Aluminum Patio Covers vs. Wood Patio Covers vs. Perma-Wood Patio Covers

Aluminum Patio Covers vs. Wood Patio Covers vs. Perma-Wood Patio Covers

The Florida sunshine is gorgeous, but it can be unforgiving. That’s why many Floridians choose to add a roof to their patios by installing a patio cover. These popular features can keep the space pleasantly shady, reducing both the temperature there and your worries about sunburn. What type of patio roof works best? To find out, you’ll want to explore the pros and cons of the top three patio covers:  aluminum patio covers, wood patio covers and Perma-Wood patio covers.

Aluminum Patio Covers

PROS: Affordable, durable and stylish, aluminum is an option worth considering when you’re interested in installing a covered porch or patio. Lightweight but strong, aluminum naturally resists corrosion and insect damage. Aluminum roof panels won’t crack or warp. Plus, it requires little in the way of maintenance to remain in tip-top condition.

CONS: However, aluminum does tend to conduct and retain heat. As a result, it may not offer as much cooling power as other materials. In addition, many people feel that aluminum lacks wood’s warmth and visual interest.

Wood Patio Covers

When people start discussing patio cover ideas, the use of wood is almost certain to come up. After all, it’s hard to beat the beauty of wood.

PROS: It’s an attractive, sturdy material that lends a natural, timeless feel to a space. Plus, with so many types of wood to choose from such as cedar, the results of using this material are extremely customizable.

CONS: While you can see wood’s appeal, it does have its weaknesses. It’s more vulnerable to damage from common environmental hazards like wind, water, sun and insects than aluminum. It also requires more work to maintain a wood patio cover.

Perma-Wood Patio Covers

What if you want the durability of aluminum and the beauty of wood? It’s possible to enjoy the best of both materials thanks to an innovative product called Perma-Wood.

PROS: An embossed aluminum building product, Perma-Wood is made in the United States. It delivers all the benefits of aluminum and the appealing look of natural wood, so it’s a great choice for patio covers. Available in a wide range of colors and finishes, it can be used to create a custom patio and porch covers of practically any size or shape. Who wants to spend time working on their patio cover when they could be relaxing beneath it? With an Perma-Wood  patio cover, you can get the look you crave without the need to devote hours of your priceless free time to maintenance chores.

CONS:  The only downside is the price.  Perma-Wood typically cost about 25% more than wood, but will last longer and has less maintenance.

Do you find the notion of enhancing your outdoor living space with a covered patio or porch intriguing? Let Dulando Screen & Awning help you explore the possibilities.

Additional Reading:  Aluminum Patio Covers

We’ve been serving Orlando, Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach, Florida, and the surrounding areas for 50 years.  We are proud of our reputation for consistently providing both excellent service and top-quality results.

Our expert team will be delighted to create a custom Perma-Wood patio cover that’s a perfect match for your property. With our experienced designers, in-house fabrication capabilities, use of only top-quality materials, and insistence on first-rate customer service, you can expect a positive experience with fantastic results. To learn more about our services or request an estimate, contact us today at 407-862-6060.

Converting a Patio Deck into a Screened in Porch

Converting a Patio Deck into a Screened in Porch

Screened porches and decks offer a great way to add more living space to your home while allowing you to enjoy the outdoors. However, there are downsides to spending time in the backyard, such as enduring bugs and bad weather. By converting your deck or patio into a screened in porch, you can enjoy your outdoor screen enclosure while protecting from these annoyances. Before you start planning your project, however, you’ll need to think about a few important considerations, including the current stability of your existing structure.

Steps to Convert a Patio Deck into a Screened In Porch

Establishing a Budget for Your Screened in Porch

Converting an existing deck or porch into an outdoor screen enclosure requires good planning, starting with your budget. Before you can start to juggle numbers, however, you need to think about what you want in your screened patio, beginning with the size. If you want to host large gatherings in your new space, you may need to include a patio extension. If you want to save a little money, consider screening in only a portion of your existing patio; this gives you a great place to put other outdoor features, such as a grill.

Preparations Before Beginning the Project

When you’ve worked out your budget, you can start searching for the right contractor for the job; deck enclosures are not projects that fit the average DIY homeowner. Your patio contractor can help guide you through a few essential considerations.

  • Be sure your deck or porch is in good shape before work begins; fixing up the flooring after installing the screens is not as easy.
  • Determine whether your existing structure can support a roof. If your deck isn’t strong enough, you may need to add more support underneath.
  • Decide on a roofing style.

