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Your lanai is most likely one of your family’s favorite gathering spots in your entire home—especially if it’s enclosed. Are we right? It may be a bit chilly during the overnight hours to let the kids sleep outdoors now that winter is in full swing. Other than that, though, there’s no reason you shouldn’t take advantage of the space in other ways.

It benefits your health too

We get a lot of sunshine here in Florida, but the days are shorter in the winter. Being outdoors allows your body to naturally produce vitamin D from sunlight. Vitamin D has many health benefits that include the following:

• Promotes growth and development of bones and teeth
• Strengthens immunity to fight certain diseases
  • May reduce the risk of multiple sclerosis (MS)
  • Decreases risk of heart disease
  • May decrease the severity of COVID-19 and flu
  • Lowers risk of infections and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease
• Some studies are showing it may actually prevent cancer
• Regulates mood and reduces depression
• Possibly supports weight loss

While your body is busy getting healthier, you can spend your time in a variety of ways.

Passing the time until spring arrives

Winter temperatures don’t pack the same punch in Florida as it does over most of the nation. Still, we’re not apt to be jumping the pool or snorkeling at the beach during the next few months, are we? Instead, you can bide your time hanging out on the lanai until the temperature rises.

Reading and relaxing

If you enjoy reading, it doesn’t matter what’s going on with the weather. If you have time to dive into a good book, settling in your favorite spot out on the lanai is the perfect place to do it. Sipping coffee and daydreaming about the future is another relaxing way many people choose to spend their downtime. Perhaps, you enjoy scrolling through social media or blogging.

Whatever you enjoy doing to relax, the lanai is the place to do it! Put on your favorite music, snuggle into your seat, and—ahhhhh.

Work from home

It’s a growing trend across the country. If you’re fortunate enough to be able to work from home, using the lanai as your home office is a fantastic idea. Fresh air is stimulating. Your production levels are likely to increase.

Even if you pack everything back indoors at the end of the day, you are sure to repeat the process.

Grow a garden

Even though the days are shorter, we still get plenty of sunshine. Take advantage of it and get some indoor gardening pots. You can grow flowers, herbs, or… considering the rising cost of groceries… vegetables might be the way to go.

You may decide to go all out and set up an indoor gardening system. Most plants can thrive year-round outdoors in our climate. Maybe you’ll transplant in the spring, or choose to use a tower-type system that will enhance your privacy even more.

Let your muse move

If you dabble in the arts, lanais are a great place to write, paint, or even sculpt! It’s much easier to hose down the lanai than to clean up an indoor workspace after your masterpiece is complete. Natural light is hard to beat and your lanai provides plenty of it!

Make a stitch in time

Sewing, crocheting, or knitting are enjoyable pastimes. If you think so too, you may want to work on your latest project out on the lanai. It won’t take much to set up a portable workstation so you’ll have everything you need within arm’s reach.

Much like an outdoor office, you’re likely to decide before much time passes that making a habit of sewing or mending articles of clothing amidst the fresh air with the sound of the birds singing, or neighborhood children playing nearby is very enjoyable indeed.

Working out

Is fitness your passion?

Some people choose to turn their enclosed lanai into their personal gym. Gym equipment is protected from the elements, with the exception of rains accompanied by strong winds blowing in a specific direction. That won’t be a problem though if you have water-resistant covers for your stuff.

Maybe throwing a mat on the floor, popping in the earbuds, and rocking through your workout is more your style. You should go for it! You may find the slightly cooler temps so invigorating that you increase the length of your workouts.

Game nights

It’s not written in stone that games can only be played at night, but the phrase is one everyone equates with having a good time. Playing games and interacting with each other in “real-time” is far better for us than passing hours of time with everyone staring at their screen of choice.

Playing board games together keeps you connected. It strengthens your bond with family and friends.

Winter, spring, summer, and fall

While it may not get here fast enough for all of us, spring is on the way. As the seasons’ transition, there’s no reason to change the way you enjoy spending time out on the lanai.

Whether you’re relaxing, working, or taking a nap, make sure downtime is in your schedule. It’s just as important to your body as vitamin D. Maybe, more important because stress, left unchecked, can and will affect your health eventually. You don’t need to deal with that!

