Most people don’t wonder whether or not screens can provide UV protection. It’s glaringly apparent that the sun shines right through them. So, that thought may not come up when making the decision whether or not to enclose your outdoor living space. It’s easy to see why Florida homeowners install them when you consider all the benefits they provide.
First and foremost, is the increased level of privacy and the fact that screen enclosures create a bug-free environment has to be a close second. They keep your new multi-functional space cleaner too. Unwanted guests—like lizards and snakes, for instance—are going to be kept further away from your outdoor living space. Other benefits include improved aesthetics, increased property values, and protection from the wind and rain. Some homeowners are surprised to discover that enclosures provide a degree of UV protection as well.
Protection is a pretty big deal
The intense beating we take from the sun can seem relentless here in the Sunshine State. Witnessing a sudden scramble to be the first to reach a patch of shade is a common occurrence during the summer months for sure.
Prolonged exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays puts us at higher risk of skin cancer. Lesser hazards, such as sunburn, rashes, and premature aging, are nothing to ignore either. We’ve all been taught to slather on the sunscreen to try and avoid all of the negative effects that UV rays have on the body.
UV rays are also notorious for ruining our stuff due to sun fade. Outdoor furniture, rugs, and other belongings fade in color and materials tend to weaken and tear more quickly when continuously exposed to the sun.
Screen enclosures throw a little shade and more
The key word in that phrase is “some.” Even though the screens are finely woven to block all types of bugs and insects from entering the space, the sun is going to shine right through them. Therefore, screens can’t provide actual shade, per say, instead they serve as a filter. As the UV rays pass through the shades, they become less intense. In fact, the degree of UV-blocking protection they provide can range between 30-80%. The cost ranges as well, of course.
Any added UV protection is considered a plus, even if it just boils down to not having to pull the kids out of the pool as often to reapply sunscreen. No matter how you’re spending your time outdoors, your screen enclosure makes it more enjoyable by protecting you from UV rays and helping create a cooler environment.
Screens allow free air flow which keeps air circulating throughout the area. It not only helps to create a cooler environment, but the constant circulation has another important role. It dries out all the nooks and crannies where water is most likely to hide. Damp, dark spaces coupled with our heat and humidity provide the perfect environment for mold growth. Once it gets started, it spreads.
Mold exposure can negatively affect the health of your family, friends and even your pets. The longer the exposure continues, the more detrimental it becomes.
Signs of exposure in both humans and animals include:
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Stuffy nose
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Sore throat
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Coughing or wheezing
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Burning eyes
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Skin rash
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Cognitive difficulties
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Pain
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Unexplained weight gain or loss
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Numbness and tingling
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Metallic taste in the mouth
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Vertigo or dizziness
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Digestive issues
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Congestion, wheezing, and red, itchy eyes and skin.
Mold exposure can also cause severe reactions in people with asthma or mold allergies. It can also cause serious infections in the lungs for immune-compromised individuals
The perfect getaway spot
Homeowners install screen enclosures to provide privacy which greatly enhances their feelings of relaxation. Some report that had they known what a huge effect it would have, they’d have made the change sooner. As far as neighborhoods go, perhaps sometimes we don’t even realize we’ve been feeling as if we’re “on display” until we’re not any longer.
Screen enclosures provide you with a bug-free environment which means night swims are sure to increase! With no flies to fight off, you may find yourself dining outdoors a lot more often too. The area stays cleaner, too, and that means you have more time to enjoy relaxing.
Another benefit of screen enclosures is the option of working with a company that customizes the screen panels. Imagine surrounding yourself in your most favorite environment. It is the beach? Or a tropical rainforest filled with cascading waterfalls? Perhaps a beautiful flower garden or mountain scene instills you with feelings of peace and serenity.
Whatever images you decide to use, they are printed directly onto your screens using dyes that are resistant to UV rays. That means your images are guaranteed to remain bright and vibrant for years. That’s a good thing because your screen enclosure is likely to become your family’s new favorite gathering spot year around. The outcome is that amazing.
We’ve nearly made it to spring. Summer will be here before we know it! Even though lots of people will be forgoing the family vacation this year, you don’t have to fret. Planning a staycation pool side can be a totally new experience if you take advantage of screen customization. You may find it just as hard to return to work though because you know what you have waiting for you at home.
Enjoy your time outdoors even more from now on. Install a mesh screen enclosure and let the good times roll on into the future.