Light and air are the key draws of a screen room, which can be both a blessing and a headache.
Screen rooms are a popular addition to any house. One can build them from scratch or convert an existing room into one.
Here are some of the benefits to keep in mind when adding a screen room:
Benefits
Screen rooms offer the best of the outdoors with the comfort of a home's interior. The mesh screens act as handy barriers against insects and the elements. A clean and irritant-free place to work, play, and relax, their versatility enables them to be used for various functions. They work just as well for entertaining as enjoying a quiet book.
Furthermore, screen rooms can boost the value of a property. Potential buyers may not only wish to enjoy the same benefits of pest-free outdoor time, but the extra footage can leave an impression. They are not depreciating assets and can have a good ROI.
With all these benefits in mind, it also pays to be aware of certain considerations when choosing where and how to construct a screen room.
Size and purpose
Screen rooms are versatile and are helpful for entertaining and exercise. Always tie a screen room's footage to its purpose for maximum effectiveness. If entertaining regularly, a bigger room would be ideal, while a space for meditation may require smaller footage.
Location
Light and air are the key draws of a screen room, which can be both a blessing and a headache. South-facing rooms tend to get more sunlight throughout the day, while east- and west-facing rooms will be brightly lit for a certain portion. So, decide how much light and heat is enough for the room's purpose. Screens are better suited for ventilation in hotter screen rooms than glass windows.
Privacy
Seeing out means that others may be able to see in. While screen rooms offer great visibility, this can, unfortunately, work both ways. It's important to take privacy into account. If a screen room is more public, installing a privacy screening or using trees and bushes may be a good idea.
Weather
The screens that let the light and cool breezes in will do the same for a ferocious gale or heavy rain. If the region is prone to extreme weather, move furniture indoors or use sturdy, waterproof alternatives. Hotter days and direct sunlight may also increase the risk of sunburn and skin cancer.
Screen rooms made of lighter materials won't cope with gale-force winds. Be sure to consider the local environment and weather when choosing construction materials.
Aesthetics
A screen room should flow seamlessly into the rest of the house, using the same paint job and roofing for consistency. A hurried job will be noticeable. Take care of how the screen room connects to the house, whether as an existing patio or via a new doorway.
Fashions and times will change, and the screen room may need to do the same. Ensure that components like flooring and panels match with the current style of the building but can be easily updated, should the need arise.
Get effective insulation
Screen rooms' more lightweight and delicate nature often comes at the expense of not being properly insulated. The right insulation can keep a screen room cool or maximize the limited daylight, depending on the climate.
Lanai Guy is a full-service screen company servicing Brandon, Riverview and the surrounding area for screen enclosures, lanais, rescreen and screen repair. Call 813-316-5971 to schedule an appointment!