Add Special Features

While working with your contractor, you can also discuss special features that you might like to add to your enclosed porch, such as electrical outlets, skylights, ceiling fans, and climate control. By running electricity to your new screen patio enclosure, you can enjoy reading by lamplight at night or even have a television for entertainment. Increasing the creature comforts of your screened patio can help you get even more use out of the space. If you want to add any special touches to your sunroom, such as a ceiling fan, notify your patio contractor. They will include a fan beam in the design to support the ceiling fan and the necessary wiring.

Ensuring the Screened-in Porch is Up to Code

Converting your deck or patio into a screened-in porch will likely require permits from your local municipality. If you plan to add extra features, such as electrical outlets, you’ll need to ensure the project is done correctly. Working with a contractor or electrician can ensure these tasks are done correctly the first time.

Converting an existing porch or deck into a screened patio can add more value to your home and give you and your family another relaxing place. Dulando Screen and Awning can help transform your existing porch or deck into a new space. Contact us today at 407-862-6060 to receive a free estimate for your project.

Why Insulated Roof Panels are the Smart Choice for your Patio Enclosure

Why Insulated Roof Panels are the Smart Choice for your Patio Enclosure

Backyard screen patios allow you to delight in the beauty of your backyard while enjoying the convenience of a sheltered, shady space that keeps bothersome debris and stinging insects at bay.  Enclosing that patio is a fantastic way to add value and usable space to your home. If your patio is not already under the roof, you’ll need to choose a patio covering for your new screened patio enclosure.  A popular choice for a screened patio enclosure is insulated roof panels. These cleverly designed foam core panels can deliver an ideal blend of practicality and attractiveness for your new patio enclosure.

Insulated roof panels can easily be installed for the following

  • Sunroom roof panels
  • Patio roof panels
  • Screen roof panels
  • Aluminum roof panels

The Science – Going Inside a SIP
Structural insulated panels, also known as SIPs or SIP panels, sandwich an insulating foam core between two structural facings. Manufactured under factory-controlled conditions, SIP panels are ordered in the appropriate size, transported to the job site and smoothly pieced together.  When installed, insulated aluminum roof panels form a robust, cost-effective, energy-efficient roofing system perfect for screen patio enclosures and other applications.

The How – When Practicality Matters
At Dulando Screen & Awning, we’re committed to excellence. That’s why we exclusively use high-quality aluminum and Structall products when designing and constructing custom patio enclosures for our clients. When practicality is a priority, Structall Snap-N-Lock Insulated Panels are a wise choice. With a foam core nestled inside a rolled aluminum skin, these panels:

  • They are both affordable and durable.
  • It comes in multiple sizes, making it possible for a wide range of floor plans and roof pitches.
  • They snap together quickly, thanks to a unique, patented locking system that makes installation easy and reduces labor costs.
  • Use sealant within the insulated roof panel’s interior to produce a waterproof bond that resists ultraviolet destruction.
  • Resist common concerns in Florida like condensation or high winds.
  • Create a continuous insulated foam interface for an energy-efficient roof that keeps your screened patio enclosure more comfortable and your cooling expenses lower.

screen enclosure with skylightsRThe Why – An Attractive Option
While the practicalities matter, aesthetics are important as well. Fortunately, choosing between the Structall insulated roof panels is unnecessary. These versatile roof panels can easily accommodate an impressive array of design options. Did you want a skylight, built-in lighting or a ceiling fan? Adding one when these roof panels top your patio enclosure is no problem. If you consider adding a ceiling fan to your patio enclosure, inform your patio contractor. A fan beam is required to support the fan and conceal the wiring within the insulated roof.

As for the visual appeal, insulated roof panels come in several weather-resistant, low-maintenance finishes. You are sure to find one that suits your tastes. They can even be covered with shingles or vinyl siding if you prefer that look or want your new screened patio enclosure to match your home’s existing roof.

Questions About Insulated Roof Panels?

Do you have questions about patio screen enclosures or insulated panel roofing systems? You can count on Dulando Screen & Awning for expert advice. Our family-owned company has built top-notch screen enclosures for patios and pools for our fellow Floridians for almost 50 years.  We’re delighted to serve residents of the Orlando, Daytona Beach and New Smyrna Beach areas. Every custom enclosure that we build is specifically engineered for the site.  We are licensed and bonded by Florida and only use quality materials for your job.  Put our skilled craftsmanship to the test.

Additional Reading:  Insulated Roof Panels

If you’re ready to enhance your home with the addition of a patio screen enclosure, contact us today at 407-862-6060 to request a free quote from one of our design consultants.

