Aluminum Screen Enclosure
Why do so many Florida homeowners choose aluminum for their patio enclosures? What makes this metal consistently outshine options like steel, vinyl, and wood? Explore the many benefits of an aluminum patio enclosure, and you’ll understand why aluminum is such a popular pick.
Comparing Aluminum to Common Building Materials
Aluminum consistently outperforms other building materials. If you need proof, consider these three matchups.
Steel Versus Aluminum
Steel may be famous for its strength, but it’s prone to rusting when exposed to moisture. Rust weakens metal and can compromise its structural integrity. Since humidity is a fact of life in Florida, this weakness is a significant flaw for anyone building in the state. How does aluminum stack up? Aluminum is lightweight but has serious yield strength. It’s very capable of getting the job done. However, aluminum doesn’t rust. It won’t flinch in the face of high humidity or other moisture, so it’s a fantastic choice for the Sunshine State. Learn more about these differences in our article The Differences Between Metal Awnings vs. Aluminum Awnings.
Vinyl Versus Aluminum
Vinyl wins rave reviews for being low-maintenance and affordable. Aluminum has the same qualities. In addition, aluminum offers greater durability and excellent opportunities for customization. These are significant reasons that you see so many custom aluminum lanai enclosures.
Wood Versus Aluminum
Wood always scores high for natural beauty. However, that cherished look comes with high prices, hefty maintenance requirements, and vulnerabilities to issues such as mold, mildew, and wood-boring pests. Aluminum products can’t completely match the look and feel of wood. However, they can mimic it for an affordable price. Plus, these products will require virtually no maintenance and be resistant to mold, termites, and other similar terrors. Learn more about these differences in our article, Aluminum Screen Enclosures: Benefits Of Using Aluminum Vs. Wood
Discovering Other Advantages of Aluminum
We’ve already mentioned that aluminum is an affordable, low-maintenance, rust-resistant material with serious strength and a capacity for customization. Of course, if you’re still on the fence about an aluminum patio enclosure, there are more advantages to discover.
Aesthetics
What look do you want? You can make it happen with aluminum. This popular metal can capture a multitude of styles. Thanks to powder coating, it can provide a wide range of colors. Textured finishes offer even more options.
Durability
Aluminum is strong enough to withstand stormy weather. It doesn’t rust or mold. And, pests can’t penetrate the material. Additionally, it requires minimal maintenance to stay in top condition. All these factors combine to create incredible durability. An aluminum screen porch will last a long time with little effort.
Versatility
Because it’s a lightweight material, aluminum is fairly easy for a highly skilled craftsperson to mold. An experienced screen enclosure contractor can accomplish a lot with the material. Additionally, it can be implemented quickly and without the need for heavy equipment, which helps keep installation costs down.
Eco-friendliness
Aluminum is recyclable. While you’re likely to get many enjoyable years from your lanai, porch, or patio cover, when it reaches the end of its lifespan, the aluminum in it doesn’t have to be tossed into a landfill. It can be recycled and reused.
If you’re ready to find the best aluminum patio enclosure for your needs, reach out to Dulando Screen & Awning. We’re committed to helping our clients discover the perfect fit for their homes, lifestyles, and budgets. Contact us today to request a free in-home design consultation.
Aluminum Screen Enclosure, Screen Enclosures
Choosing the right patio screen for your enclosure should be easy. After all, screen is screen, right? Until you start looking at all the available options. Yes, there are that many. Patio screening products offer ample advantages and choices. Before you get overwhelmed, let’s break it down. Consider screens by their purpose, which can help you sort through the possibilities and determine the best fit for your new backyard enclosure.
Popular Patio Screen Options
Standard Insect Screens
Even though there are so many types of patio screens, there is a standard. The traditional choice for a patio, pool, or porch screen, is a fiberglass screening that features an 18 by 14 mesh. This standard screen will do an excellent job of keeping most insects and debris out of your outdoor living spaces. There’s a reason it’s so popular… Because it works.