Instead, pull your family together as often as possible. Before you know it, the kids will be grown and gone. The memories you make now will be cherished in the future. Of course, the memories you’ll make years down the road are going to be special too. You might catch yourself dreaming of the day you’ll be hanging out on the lanai with your grandchildren… while you’re outdoors relaxing, sitting in your favorite spot, sipping on a cup of coffee.

Most people are drawn to water because it has a calming effect. That’s why so many people feel as if relaxing by the pool can relieve stress. However, some days there’s a lot going on in the neighborhood which isn’t conducive to the plan. Installing a pool privacy screen can help keep things drifting in the direction you intended.

The number one reason that homeowners give for enclosing their swimming pools is for the added sense of privacy. Mesh screen enclosures don’t completely shield you and your family from view, but they provide a sense of seclusion that causes some homeowners to wonder why they waited so long to enclose the pool in the first place.

Creating a new view

Some companies, like ours, for instance, offer a customization feature that allows customers to choose a digital image, either from a company catalog or one from their own library, which is printed directly onto the mesh screen. It takes pool privacy to an entirely new level because it gives homeowners the ability to completely change the ambiance of their outdoor living space.

The vibrant images are created using dyes that have been specifically treated to resist the sun’s damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays. The majority, if not all, companies use screen treated with UV protection as well. Overall, you are sure to be amazed by the finished product. Once you add the finishing touches, your family may never want to gather together anywhere else!

More benefits to enjoy

Your new mesh screen enclosure provides your family with the pool privacy you desire. There are other significant reasons to enclose your pool, as well. In fact, if you read on you’ll discover why we believe mesh screen pool enclosures are better than glass.

Let’s just start there.

Doesn’t promote mold growth

Glass enclosures are often installed without added ventilation. The enclosed environment doesn’t allow free airflow. That’s a problem because airflow is a natural combatant against mold. Glass enclosures are airtight so any damp areas in the enclosure don’t completely dry out. That coupled with our sub-tropical temperatures and high humidity levels provides the perfect environment for mold. Worse, once it gets a foothold, it continues to spread.

Exposure to mold grows more serious over time. Many people are allergic to it causing their immune system to overreact when exposed. The symptoms may be mild, to begin with, however, they worsen as time passes.

Signs of a reaction to mold are:

• Sneezing
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Cough
• Postnasal drip
• Itchy eyes, nose, and throat
• Watery eyes
• Dry, scaly skin

The symptoms vary from person to person and can grow more severe due to prolonged exposure. People who suffer from asthma can be triggered by exposure to mold spores as well.

Signs of an asthma attack include:

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness

Mesh screen enclosures allow air to flow naturally throughout your pool area which combats mold and mildew growth. It also allows you to catch every whisper of a breeze that flows your way. We all know how welcome those are during the summer months, especially.

UV protection

Ultraviolet (UV) rays are dangerous. Repeatedly being burned by the sun is reported to eventually be a contributor to various skin cancers. Not to mention the “weathered” look that many of us begin to experience as we age.

Mesh screen enclosures provide a degree of shade which means you won’t be applying sunscreen as often. Your kids will love to hear that news, won’t they? Taking time out to reapply lotion or sprays isn’t high on their priority list—ever.

This is a good spot to reiterate that the screens and dyes used—if you’re working with a company that provides customizing your screens—are treated with added UV protection as well. It adds years to the lifespan of your pool enclosure.

Your pool stays cleaner

Once your pool is enclosed, you’ll soon notice that you’re skimming the pool less often to remove dirt and debris. Storms won’t be wreaking havoc when they blow through unannounced any longer.  Won’t it be great to head outdoors for a swim after a storm has passed and not have to clean the deck, chairs, and even the pool if you weren’t able to get it covered before the onset?

Your mesh screen enclosure helps keep the chlorine working longer too. The sun breaks it down continuously so providing that element of shade works to your advantage in that aspect. You won’t be adjusting the levels quite as often.

Bugs? What bugs?

That may be a phrase you never thought you’d hear anyone ask around this part of the country. Bugs thrive here all year long. When you enclose your pool, though, they won’t be crashing your party ever again.

The tightly woven screen allows air to flow freely, but it’s a blockage for bugs of all kinds. That includes mosquitoes and noseeums as well. You can pack away the flyswatters and citronella tiki torches because you won’t be needing them any longer.

That’s something to get excited about!

