Screen enclosures provide Florida homeowners with benefits that enhance the time spent outdoors with friends and family.
They are an affordable way to increase your comfort level and they don’t require much maintenance either. Both worthy attributes, don’t you think?
But wait, as they say, there’s more!
Positive Perks
Screen enclosures provide your family with an added level of privacy. It’s actually the number one reason homeowners give for installing one. They go over and above the expectations of many who say, had they realized what a difference installing the enclosure makes, that they would have done so sooner!
Having a space where your family can gather together, as the world—which includes busy neighborhoods—around you fades into the background, goes a long way toward enhancing your ability to rest, relax, and enjoy each other’s company to the fullest.
We haven’t got an official stat for you, but we’re guessing that creating a bug-free zone has to come in as a close second. Imagine stepping outdoors in the evening and not being bombarded by mosquitoes! If your family enjoys eating outdoors, flies won’t be swarming over your plates either. The screens are durable and finely woven. This allows for our balmy breezes to pass through, but all manner of bugs and insects aren’t squeezing into your space.
Other perks for you to enjoy include:
- Enclosures provide a safe space for young children and pets to play. No more worrying about getting distracted long enough for them to get out of sight. If you enclose the pool, locking the door keeps them out of the area just as easily.
- You gain a bit of protection from those dangerous ultraviolet (UV) rays because they become less intense as they filter through the screens.
- Enclosures keep unwanted guests—such as snakes, lizards, and other wildlife—from invading your space.
Low on maintenance
Mesh screen enclosures are durable and don’t require much maintenance. We suggest avoiding companies and contractors that use screens made of Artisan wire. It comes from China and is, generally, less costly, however, the thin wire doesn’t stand the test of time—especially in Florida! Salt corrosion begins eating away at it on day one and it won’t be long before you need to replace sections or entire screens.
Other than the eventual need to repair or replace mesh screens, you should clean your screens routinely. This easy task extends the life of your screens. Moreover, it creates a healthier environment for you and your family.
Our hot, humid weather provides the perfect environment for mold and mildew to take root. Left unchecked, it spreads. Regular cleaning prevents mold and mildew growth. Pollen gets trapped in the screens as well, which adversely affects anyone who suffers from allergies.
Believe it or not, regularly cleaning your screen enclosure helps keep your pool or lanai cleaner over all. When dirt and debris clog your screens, a strong storm and high winds can force the ick out often sending it flying into your pool water or all over your furniture and floors.
Cleaning your enclosure
All you need to gather for cleaning your screens is a garden hose—preferably with a spray nozzle—or power washer, a soft bristled brush or broom, some mild soap, a bucket, and a sponge. We’d also suggest gathering the kids. This is one chore they might even look forward to because water and kids work well together as a rule.
Before they get to get into the thick of it though, they can help you clear the area. Remove any furniture, toys, and other items from the enclosure. You’ll want a clear workspace and it can prevent these items from getting dirty in the cleaning process.
Using the garden hose and spray nozzle—or maybe even a high-powered water gun or two if the kids are involved—rinse screens thoroughly. Start at the top and rinse your way down. Let the water do a big part of the cleaning for you because it will carry away all the loose dirt, pollen, and other debris.
We suggest filling your bucket with warm, soapy water. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners because they aren’t good for the environment—or humans for that matter! They can also damage your screen material, causing it to weaken.
Dip the brush or broom into the soapy water and gently scrub the screens. You may need to scrub more intensely on areas that have stains, often caused by mold and mildew, or visible caked dirt. Use a circular motion rather than a vigorous up and down technique.
If you do have areas of mold and mildew build-up, make a solution of one part white vinegar and one part water to help eat it away. Stubborn stains might require adding a bit of baking soda to the mix. It’s a mild abrasive with other cleaning properties as well.
Once you’ve finished scrubbing, rinse the screens thoroughly with clean water using your hose or those awesome long range water guns. Make sure to get all the soapy residue washed away to prevent streaking.
Don’t neglect cleaning the frames and tracks. These areas accumulate lots of dirt and grime too. You can use the same soapy water solution and a soft cloth for the frames. Rinse the area as you go to prevent streaking and leave them shining instead. Use a brush or small broom to remove any leaves, dirt, or other debris from the tracks.
Once the rinsing is done, your enclosure will air dry in no time. When it has, replace the furniture and other items and it’s time for high-fives all around. You can check the enclosure off the spring cleaning list and enjoy it to the fullest instead.
Good job!