No-See-Um Screens
Floridians know that no-see-ums have small bodies and a massive ability to annoy other living things. Standard screens are no defense against these tiny biting mites. They can easily slip through the 18 x 14 mesh in a standard patio screen. Fortunately, the dense 20 by 20 mesh of no-see-um screens are designed to deliver excellent ventilation while stopping insects of all sizes, including minuscule monsters like no-see-ums and gnats. Not only does the 20 x 20 mesh keep insects outside, but they also provide enhanced privacy for you inside.
Pet Screens
With claws on paws, enthusiastic tendencies, and tails that can have minds of their own, even the most well-behaved pets can occasionally be rough. Pet screen is durable against pets and even small, enthusiastic children. They are designed to be resistant to tears and punctures. Pet screens are ideal for high-traffic areas or places where pets or children play.
Privacy Screens
Screen rooms blur the line between indoor and outdoor spaces. They allow you to enjoy the fresh air and the gorgeous views. However, just because you can quickly see out doesn’t mean you must let everyone else see in. A privacy screen has a special coating that won’t obstruct your vision but makes it harder for others to see inside. Alternatively, it may be laminated with vinyl for a frosted glass effect. Our favorite privacy screen product by Phifer is called Glas-Shield or Florida Glass. Many owners cover a pane or two in Glas-Shield to ensure their privacy.
Solar Screens
The sun in the Sunshine State is beautiful but unforgiving. Anyone who has forgotten their sunblock knows this all too well. There’s also the uncomfortable heat that can come with sitting in the sun. Wouldn’t it be nice if your screen enclosure could offer an extra layer of protection? With the right screen, it can. Solar screens can block up to 90% of the sun’s rays, reducing the unpleasant impacts of its heat and glare.
Since opening our doors in 1968, Dulando Screen & Awning has built a reputation for quality, reliability, and excellent craftsmanship. Our recipe for success includes exceptional customer service, an expert team, and the use of superior materials. If you aren’t sure which screen is the best choice for your project, we’re happy to help you explore the possibilities. Do you want a patio screen that can meet more than one purpose? Several Phifer screens are excellent multitaskers. To learn more, contact Dulando Screen & Awning today to schedule a free in-home design consultation.
Aluminum Screen Enclosure, Patio Enclosures, Screen Enclosures
Enclosed screen porches are a great way to enjoy the outdoors while still being protected from pests and the elements. This article will discuss some important considerations when building a screen porch. By carefully considering these factors, you can create a beautiful and functional screen porch to enhance your property’s value and enjoyment.
Building a Screen Porch Includes:
Purpose of Screen Porch
Since a screen porch is attached to your home, how do you envision using it? Will it be primarily used for dining and entertaining, or will it serve as a more casual space for relaxation and lounging? This will have an impact on the size and layout of the porch, as well as some of the features that will be used.
Determine Location and Size.
Consider the entrance to the porch from the home, as well as the view, privacy, and sun exposure. If you have a current lanai and want to stay within that footprint, then there is nothing to decide. We enclose the lanai to create a porch enclosure. However, if you want to expand the space, we’ll need to figure out how far and wide.
Screen Porch Framing Materials
The most common materials used for screen porches in Florida are Perma-wood and aluminum. Perma-wood provides the best features of wood, vinyl, and aluminum in a single material. It mimics wood and has a natural and classic look. Aluminum porches are a more durable and low-maintenance option and are favored among homeowners in Florida.
Aluminum Porch Roof
If your screen porch is already under your home’s roofline, you can skip this part, but if you plan on building a new screen porch or extending your existing lanai, you’ll need to choose a roof. Insulated aluminum roof panels are a popular choice due to their durability, low maintenance needs, and sleek appearance. You can opt for a timeless flat roof that extends from your home’s current roofline or go with a gable roof. Gable roofs offer a traditional look and can be ventilated to improve airflow. A shed roof is another popular choice, which provides a contemporary look and can be installed at a slope to improve water drainage. Dulando uses Structall insulated panels. These roof panels are energy efficient and complement your home’s exterior. When choosing an aluminum porch roof, consider the style, functionality, and budget to determine the best option.
Types of Screens for Your Porch
When choosing porch screens, consider the following factors:
- Purpose: Do you need screens for insect control, sun and heat control, or privacy?
- Material: Screens are made of fiberglass, aluminum, and other materials. Choose the one that best suits your needs.