Safe and secure

If you’ve got kids and pets, allowing them to be outdoors without you in attendance can be stressful. That’s especially true if you have a child—or dog for that matter—who is drawn to the water. Your mesh screen pool enclosure can be equipped with a door that locks. Kids won’t have access to the area unless you say so. Neither will your pets.

Get ready for spring

Even though winter just officially started a few days ago, you know how time flies! It’s going to be spring before we know it. If you’re planning to increase your pool privacy before swim season, this is a great time to get the job scheduled. You’re sure to have your new enclosure up and ready to go. Your family and friends will love the new environment as much as you do.

In fact, your pool may be the place everyone hopes to gather for special events—from here on out! That’s going to make for a lot of memory-making. Enjoy!

Are you looking for a gift idea that the entire family will enjoy? You should consider installing an outdoor screen enclosure. Whether it’s around the pool area, lanai, or encloses both spaces, an outdoor screen enclosure is essentially the same as adding an entire room to your ho-ho-home. Talk about a great gift! Who couldn’t use more rooms?

If the area isn’t already the most popular gathering spot, it’s going to be soon! It’s amazing what a difference that adding an element of privacy can make to the ambiance! Screen enclosures don’t completely block the view from the outside, of course, but it creates the same sense of space that a solid wall does on the inside. Moreover, if you choose to work with a company that offers a customized screen option, such as ours, for instance, you have an even greater sense of privacy. Not to mention an amazing view!

Are you wondering to yourself, “View of what?”

We honestly can’t tell you that because you are the one who decides.

How does customization work?

Virtually any digital image can be printed on your screens. You could choose a treasured photo from your favorite vacation destination. How about a great view of the ocean? Does being surrounded by lush vegetation trigger a sense of tranquility within you? Oh, the possibilities! This time of year, it may even be tempting to surround the space with snow-covered mountains. And, if you really love gazing at snow-tipped mountain tops, we say, “Go for it!”

Customers are welcome to use imagery from their own library or to choose from the company’s catalog. Either way, you’re sure to be happy with the end result.  It’s entirely possible to create your own private getaway spot just outside your back door. The difference is truly remarkable.

Digital imagery coupled with high-quality ink with added ultraviolet (UV) protection ensures that your custom image remains vibrant for years to come. Add your own lighting and decor to further enhance your new space.

The added benefits of enclosing your space

We mentioned the privacy factor above, but we didn’t tell you that is the number one reason that homeowners decide to install an outdoor screen enclosure in the first place. After the fact, some have reported they didn’t realize the huge difference it would make in their lives. Having to always be out in the open is a bit intimidating some days—depending on things like nosey or disgruntled neighbors more often than not. After enclosing their outdoor space, some homeowners report that it “cured” their anxiousness.

Privacy and customized screens aren’t the only two reasons that your family would benefit by closing in your outdoor living area.

Here are a few more:

• No more bugs crashing the party. The finely woven screen keeps all manner of bugs and mosquitoes from reaching you, your family, or your guests. You can store those flyswatters and tiki torches out in the garage for good!
• There’s a safety feature. Especially, if you install a door complete with a lock, you can feel okay leaving your young child playing on the floor while you run in and grab what you forgot without disrupting him.
• Added UV protection—It may not be a lot, but here in Florida, every little bit counts!
• Dirt and debris stay in the yard—where it belongs! Imagine not having to sweep up before you can sit down. You could stand that, right?
• Installing an outdoor screen enclosure ups the value of your home to some degree. Of course, the odds are you aren’t planning to move any time soon, but it’s still nice to know. So, we’re sharing.

It’s a great time to install your enclosure

Living in Florida, we’re able to take advantage of our subtropical climate and enjoy the outdoors all year long. Enclosing your pool, patio, or lanai area will enhance the time spent there. You’ll be protected from the elements, enjoy every wisp of a breeze that passes through on a hot summer day, and don’t forget about having a private outdoor space to enjoy with family and friends!

Furnishing your new outdoor room will be less expensive this time of year as well. That says a lot when there’s still pre-Christmas everything to tend to, doesn’t it?

Time is growing short though! If you hurry and check around, it could be that your new enclosure will be up and decorated before Santa makes his rounds this year. If it’s just too late to get your gift idea on the schedule, don’t abandon your plan! With a little creativity, you’re sure to think of a great way to reveal what’s “coming soon” with an element of fanfare that will leave your family anticipating the install date.

