow? Or, maybe, you walked out the door to find a gator has decided to sun on your patio—
Your screen enclosure provides a barricade against them. You won’t have to worry about any wandering—or slithering—wildlife coming too close to the house ever again.
Safety features too
It’s hard to sit and relax when you have small children. You never know when something will catch their eye and they are off to explore. It’s a horrible feeling to turn around from being momentarily distracted and not have them in sight.
Enclosing your outdoor living area provides a safe space for them to enjoy the fresh air and play outside. You might actually squeeze in a chapter of the book you’re reading or scroll social media for a bit without trying to keep one eye on the kids.
You can let your pets out to enjoy the day without worrying they’ll wander away too.
Are the cons a con then?
If you’re looking for reasons not to install a screen enclosure before the heat of summer kicks in cost and maintenance are your only considerations. However, when you look at them in a slightly different light, they really don’t classify as “cons” at all.
When considering that your family will have a bug-free outdoor area that provides a bit of shade, lets you clean less, and protects your family from unwanted guests, the cost of installing a screen enclosure becomes much easier to justify. Enclosures are low maintenance with only the occasional screen repair a possibility. Moreover, cleaning them can easily turn into a fun family affair because that tends to happen when breaking out a garden hose.
And, guess what?
We haven’t even mentioned this aspect, and it’s priceless as far as we’re concerned. Your new enclosure will likely become your family’s favorite place to hang out. And hanging out together provides the perfect environment for making happy memories that last a lifetime!