5 Main Factors that Determine a Patio Enclosure Cost

5 Main Factors that Determine a Patio Enclosure Cost

Upgrading your home with a patio screen room allows you to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors without enduring the drawbacks, including pests and poor weather. Before you talk to a screened patio enclosure contractor, however, it’s a good idea to understand the factors that will affect your patio enclosure cost. These factors can include the enclosure size, the materials used and any special amenities.

1.  The Size of the Patio Enclosure
Of course, it makes sense that a larger patio project will cost more money in materials and labor than a small enclosure. Depending on your budget, adjusting the enclosure size can help you save some money. However, don’t cut down on the size too much; if you don’t have enough space in your enclosure to use it comfortably, you probably won’t use it much at all. Keep in mind, this is also an investment in our home.  Make sure there is enough room to use it properly and add to your home’s resale value.

2.  Patio Enclosure Materials
You might think there aren’t many options regarding the materials used in your screened-in patio. However, there are several different screen materials available to suit your needs. For example, if you have pets, you might want to invest in a special Phifer Pet Screen designed to withstand the claws of your pets. This type of screening material will cost more than the regular screen, but the product is durable and will last for many years against the claws of your precious pets. If your backyard is short on privacy, you can opt for privacy screens to enjoy your patio without your neighbors seeing you.

See the types of Phifer Screens we offer.

3.  Patio Enclosure Roofing Options
One of the more significant features of patio enclosure cost is the roof.  If you’re not planning to extend an existing patio beyond your home’s roof, you won’t need to worry about covering the enclosed patio. If you’re adding a new screened-in patio that is not under your existing roofline or enlarging the current one, you will need to choose a patio roof design option. There are three options when adding a patio enclosure roof.

  1. Match your home’s roof with shingles. Some homeowners opt to use roofing material that matches their home’s roof.
  2. You can also have an insulated aluminum patio roof installed to protect the inside of your enclosure. Structall is the leader in insulated roofing materials.  An insulated roof will cost you less money than a traditional shingle initially, but the material is not likely to last as long as a roof.
  3. Finally, you can also choose to have a cover constructed with screens.

As you can guess, each option will vary the cost of your screened patio enclosure roof.

4.  Flooring
If you’re building a new structure or expanding a current patio, you’ll need to choose a material for the surface. Pavers and poured concrete are two options that provide excellent durability. Concrete floors are the standard, but homeowners upgrade to patio pavers. Pavers, in particular, offer a range of colors and design options to help create a unique look.

5.  Extra Amenities
Adding special features to your project will affect the final patio screen enclosure cost. For example, some homeowners choose to have patio enclosure windows installed. You can keep the windows closed to maintain a comfortable temperature on warm days or open the windows to enjoy the fresh air during a cooler day. Other extra features to consider include ceiling fans for comfort and skylights for more natural light. It all adds up.

Additional Reading: Patio Enclosure Cost

If you’re considering adding a screened patio enclosure to your home, understanding the factors affecting the cost is a good place to start. Dulando Screen & Awning builds custom high-quality screen patio enclosures for Florida residents. Contact us today at 407-862-6060 to learn how we can upgrade your patio with an enclosure.

How A Patio Extension Screen Enclosure Can Increase Your Living Space

How A Patio Extension Screen Enclosure Can Increase Your Living Space

If you’re lucky enough to have a screened porch or patio, then you understand just how appealing these structures can be. Have you ever wished that you could expand the space? It’s possible. In fact, we receive lots of queries from curious homeowners about patio extension screen enclosure projects. Why are so many people eager to extend a patio?

Top Reasons for a Patio Extension

More Living Space
An enclosed porch or patio brings the beauty of the outdoors inside while providing convenient protection that allows you to dodge common outdoor annoyances like insects, windblown debris and potential sunburn. People who opt to add a patio extension screen enclosure to their home generally point out that it’s an affordable way to add valuable living space. The same argument holds true for enlarging an existing patio.

Increased Functionality
If you have ever struggled to share a single umbrella with a couple of friends during a downpour, then you know firsthand that size can have a major impact on function. A properly designed screen room extension can transform a cramped lanai covering or patio area into an airy, useful space that is the perfect place for a wide range of pursuits.  Extended patios or screened porches provide extra elbow room that can be utilized for entertaining family and friends, exercising or simply relaxing.

Better Aesthetics
Screening in a patio or screened porch enclosure can have a huge impact on the look of your property. A larger screened room can make the entire home look larger or alter the lines of the structure to create a more attractive shape. Adjusting the size or shape of a screened patio can also allow you to better capitalize on the beautiful views outside your home and to improve the traffic pattern in your outdoor living space. Frankly, increasing the size of your screened porch or patio can be a clever way to improve the aesthetic appeal of your home both indoors and out. This is especially true if you enlist the aid of an experienced patio contractor who can provide customized design and installation services so that the final product is the ideal fit for your property.