- Color: Choose a color that complements your home’s exterior and interior design.
- Mesh size: The smaller the mesh size, the more influential the screen keeps out insects.
- Durability: Consider the expected lifespan of the screen and whether it can withstand harsh weather conditions. If you have pets or small children, definitely consider Phifer Pet Screen.
Screen Porch Installation
Once the materials have been chosen, it is time for the screen porch installation. This typically involves building a frame, attaching the screen material, and then installing any necessary doors and windows. It is important to hire a professional to handle the installation to ensure that it is done safely and correctly. The process takes time between permitting and scheduling the installation. Your screen contractor should advise you on the timeline to the best of their ability.
Finally, it is important to consider any additional features for the porch. This may include ceiling fans, lighting, and outdoor speakers. Keep in mind, when adding a ceiling fan to a patio enclosure, inform the patio contractor beforehand to have a fan beam in place within the insulated roof for additional support and to hide wiring. These additional features can enhance the comfort and functionality of the porch and make it a more enjoyable space to spend time in.
Building a screen porch is a great way to add a functional and enjoyable outdoor space to your home. By considering the purpose, location, size, materials, and additional features, you can create a space perfect for dining, entertaining, or relaxation. With the help of a professional installation team, you can enjoy your new screen porch for years to come.
Aluminum Screen Enclosure, patio contractor, Sunroom
At Dulando Screen & Awning, we’re firmly committed to excellence. That’s why we combine expert design services and meticulous craftsmanship with top-quality materials like Structall’s Snap-N-Lock Insulated Panels. What makes these aluminum roof panels a fantastic choice when you want to cover a patio, screened enclosure or sunroom? Here are the top reasons why we use Structall for our aluminum roof panels.
Benefits of Aluminum Roof Panels
Durability
Aluminum patio roof panels won’t wilt when the going gets tough. This hardy material doesn’t rust or rot. Unlike wood, it’s not vulnerable to termites or other similar pests. What about the wind? When things get gusty, Structall aluminum patio covers stay strong. When building a patio screen enclosure, these roof panels can withstand high wind loads when properly installed. Snap-N-Lock panels also feature a clever design that includes a patented joint design. When the roof panels snap together, an internal sealant creates a sturdy, waterproof seal. Tucking the sealant inside protects it from damaging ultraviolet rays, reducing deterioration. The result is a long-lasting roof that you can rely on for years to come.
Easy to Maintain
Free time is a valuable commodity in today’s busy world. Would you rather spend yours tackling a to-do list of maintenance chores or enjoying fun activities? It takes a lot of work to keep wood in good shape. Aluminum is different. Patio and screen room roof panels made from aluminum need almost no special care. Year after year, they’ll continue to look amazing without making any extra work for you.
Energy Efficient
Florida is famous for its steamy sunshine. Although warm, luminous days are great in theory, the reality can sometimes be harsh. Mixing unrelenting sun with high humidity can make unprotected outdoor spaces brutally hot and sticky. Fortunately, Structall’s insulated aluminum roof panels excel at creating a sheltered space. The panels’ rolled aluminum exteriors surround energy-efficient foam cores to repel heat energy. A roof crafted from these panels shields the area beneath it, so your patio, screen room or sunroom stays cooler with less effort and expense.
Environmentally Friendly
What makes an aluminum roof panel an environmentally-friendly choice? For starters, aluminum is recyclable, so it’s an eco-friendly material. It’s also a low-maintenance one. That means you won’t need to repeatedly apply toxic chemicals to protect it from pests or to seal it against the elements. As mentioned above, there is already an internal sealant. Once the aluminum roof panels snap and lock in place, you are protected.
Customizable
When you want a roof for your patio that reflects your sense of style and melds with your existing structures, Structall’s aluminum roof panels are a perfect choice.
- Do you have a unique floor plan?
- Are you hoping to incorporate special features like sunroofs, ceiling fans or lighting fixtures?
- Structall’s panels can get the job done.
A note of caution – Several homeowners believe they can install a ceiling fan in their patio enclosure, but it’s not that simple. The initial step is to set up a fan beam, which provides extra support for both the wiring and the weight of the ceiling fan. So make sure to discuss this option with your patio contractor.
