Can Your Central Florida Home Benefit from a Screen Room Installation?

Can Your Central Florida Home Benefit from a Screen Room Installation?

Have you been pondering the many ways that your Central Florida home might benefit from a screen room installation? The possibilities are certainly exciting, especially if you work with a skilled professional who can help make the most of your new space. We outline what benefits you can expect as well as how to find the right contractor for your installation.

Discovering Florida Screen Room Benefits

Porches, patios, and similar outdoor rooms are pleasant places to relax and enjoy the Sunshine State’s natural beauty. What sets a professionally designed and installed screen room apart? It doesn’t matter whether you start from scratch with a new build or transform an existing space by wrapping it with screening and adding the perfect mix of features. A top-quality custom screen room that is crafted by a professional screen contractor delivers amazing benefits. These can include:

  •  More living space that can be used more often with greater comfort
  •  Blurred boundaries between indoor and outdoor living
  •  Enhanced safety for children and pets
  •  Greater defense from insects, weather, debris, and sunburn
  •  Heightened privacy
  •  Superior craftsmanship, better durability, and reduced maintenance for better value
  •  Increased curb appeal, which is linked to higher property values

Finding the Right Screen Enclosure Contractor for Your Project

You want a Florida screen room that is the best fit for your home, your needs, and your budget. That means selecting the right design, choosing smart materials, navigating building regulations, permitting, and more. Hiring a reputable screen enclosure contractor is vital. Here are a few tips.

Gather Your Thoughts

Before you reach out, gather your thoughts. How do you intend to use your new screen room? What size are you envisioning? Do you have ideas for styles or floor plans? What features are you looking for? What is your budget? Prepare for discussions about what you hope to achieve.

Look Local

A local contractor is already familiar with Florida’s stringent building codes. They’ll know what materials work best in the area and have connections with members of the building community. Their reputation is also easily verifiable.

Check Credentials

Before hiring anyone, check their credentials. Are they licensed, bonded, and insured? How long have they been in business? Do they have a portfolio showcasing their work? Are they accredited by the Better Business Bureau? What do reviews say?

Ask Questions

Contact the contractors that you’re interested in working with. Ask how long they’ve been installing screen rooms. What materials do they use? Why? Do they handle permitting and inspections? Will they provide a written estimate? Are they willing to stand behind their work with a warranty?

Review Estimates

Review the materials you’ve collected from various contractors. Don’t just look at the bottom lines. Compare the scope of work offered. Consider the materials, timelines, warranties, and payment options. In addition, think about how you were treated during your interactions. Did the contractor communicate clearly and honestly? Would you feel comfortable working with them? Weigh all these factors carefully.

Dulando Screen & Awning is a locally owned and -operated company with more than 50 years of experience in screen room installation and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. We’re fully licensed and insured and absolutely delighted to serve our fellow Floridians in Orange, Seminole, Volusia, and Brevard Counties. If you’re ready to add a Florida screen room, contact us today to schedule a free in-home design consultation.

Transform Your Florida Home with a Screened-In Lanai: Enhance Comfort, Privacy, and Style

Transform Your Florida Home with a Screened-In Lanai: Enhance Comfort, Privacy, and Style

Enhancing your outdoor living space in Florida has never been easier. A screened-in lanai is the perfect addition to your home, offering protection from the elements while creating a comfortable, stylish retreat. At Dulando Screen & Awning, we specialize in designing and installing premium lanai screen enclosures that cater to homeowners in Volusia, Seminole, and Orange Counties.

The Benefits of a Screened-In Lanai

A screened-in lanai not only adds beauty to your home but also provides several practical advantages:

  • Year-Round Comfort:
    Enjoy the best of Florida’s outdoors without worrying about pesky insects or unpredictable weather. A screened-in lanai ensures a bug-free environment so you can relax or entertain guests regardless of the season.

  • Increased Home Value:
    Investing in a lanai enclosure enhances your home’s appeal and market value. It creates additional living space that is both functional and inviting.