Improved Property Values
Since extending a screened porch or patio can provide more functional living space and enhance a home’s curb appeal, it’s no surprise that adding a screen room extension also has the potential to increase the value of your home. A roomy screened enclosure is often both a welcome addition and a wise investment.

Serving Orlando, Florida for over 50 years, Dulando Screen & Awning has a deep understanding of what it takes to craft a high-quality, custom patio extension screen enclosure. If you’re interested in extending your screened porch or patio, we’ll be delighted to help. From discovering the perfect design to providing a smooth, effective installation that results in a top-quality outdoor screen enclosure, we thrive on delivering excellence. Contact us today at 407-862-6060 to explore the possibilities for your patio screen enclosure project and arrange a free in-home design consultation.

Having Trouble Deciding Between a Patio Enclosure and Sunroom?

Having Trouble Deciding Between a Patio Enclosure and Sunroom?

If you enjoy nature, you may want to add a screened enclosure or sunroom to your home to experience the outdoors from a protected spot. Both screened enclosures and sunrooms expand your living area into the backyard, yet provide protection from mosquitoes, other critters and rain. Which one appeals most to you depends on your lifestyle, budget and how you plan to use the space.  Hopefully, by outlining the benefits of each, you’ll be able to make a decision between a backyard patio enclosure and sunroom.

Benefits of a Screen Patio Enclosure

In climates like Florida’s with pleasant weather most of the year, screened patios can serve as a multi-purpose activity area. Building a patio will help you relax, entertain and enjoy nature. Children can use it as a playroom when it’s raining or too hot to play in the sun. Whatever the use, a screened-in porch serves as a transition zone between the inside and outside.

A screened-in patio typically has a roof, a door from the main house to the porch and a door from the porch to the outside. If you already have a patio, you can use that as a foundation. The screen is installed around the three sides of the porch to create a patio enclosure.

Screened patios are relatively inexpensive to build. Primary building materials may include an aluminum frame with a screen, concrete or brick pavers for the floor, and aluminum panels or shingles for the roof.  Floors of a patio screen enclosure can be any of a variety of materials, such as concrete, brick, tile or stone. Screened-in porches are not air-conditioned or heated. They may include a ceiling fan and lights requiring some electrical work. Depending on how you plan to use the space, you may also want to install additional electrical outlets to run other equipment. If you’re thinking about installing a ceiling fan in your patio enclosure, make sure to notify your patio contractor. A fan beam is essential to provide support for the fan and to hide the wiring within the insulated roof.

Screened enclosures cannot be used year-round. Seasonal cold weather or blowing rain make them uncomfortable. Furniture needs to be protected from the humidity of the summer months and the sun if it is near the screen. However, using Phifer Solar Screens cuts radiation and protects furniture and belongings. Adding roll-up curtains also protects from rain and sun.

Benefits of a Patio Sunroom

Sunrooms are also called four-season rooms because they are protected from the elements and can be used year-round. Rather than screens forming the walls, the sides have windows made of acrylic, vinyl or glass. Patio Sunrooms provide additional protection from heat and cold all year long. The large windows optimize the amount of light entering the room. Windows can be opened to enjoy the breezes when the weather isn’t too hot or cold. Sunrooms are usually heated and air-conditioned.

Although a patio sunroom can be used throughout the year, they take you further away from the natural environment. The sunroom feels more like being indoors. In addition, the intense light adds heat to space. This can make it uncomfortable to use during the hottest times of day and expensive to cool.

Building a sunroom can be double the cost of a screened enclosure. However, creating a sunroom from an existing screened-in porch lowers costs because the sunroom is already underneath the home’s roof structure. Double-pane windows are usually installed to reduce air conditioning and heating costs, which also increases the price.

Ultimately, the decision about whether to build a screen patio enclosure or sunroom is yours. If you want to be more intimately connected with nature and keep costs down, enclosing a patio will do just fine. Building a sunroom makes sense if you want an all-season room that expands your living space. Whichever option you choose, make sure to also choose a patio contractor.

Dulando Screen & Awning can help you develop design ideas for your patio enclosure or sunroom that complement your property’s architecture and landscaping. Call us today at 407-862-6060 or fill out our online form for a free estimate. One of our design consultants will be happy to meet with you and discuss the many options available to you. Our goal is to create an additional living space for you and your family to enjoy for years to come.