These versatile Snap-N-Lock panels can be used to achieve a variety of roof pitches. They’re available in a wide range of weather-resistant finishes, or you can cover them with shingles or siding. With so many possibilities, achieving the look you want is easy.
Aluminum roof panels from Structall are an excellent choice for building a roof on many types of screen enclosures and covered patios or aluminum carports.
In addition to their many aesthetic and practical advantages, aluminum roofing panels are also surprisingly affordable. To learn more about these panels or to schedule a free in-home design consultation, contact Dulando Screen & Awning at 407-862-6060 today.
Aluminum Screen Enclosure
Ready to build a patio or screened porch enclosure? When building aluminum screen enclosures, Dulando Screen and Awning is prepared to create your new living space just the way you want it – with custom design to complement your home, expert workmanship and top quality materials. If you’re going to build on to your home, you want the new addition to function and look its best!
We offer a variety of aluminum screen enclosures from major manufacturers.
By using Aluma-wood, your aluminum screen enclosures will:
- offer a clean look
- a lifetime of durability
- none of the disadvantages of wood like rotting, warping, peeling, burning or cracking.
Top quality aluminum construction keeps your patio or screened porch enclosure looking new and elegant for years to come, plus it’s virtually maintenance free.
Some homeowners may opt for screened patios made of wood or even steel, but often times they don’t realize the long term disadvantages. Wooden or steel may split, become rotten, weathered by the elements; whereas aluminum patio structures are practically everlasting in both appearance and structural integrity.
The Benefits Of Using Aluminum Vs. Wood:
Low Maintenance: Aluminum screen enclosures require almost zero-maintenance over the years. Wood structures typically require additional maintenance costs from year to year, especially as the wood ages.
Weather Resistant: Unlike wood, aluminum screen enclosures do not rot, dry rot, peel, or corrode. They are not affected by outdoor elements and will not become brittle or warped.
Moisture Resistant: Our top-quality aluminum materials can be used in most any environment: next to your swimming pool or hot tub, on the beach, or even simply in a hot and humid backyard. These are all common environments in Florida, and they all have adverse effects on wood.
Pest Resistant: You will never have a termite or other wood-destroying insect problem with our aluminum patio coverings, screen room enclosures or sunrooms. One of the most frightening aspects of pest infestation is not only the safety hazard – the integrity of your structure is literally being eaten away –those nasty bugs might even spread to other areas of your home.
Fire Safety: Aluminum is a fire-resistant material that helps protect your family and home during wildfire seasons in Central Florida.
Increased Home Value: Aluminum adds long-term value to your home due to its clean lines, structural integrity, and lifetime durability. Additionally, with a screened enclosure, you increase the square footage in your home, which helps to increase its value. Screen-enclosed patios and sunrooms are consistently ranked by realtors and brokers as one of the Top 10 ways to add value to your home.
For all these reasons and more, well-designed aluminum patio screen enclosures and sunrooms are the most popular choice with Central Florida homeowners just like you. They appreciate the benefits of aluminum over wood and choose Dulando Screen and Awning to design and build the beautiful screens for aluminum patio enclosures or sunrooms for their homes.
Conclusion
Aluminum screen enclosures, patios, porches and sunrooms not only provide protection from the outdoor elements, but also create a well-defined structure to every home. Your outdoor living area should provide you with the extra space and comfort you deserve and be built to last for a lifetime!
Since 1968, Dulando Screen and Awning has built thousands of patio, screen and pool enclosures and sunrooms in Central Florida. We’re a local company, family owned and ready to help you learn more about a quality screen enclosure, sunroom, patio or deck for your home.
We offer free in-home consultations. Please contact us today!
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Aluminum Screen Enclosure
Not all Screens are Created Equal
Phifer Screen is the only brand of screen that lasts for 10-12 years – a quality, durable material for your screen enclosure. Phifer screening products are ideal for patio enclosures or pool enclosures.
Since 1952, Phifer has been a leader in the screen making industry and is today the world’s largest supplier of woven fiberglass pool screening. Once a patio or pool screen enclosure is built or replaced with Phifer Solar Insect Screen, you may expect up to 10-12 years of maintenance free screening to protect and beautify your home.
