Florida Glass for Screen Enclosures

Florida Glass for Screen Enclosures

What makes Phifer’s Glas-Shield screen special? Often referred to as Florida glass screen, it’s a fiberglass mesh screen that has been laminated with vinyl. This process creates a unique material that makes a perfect outdoor privacy screen, protects your porch, patio or pool area from the elements, and provides impressive durability.

Florida Glass Privacy Screen
When Glas-Sheild is installed, the patio screen has an attractive opacity that is similar to the look of frosted glass. Florida glass screen allows light to enter your enclosure, but anyone on the outside looking in won’t be able to see clearly through it. This feature makes a Florida glass privacy screen an easy way to create a space where you can relax and unwind without worrying about the possibility of being on display. This outdoor privacy screen can also be used to hide unappealing views, gently obscuring them to keep them out of sight and out of mind.

Florida Glass Protection
Like all screens, Florida glass protects your enclosed areas from bugs and yard debris like leaves and twigs. However, Florida glass takes this protection to another level. Thanks to the vinyl lamination, it is solid; it doesn’t have the tiny holes that most standard screens have. This allows it to keep even small bits of debris like dust, pollen and grass clippings out of your enclosure. Since Florida glass is also waterproof, it can be used to keep rain from blowing in and putting a damper on your time in your sunroom. Alternately, it can be used to keep splashes from the pool contained, protecting any landscaping that you have around your pool enclosure from the chemically treated pool water.

Florida Glass Durability
Do you have pets or small children? If so, then you will probably appreciate the extra durability of Florida glass. The combination of fiberglass mesh and vinyl lamination makes this product tougher than standard screens, so it’s better able to withstand bumps and scrapes from active animals or excited children.

Uses for Florida Glass Screen
Florida glass is ideal for use in pool enclosures, patio enclosures and even sunrooms. Really, Florida Glass can be used in any type of screen enclosures. Depending on your personal preferences, you can screen the space entirely in Florida glass or mix this popular material with other types of screening. Intended for use in vertical applications, Florida glass can be used in the panels beneath a chair rail to form a half wall if you just want to keep debris out. In situations where more privacy is desired, it can be used for the entire wall. While Florida glass is waterproof, the material is not intended for horizontal applications, so it should not be used for any type of roof or skylight.

Dulando Screen & Awning has been serving Florida homeowners since 1968. We combine expert knowledge with a commitment to quality and top-notch materials from trusted manufacturers like Phifer to transform your outdoor space into the place that you love to be.

If you find the idea of using Phifer’s Glas-Shield screen in your porch, patio or pool enclosure intriguing, call 407-862-6060 today to learn more and schedule your free consultation.

When It Is Time To Rescreen Your Patio / Pool Enclosure

When It Is Time To Rescreen Your Patio / Pool Enclosure

When you live in Florida, it’s a given that you want to enjoy spending time outdoors in your screen-enclosed patio or pool deck. One of the more frequent services we handle this time of year is to rescreen and repair patio and pool enclosures. Since many screen room enclosures have been custom-designed to complement your home, the solution to revitalize your screen enclosure depends on many factors.

Take for example, we recently received a call from a customer because her comfortable screened-in patio was starting to look worn out and torn in some areas. We all love our pets and consider them members of our family. However, when they destroy our home or belongings, it can be both frustrating and unsightly.  Specifically, her cats had ripped parts of the screen when they were reaching for lizards or squirrels that ran across the outside of the screen. She didn’t like the way the rips and tears looked plus there’s the concern of unwanted pests.

Living in Florida, we all know a few things for certain: there will always be critters that will run across those screens, plus mosquitos and flies will find their way inside to the patio, AND it will reduce the enjoyment of spending time out on that comfortable patio in the cool mornings and evenings.

Repair or Rescreen The Patio Enclosure?
In situations like this, one of the first questions many homeowners ask, “Can it simply be repaired or do I need to rescreen the patio (or porch)?”  That’s a great question and it really depends on

  • the extent and area of the damage
  • the overall age and condition of the screen
  • the integrity of the aluminum or metal patio enclosure structure.

The easiest and best way to determine whether it’s time for a repair or a rescreen of the patio or pool enclosure is by contacting us to come to your home for a FREE in-home consultation. Our screen enclosure specialists can help you find the perfect solution for your needs and budget so you can focus on relaxing instead of constantly watching those unsightly rips and worrying about the incoming insects and pests.

Upgrade to Phifer Pet Screen
Though we can’t protect your shoes and furniture from the family pets, Dulando Screen & Awning knows how to help prevent this from happening to your screen door and patio screen enclosure.  One of our favorite brands is Phifer Pet Screen. We know how to keep your patio enclosures looking good even though you have pets who may like to paw at the screens occasionally. Pet Screen is the perfect pet-resistant screen for window doors and patio screen enclosures. The Phifer Pet Screen brand screen fabric is 7x stronger than standard screen material and you don’t have to sacrifice the outward visibility for endurance.