  • Enhanced Privacy:
    With carefully designed lanai screens, you maintain your privacy while still enjoying natural light and fresh air. This is perfect for intimate family gatherings or quiet moments of solitude.

  • Low Maintenance:
    A well-constructed lanai patio requires minimal upkeep. The durable materials used in our lanai screen enclosures are designed to withstand Florida’s climate, making them a smart, long-term investment.

Key Features of Our Screened-In Lanai Enclosures

Versatility and Functionality

Our screened-in lanai designs come with a range of features that enhance both functionality and style:

  • Customizable Designs:
    Tailor your lanai patio to match your home’s exterior. Choose from various screen materials and colors to complement your decor.

  • Durable Construction:
    Our lanai screens are built to resist harsh weather, ensuring longevity and durability.

  • Enhanced Aesthetics:
    With a focus on clean lines and modern design, our lanai enclosure options are crafted to elevate your outdoor living experience.

Why Choose Dulando Screen & Awning?

At Dulando Screen & Awning, we pride ourselves on our local expertise and commitment to quality. Our products are designed with Florida homeowners in mind, ensuring that every installation meets the highest standards. Here’s why you should choose us:

  • Local Expertise:
    Serving Volusia, Seminole, and Orange Counties, we understand the unique challenges and requirements of Florida’s climate and architectural styles.

  • Customized Solutions:
    Whether you need a simple lanai enclosure or a more elaborate screened-in lanai design, our team works with you to create a solution that fits your lifestyle and home aesthetics.

  • Quality Materials:
    We use top-quality lanai screens and materials that are built to last. Our installations are designed to provide a safe, comfortable, and attractive outdoor living area.

Discover More Screen-In Lanai Insights & Resources

For more detailed information about our screened-in lanai solutions and design ideas, check out our Top 5 Ideas for Screen Rooms on our blog. This resource offers expert insights and showcases our portfolio of successful installations.

A screened-in lanai is more than just an addition to your home—it’s an investment in comfort, privacy, and enhanced living. By choosing Dulando Screen & Awning, you can ensure your lanai screen enclosures are built with quality materials and local expertise, perfect for the Florida lifestyle.

Ready to transform your outdoor space? Contact Dulando Screen & Awning today for a consultation and take the first step toward enjoying a beautiful, functional screened-in lanai at your home.

Choosing the Right Patio Screen for your Enclosure

Choosing the Right Patio Screen for your Enclosure

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.

Top 5 Ideas for Screen Rooms in Central Florida

Top 5 Ideas for Screen Rooms in Central Florida

Screen rooms don’t have to be boring boxes framed with fragile screens that are prone to dents, tears, and rust. With clever design, modern-quality materials, and solid craftsmanship, a skilled screen enclosure contractor can deliver custom screen rooms that are fun, practical, attractive, durable, and the perfect fit for your home, lifestyle, and budget.

Central Florida is naturally gorgeous. Homeowners here can certainly appreciate the appeal of a low-maintenance outdoor living space. Screen rooms allow you to enjoy the beauty and feel of being outside in greater comfort. Modern screens protect people from nuisances like bugs, sun, and debris without sacrificing the view. Therefore, one of the keys to creating the ideal screen room is finding the design that makes the most of your space. There are many possibilities. Here are a few ideas to inspire you.

panoramic screen enclosure under roof

Enclose Your Existing Lanai or Porch
Would you use your porch more frequently if it weren’t for annoyances like pollen and no-see-ums? A screened in porch can eliminate these issues. It also increases your comfort level by adding features like ceiling fans, entertainment options, upgraded furniture, and nicer flooring. Would you like to share the space with children or pets? Choose a screen to withstand their energy, and you’ll create a safer place for them.

