A lanai is an enclosed porch or patio attached to a home. They are widely popular and perfect for tropical climates. When combined with screen enclosures, this feature extends the living space, offers a beautiful landscape view, and makes the outdoors more enjoyable, relaxing, and entertaining. A lanai is an attractive home addition that works as a perfect indoor-outdoor transitional space that offers protection from the elements, keeps insects, pests, and debris out, and provides a private area to unwind.
Lanai care
Lanai is a desirable home feature, and homeowners love to spend a lot of time in these spaces. It is vital to keep the lanai clean and attractive to get the best use out of it. However, outdoor living spaces are tough to keep clean. Over time, pollen accumulates on the surface, leaving a yellowish film on the surface. Weather too plays its part in making the lanai look old, worn-out, and dingy.
Fortunately, there are more affordable ways to restore the look of a lanai than go for complete replacement. Let’s consider a few tips to make your lanai look as good as new and maintain its structural integrity without spending a fortune:
Clean it thoroughly
Cleaning is the best way to restore the lanai’s shine and beauty. Take a bucket, soft, small-bristle brush, a garden hose, and dish soap to clean it. Soak the screen and frames and use warm soapy water and a brush for scrubbing, followed by a thorough rinse. Allow everything to dry naturally or wipe with a soft cloth to avoid drip marks.
Alternatively, use a pressure washer to blast away stubborn stains, grime, and mold. It is also the best method to clean hard-to-reach areas. However, there’s a caution: always start the power washer at low pressure to avoid screen damage.
If the lanai looks dirty, even after following the above methods, use vinegar and warm water equally or mix a part of bleach with three parts of water to scrub the problem areas. Rinse the screen and frame with a garden hose and allow them to dry completely. Call a professional if your lanai screen still does not shine.
Add a fresh coat of paint
It is possible to paint or repaint screen enclosures for a whole new look. Over time, weather and other outdoor elements can take a toll, and the aluminum can start to fade or discolor. Cleaning, painting, and sealing the screen enclosures are cost-effective ways to fix discoloration and delay screen replacement. Use spray paint for aluminum screen enclosures to achieve a nice smooth finish and a fresh look.
Re-screening
Another way to give the lanai a new lease of life is through re-screening. Lack of maintenance and repair and general wear and tear can make the screen appear worn out and leave the lanai unusable. Choose high-quality screens for better protection. Re-screening is usually more affordable than replacing the enclosure panel by panel.
Replace the fasteners
When improving the lanai’s appearance through repainting or re-screening, do not forget to replace the fasteners. It restores the enclosure strength and ensures a lasting paint finish. Metal screws, bolts, or anchors rust over time and need replacement. Use fasteners made from durable materials that can withstand strong winds.
Contact a local screen enclosure company for assistance in restoring your lanai’s appearance.
Lanai Guy is a full-service screen company servicing Brandon, Riverview and the surrounding area for screen enclosures, lanais, rescreen and screen repair. Call 813-461-6159 to schedule an appointment!