Pet Screen is constructed of strong vinyl-coated polyester and will resist damage from clawing and scratching from your favorite furry family members while providing excellent outward visibility for their human friends. If you’re interested in a pet door or even pet guards, Dulando Screen & Awning can install both for you. Pet guards may be mounted on doors and some patio applications as well.

If you want to update your patio and doors with pet-resistant screens, contact us, and one of our helpful and friendly team members will schedule a free consultation.

This is the time of year when we all love to spend time outdoors in the screened and shaded comfort of our patio, porch or pool area. A quality screen enclosure protects you and your home from intense rays of sun and insects and offers a comfortable place to relax with family and pets. For all your porch and patio screen enclosure replacement needs, call (407) 862-6060.

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Fall Entertaining in Your Backyard

Fall Entertaining In Your BackyardA chill in the air, a cozy fire and colorful leaves falling everywhere — these are among the outdoor pleasures of autumn. With this lovely backdrop, fall is the perfect time for backyard entertaining. Using “warm” and “cozy” as your fall entertaining by words, a little planning and a few fall decorating ideas are all you need to host wonderful fall dinner parties alfresco. To help you get started, here are ten suggestions:

  • Let nature provide your theme. The changing colors of trees offer a beautiful setting for your fall dinner party. By scattering natural elements such as berries, leaves, pinecones and acorns across patio tabletops and into strategically placed mason jars along with the window sills of your sunroom, you carry the fall theme throughout your party. Small pots of chrysanthemums on dining tables and around your pool deck are another simple decorative embellishment.
  • Cloth table linens enliven fall backyard entertaining. While paper napkins and tablecloths are just fine for summer barbecues, cloth linens in the rich, jewel tones of autumn add a bit of warmth to fall dinner parties. Select one color for an elegant monochromatic look or use several fall colors together — orange, olive, maroon, gold — to create a warm, festive atmosphere.
  • A fire pit chases the chill away. There’s just something about the warmth and beauty of a fire that draws people. That’s why your guests are likely to gather around your fire pit if you have one. If not, portable fire pits are available at every price point, making them easy to incorporate into your backyard for entertaining and for evenings with your own family.
  • Add cushions to your outdoor seating. Whether wood, wrought iron or fiberglass, your seating immediately becomes warmer and more comfortable with the addition of cushions. Just be sure to use colors that complement your overall theme.
  • Throws and blankets add an additional layer of coziness. Even with a fire pit, throws and blankets are a gracious way of offering guests an extra bit of comfort. Have them available in your theme colors. They will surely be a welcome addition to outdoor entertaining in the fall.
  • Lighting sets the atmosphere. Rather than the glare of bright lights, soft lighting creates an inviting ambiance. Combining two kinds of lights — low wattage bulbs and a multitude of candles — heightens the appeal. Place both throughout your screen enclosed patio at varying heights for a beautiful effect.
  • Greet guests with hot drinks. From hot apple cider with cinnamon sticks to mulled wine with exotic spices, hot drinks are a nice welcome for guests as they arrive. Offer two different kinds and be sure to have plenty on hand to replenish glasses throughout the evening.
  • Use an assortment of plates and glasses. Matching sets of plates and glasses are traditional, but using an eclectic mix of china and glassware adds playfulness along with color and vibrancy. What’s more, the weight of these items serves to anchor your table linens on a breezy day.
  • Prepare hot foods in advance. Since grilling has become virtually a year-round activity, you might choose it for your fall entertaining. However, preparing hot soups, stews, chili or other seasonal favorites is very appetizing at this time of year. Besides, making them in advance affords you more time to enjoy your guests. Chafing dishes will keep everything hot.
  • Be prepared to bring your gathering indoors. As delightful as fall temperatures are, the weather can be unpredictable. Holding your event on an early fall date, for example, makes cold weather less likely, but it may still rain. You will avoid a ruined evening by installing an aluminum awning and having your patio covered so it’s ready for entertaining in case the weather doesn’t cooperate.

Coming up with plans for hearty fall fare and creative fall decorating ideas is just part of the fun of outdoor entertaining. After all, the key to entertaining is to make your guests feel comfortable and welcome. Then just relax and enjoy your guests.

We hope you enjoyed these Fall entertaining tips! We love helping you make the most of your outdoor living space and Florida lifestyle. 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, a family-owned screen enclosure contractor. Let us help you learn more about a quality screen enclosure, sunroom or patio enclosure for your home. We offer free in-home consultation, please contact us today! Phone: 407-862-6060.