Half patio cover and half screen room New Smyrna Beach

Split Your Patio Between an Enclosure and a Kitchen
If you’re a fan of cooking outside, you’ve probably had more than a few al fresco meals ruined when Florida’s humidity sparked sudden showers. Solve the problem by splitting a patio. Leave one section open for an outdoor kitchen and fully enclose your dining or living space. Patio screen enclosures are ideal places to enjoy outdoor spaces whether the skies are sunny or gray. They provide shade when the temperatures soar and offer cover if things start to get soggy. You’re able to use your patio without worrying about the weather.

extended patio enclosure with panoramic screens and balcony back

Turn the Space Beneath Your Second-story Deck Into a Screened Room
You may have more than a gorgeous vantage point if you have a second-story deck. You might have the opportunity to create a screen room below the deck. Installing a patio and screening this space would provide additional room for relaxing, entertaining, and more. Why not capitalize on every possible inch when you love outdoor living space?

Screen Eoom with half insulated roof

Create a Combination of Spaces
Are you struggling to decide whether you want a deck or a patio? Why settle for a single space? A skilled designer may be able to help you evaluate your location and lifestyle to create a layered solution. For example, you might exit your home onto a screened deck. This ensures you have an outdoor space with excellent protection and privacy. Then, the deck could exit onto a patio that offers seating around a fire pit. This second space delivers more openness and a fantastic view of the stars.

titan retractable screen - restaurant patio

Use Retractable Screens for Maximum Flexibility
Space is tight at your home. That doesn’t mean that you must choose between the advantages offered by screen room enclosures and the freedom of an open deck or patio. Retractable screens open and close at the touch of a button. When flexibility is important to you, they give you control of your outdoor living space.

Are you Ready to Build your Screen Room?

Dulando Screen & Awning has been crafting innovative solutions for our fellow Floridians since 1968. With our firm commitment to using quality design, skilled craftsmanship, and the best materials, we deliver custom screen enclosures that will stand the test of time. Contact Dulando Screen & Awning to schedule a free in-home design consultation to learn more.

Pros & Cons of No-see Um Screen vs. Regular Screen

Pros & Cons of No-see Um Screen vs. Regular Screen

Florida is home to 47 species of no see ums or biting midges. At less than one-eighth of an inch in size, these tiny pests may have difficulty catching your eye, but they have no trouble making their presence felt. Their bites are irritating and painful, and for some unlucky souls, they can trigger long-lasting lesions. If their nips interfere with your enjoyment of your outdoor living spaces, you are probably wondering if there is a way to keep them away. There is!  As your local screen enclosure experts, Dulando Screen & Awning has the necessary facts. Here is an article about the pros and cons of no see um screen for your patio or pool enclosure.

No See Um Screen vs. Regular Screen

What sets a no see um screen apart from a regular screen?
It starts with size and material.

Regular screens that are in good repair do a great job of keeping most insects out. However, the minuscule size of no see ums allows them to slip through the holes in the weave of regular screens. No see um screens are a tighter weave and there are more holes in the screen. This increases your protection against biting no-see ums without sacrificing comfort, aesthetics, or durability.

Types of Insect Screening

With nearly 50 species of no-see ums, it’s no surprise that you have several options for insect screen material to keep these nuisances out of your spaces. At Dulando Screen & Awning, we always use top-quality Phifer screens. Phifer offers a few possibilities for no-see ums:

20×20 No See Um Screening

This fiberglass screen is the standard choice for a product that keeps no see ums at bay. It uses glass yarns finer than those found in regular fiberglass screening that have been coated with vinyl. This material choice allows for a denser weaving with smaller holes that keep even the tiniest insects out. Don’t worry, it may keep insects out, but you’ll still enjoy plenty of airflow. Fiberglass remains flexible and won’t rust or stain. This screen is available in charcoal for optimal aesthetics. See the difference between 18/14 Screen and 20/20 Screen.

Phifer Tuffscreen

A vinyl-coated polyester screening, Tuffscreen can stop most small insects while protecting privacy. It’s durable and stylish in black. Phifer TuffScreen® Heavy-duty Mesh Screen spans wide spaces easily. Its heavy-duty vinyl coating blocks out insects but leaves your view unobstructed.