Perhaps you can all choose the perfect decor together snuggled up on the couch on Christmas Day.  Start by having everyone share how they would love to see the space used and form your plan from there. You’re sure to arrive at a decision that everyone will be happy with this Christmas season and for all those that have yet to come.

We here at Private Screens want to wish you and your family the happiest of holiday seasons. May it be filled with so much joy that it flows into 2023 and beyond. Whew! That’s a lot of joy! And, after the last couple of years, we’re pretty sure you won’t have a bit of trouble experiencing every bit of it.

Merry Christmas!

He knows he messed up. The poor guy is obsessed with that toy. So much so that if he’s within eyesight out in the yard and his toy hits the water—stand back! Nothing’s stopping him. He’s coming straight through the pool screen like it’s nothing. You were sure you had his “ball” put away before everyone arrived, The kids must have thrown it into the mix in the frenzy of digging out the rafts and toys.

You’d been thinking there were a few places you need to get after on those screens anyway. No time like the present, right? As your wife catches your eye with a tray full of meat that needs to hit the grill, a small chuckle escapes you. Well, more like no time like tomorrow.

A small remodel job may be the fix

If your exuberant pet… or preschooler for that matter… has a penchant for blowing holes through your pool screen, it can get frustrating. And, that may be putting it mildly. Smaller dogs… or young children… may be dissuaded from the activity by installing a kick plate along the base of your enclosure. It creates an attractive barrier that they have to get over. The height can be adjusted to suit your needs.

Of course, that’s going to require investing some time and money into the fix, but could be well worth it in the long run. There are many options to choose from so you’re sure to discover something that works with your budget.

Don’t put off small repairs

If you discover small holes in your pool screen, there’s no sense in waiting to get them repaired. You can more than likely do the job yourself. A hole or small tear will just get larger over time—especially if you have kids around. There is just something about a hole in a screen that attracts little fingers.

Use a bottle of clear nail polish to repair any tiny holes. Dab it on the hole and let it for a minute or two. Repeat if necessary. Next, dust your hands together because that’s that.

If the hole or tear is a bit too large for dabbing nail polish, you can sew the area together by using a few strands of screen wire and a needle with a large eye. If the space that needs repairing is larger, patching your screen isn’t hard to do.

Here are the steps to take:

• Trim away any broken screen threads from the damaged area using a straightedge or sharp knife.
• Cut a piece of patch screen slightly larger than the hole or tear—about an inch on all sides.
• Glue the patch to the screen.
• Let set.

Bugs and mosquitoes are going to take advantage of even the tiniest opening they find in your pool screen. Do you remember when it seemed that you were constantly slapping at them when poolside? You have to admit, it’s not the best look. It’s a huge nuisance though.

Is age catching up with your screens?

Even though most window screen used here in Florida is treated to better withstand the sun’s damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays, there comes a day when the screens need replacing. Once your screens begin to sag or completely come apart at the edges, it’s time to consider installing new screens.

The spline that holds your screen in place deteriorates over time as well. Once it begins to shrink, it allows the screen to sag. When that happens, the screen’s stitching may begin to pull apart. Once the spline begins to go, you need to address the situation. If your screens, themselves, are still in good condition, you could possibly get away with just replacing the spline.

You can purchase the tool necessary to do that at most hardware stores. It’s merely a process of slowly pulling out the old spline and using the tool to roll in the new.

If it’s time to replace your screens entirely

You may want to consider working with an enclosure company, such as ours for instance, that offers their customers a customization feature. These companies customize your screens with the image that you choose. Homeowners report dramatic aesthetic results. Some wonder why they didn’t make the decision to create their own private getaway sooner.

The designs positively enhance the feeling that you create in your outdoor living space. Adding just the right touch of decor will customize your “new” living space even more. If it wasn’t already the most popular space in the house, your new screens are likely to make the difference.

Maintenance keeps money in your pocket

When you stay on top of your screen maintenance, they last longer overall. You keep bugs and debris out of your space too. Also, it’s important to mention that repairing your screens is far less costly than repairing them along the way.

That’s important at this time of year, for sure. Still, keeping a jingle in your pocket is a pretty good tune to listen to all year long.