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Top 4 Reasons to Choose Structall Aluminum Screen Enclosure Materials

Top 4 Reasons to Choose Structall Aluminum Screen Enclosure Materials

At a glance, screen enclosures all look the same. After all, these enclosures are all made to allow air and light to pass through easily while simultaneously blocking insects and other elements. However, it may be surprising to know that not all screen enclosures are made equally. In fact, the quality of the materials can have a big impact on the lifespan of the enclosure. This is why Dulando Screen & Awning is proud to work with Structall aluminum. Structall is a leader among aluminum manufacturers, offering the best high quality screens to contractors around the country.

To better understand why choosing Structall aluminum is so important, consider the following four advantages of premium aluminum screens.

  1. Durability. Screen enclosures face the elements, so it is essential that the screen enclosure contractor uses the right materials. Structall aluminum has a natural oxide coating. This coating serves as the perfect barrier, holding off the effects of almost every type of weather. This includes water, wind and salt. Aluminum also handles temperature changes well.
  2. Strength. At first, almost every screen enclosure looks good. After a few months of use, however, the signs of wear and tear can become evident. This is not the case with Structall aluminum. Structall patio covers are so strong that it is commonly used for spaceflight. In fact, it is estimated that two thirds of the aluminum products that have been manufactured are still in use. This strength is almost unprecedented, making Structall aluminum the perfect choice for any residential or commercial screen enclosure.
  3. Safety. Aluminum screens are also among the safest choices. To start with, aluminum is nontoxic, which makes it a great choice for children. Since it is not prone to corrosion, there is a lower risk of flaking and it is less likely to break or collapse. Better still, aluminum is significantly lighter than other choices like wood or steel.
  4. Environmentally friendly. On top of everything else, aluminum is a very green choice. Aluminum manufacturers can recycle aluminum almost indefinitely. More than that, aluminum is a naturally occurring element that exists in excess. Aluminum is the third most common element, making it environmentally friendly and affordable.

structallThese advantages have a real impact on the final product. When choosing a screen enclosure contractor, it is important to know what products they use in order to gauge whether they are worth hiring. A contractor who uses Structall you know will get the job done right.

If you’re looking for a screen enclosure that looks good today, tomorrow and for years to come, consider Dulando’s aluminum screen enclosures.

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How Screen Pool Enclosures Keep Your Outdoor Living Areas Bug Free And UV Protected

How Screen Pool Enclosures Keep Your Outdoor Living Areas Bug Free And UV Protected

Mosquitos, gnats, flies, palmetto bugs and other pests are part of the outdoor, natural world, but it certainly doesn’t mean you have to deal with them being a part of your outdoor living area!  How can that be possible… especially during the summer season in Central Florida? By building a screen enclosure of your dreams. Screen pool enclosures allow you to enjoy all the benefits of your home, and none of the things that might ‘bug’ you, here in Florida.

Aside from keeping bugs and pests away from the house, imagine how nice it will be having a screen pool enclosure to keep fresh air coming into your home on cool early mornings and beautiful late evenings. You can just open your interior patio doors and enjoy the clean air plus the additional ventilation helps keep the inside of your home cool as well.

Benefits of Screen Pool Enclosures

Creating a beautiful screen enclosure improves the feel of your home and increases your house value. You and your family will appreciate the lasting enjoyment of outdoor living in your new screen enclosure. A screen pool enclosure can also help you save on utility bills and cleaning services.  It’s amazing how having that extra layer of protection against the sun can impact the temperature in your pool area.

Thanks to the UV protection provided by Phifer screen, you can expect to save some money on your utility bill monthly. Natural sunlight passes through the screened enclosure during the day, but you won’t have to worry about the Florida summer heat and the harsh effects of too much sun exposure. And if you’re building the enclosure for your pool, you’ll appreciate the added cost savings in reduced time, effort and chemicals in your pool maintenance.

Consider Functionality and Durability

Building a screen enclosure requires proper planning, design, and budget, which are key considerations. You can count on us to help you plan and create your perfect ‘outdoor living’ space.  We’ve been in business in the Orlando area since 1968.  Lean on our experience of helping homeowners find the ideal solution within their budget.

Consider your new outdoor living space as an extension of the home. If you make the screened enclosure an inviting space, guests and family members alike will naturally gravitate there. So tell us about the outdoor room of your dreams and leave it in our capable hands to build it for you!

To help you prepare for your enclosed screen enclosure, read: Tips for Preparing For Your Screen Room

Dulando Screen & Awning has had the privilege of helping homeowners design and build screened pool enclosures since 1968.  Call us today at 407-862-6060 for a free in-home consultation.