Why using PHIFER BRAND screens makes a difference
No other screen material offers total protection from the elements, insects and harsh solar rays. Simply stated, Phifer screen is built to last and perform better than any other product on the market. While using an inferior screening product may look the same when the job is complete, within just a few years that same screen may begin to mildew, fade and tear easily. A Phifer screen maintains that like-new look, feel and performance for a decade or more.
What is Phifer Solar Insect Screen?
Solar Insect Screen which is often referred to as the no see um screen. It offers you the best insect protection to keep bugs and backyard critters away from your pool, deck and home. It’s been called the no seem um screen because it really does keep the no see ums out of your patio area. Dulando Screen and Awning uses Fiberglass 20×20 “no see um screen” to provide the maximum protection vs. standard fiberglass or aluminum screen.
Mesh count in a screen is very important. When understanding how the insect screen works, it’s important to know what ‘mesh count’ means as it relates to protection. This is the number of openings per linear inch on the screen. The mesh is counted by starting from the center of one wire or yarn and counting the number of openings to a point one linear inch away.
For example: 8 X 8 mesh indicates that, in one linear inch, there are eight (8) openings. This is a standard Phifer screen. A 20 X 20 mesh indicates that in one linear inch, there are twenty (20) openings and the No-Seeums (20×20 Mesh) is of the highest quality is for those pesky no-seeums. The product’s design uses finer yarns in a tighter mesh. The design creates more holes per square inch (20 x 20) which, in turn, improves ventilation and optical clarity. The result is better performing insect screen. Dulando Screen and Awning uses 18 x 14 as a standard screen.
Phifer screen brand includes both the Solar Insect Screen and Glas-Shield products which are designed specifically for pool screen enclosure applications where extra strength, small insect prevention, and reduction of wind-blown debris are key factors in protecting a home and pool.
Phifer Pet Screen: Tough As Your Pets’ Nails
Phifer patio and pool screen is great for keeping insects and critters and debris out of your outdoor living space, however, it’s not as efficient as keeping IN your pets or OUT unwanted pets or animals. Especially those with claws.
That’s where Phifer Pet Screen comes in. Reassuringly sturdy, Phifer Pet Screen is 7x stronger than standard screens for patio enclosure material.
Did we mention Phifer pet screen is also a winner with homeowners who have small children? Whether you have little paws or little fingers, you can rest assured that your screen can handle both pets and children.
Ideal areas to use Phifer Pet Screen instead of a standard screen are:
- Sliding doors and outdoor kitchens
- High traffic areas where children play
- The erroneous golf or softball ball
- While not sacrificing outward visibility and insect control
More Great Features of Phifer SunScreen Products:
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Energy Savings Phifer’s range of exterior Sun Control fabrics provide a great reduction in solar heat creating a more comfortable environment and less work for your air conditioner. |
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Microban Phifer sun control fabrics are the only shade fabrics in the world to include Microban protection. Microban antimicrobial protection works nonstop to inhibit the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew that can cause stains, odors and product deterioration. You can breathe easier knowing Microban is working to reduce these health pollutants. |
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Flame Retardant Exterior Sun Control fabrics are flame retardant and meet flame certification standards based on national and local requirements. Dulando Screen and Awning knows the protection and safety of your family is priority number one. |
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Greenguard Certification ensures products have met some of the world’s most rigorous and comprehensive standards for low emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into indoor air. |
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Lead-Free Phifer Incorporated’s entire line of Exterior Sun Control fabrics is lead-free, meeting and far exceeding several window covering industry testing standards for hazardous materials. |
Remember everyone will say that they use Phifer screen products on your screen pool enclosure or patio screen enclosure, but they don’t. Many screen enclosure companies use inferior screen enclosure products to reduce material costs and make more money from the project. Dulando Screen & Awning has been working with homeowners just like you since 1968. We simply won’t sacrifice quality materials or workmanship to build it cheaper. Dulando Screen & Awning prides itself on our longstanding factory direct partnership with Phifer Screen. We carry all of the Phifer screen products.Save
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