Pros of No See-Um Screens

What are the pros of no see um screens? If you’re weighing no-see um screen vs regular screening, you can generally expect no see um screens to offer greater protection from insects large and small. This means you will not need to use as many chemical repellants.

You will also tend to enjoy more privacy. Depending on the screen that you select, you may also get more sun protection. It’s also worth noting that no see um screens tend to have great durability and lengthy lifespans. This can help to offset their higher initial cost, making them amazing value. As top-quality screens, they can often outperform other regular types of screening.

Cons of No See Um Screens

What downsides come with no-see um screens? Because of the materials and technology involved in their construction, they are one of the more expensive types of screening. Also, their denser weave can sometimes cause a slight reduction in visibility.

Whether you’re weighing the pros and cons of a no-see-um screen or are curious about how to screen a porch or patio, Dulando Screen & Awning is ready to answer your screen enclosure questions. Contact us today to learn more about our services. Dulando always offers a free in-home design consultation.

Choosing the Right Screen Room Contractor in Florida

Choosing the Right Screen Room Contractor in Florida

Does a quick search of “screen enclosure companies near me” overwhelm you? If you want a reputable company with excellent service, your ideal patio contractor should also be able to deliver a quality product. Not only that but with a design tailored to your needs and built to last. How do you choose the right screen room contractor in Florida? There are so many in the central Florida area that it’s hard to understand which one stands out. Here are a few tips.

See if They Specialize
You wouldn’t go to a pizza place and expect excellent sushi. When you want a custom screen porch, screened patio, or swimming pool enclosure, don’t settle for a general builder who creates these rooms occasionally. Instead, choose a top-rated screen room builder whose primary focus is designing and building screen enclosures. Screen room contractors who specialize in this field stay current in all the new trends and lifelong building systems. They know the best building techniques, materials, features, and systems. They can generally offer you the best options and help you get the most patio enclosure for your dollar.

Look for Licensure, Bonding, and Insurance
With any Florida contractor, licensing and bonding indicate professionalism and compliance. The right insurance coverage demonstrates that they are prepared to protect themselves, their employees, and their customers. Be careful about working with an uninsured contractor. It could leave you liable for any mistakes on their part.

Make Sure Your Quote is in Writing
Professionals offer their estimates and services in writing without hesitation. They understand that written contracts protect both parties and are willing to explain the details to you. It’s a red flag if a contractor is uncomfortable doing this. Regardless of the price, it’s best to walk away.

Review References
Past performance is a good indicator of future results. When considering patio enclosure companies, review their portfolios. Do you like what you see? Consider the quality of the designs and the materials used in the build. You may also want to ask for references. Speaking with previous clients can let you explore the build experience and how the structure is aging.

Explore Timing for Work
Ask when the builder plans to complete the job. Determine if the schedule is a good fit for you. Remember to be flexible in the scheduling. Permitting is unpredictable and Florida weather is another variable. If adjustments to working hours are necessary, is the contractor willing to work with you? Do they need you to move anything around the property to allow them access to the site?

Consider Customer Service
When vetting screened-in porch contractors, don’t forget to weigh the customer service that you receive. Are the representatives that you interact with friendly, professional, and ready to answer your questions? Do they seem to be experts with in-depth knowledge of their field? Do you feel confident they’ll provide service after the sale if you have a warranty issue?

Are you Ready to Hire a Screen Room Contractor in Florida?

When searching for the right screen room contractor in Florida, we hope you’ll seriously consider Dulando Screen & Awning. We’ve been committed to delivering excellence since opening our doors in 1969. Fully licensed, bonded, and insured, we specialize in designing and building various custom screen enclosures. We combine superior materials and expert craftsmanship to produce enclosures that stand the test of time. We will be pleased to work with you to create a custom enclosure that suits your lifestyle, property, and budget. To discover the Dulando difference, contact Dulando Screen & Awning today to arrange a free in-home consultation.