A patio enclosure adds usable space to your home and gives you a more comfortable way to enjoy the outdoors. In places like Brevard County and Indian River County, you deal with strong sun, rain, and insects for much of the year. A well-built enclosure helps you relax outside without these common problems.
One of the most important choices you will make is the type of screen you install. Different screen materials offer different levels of airflow, visibility, privacy, and protection. When you understand your options, you can choose a screen that fits your climate, your needs, and the way you use your outdoor space.
You relax on your patio without swatting mosquitoes or worrying about small animals getting inside. A quality privacy screen with insect mesh keeps your space calm and usable throughout the day.
Many homeowners choose 18 x 14 mesh screening for a strong balance of airflow and protection. This mesh size lets in steady ventilation while blocking common insects.
Most systems use vinyl-coated fiberglass, which resists wear and holds up in sun and moisture. You enjoy fresh air, added privacy, and fewer disruptions outside.
No-see-ums and gnats slip through standard screens with ease. If you live near water or wooded areas, you likely deal with them often.
A 20 x 20 mesh screen blocks these tiny insects while still allowing air and light to pass through. The tighter weave forms a strong barrier against pests that regular mesh may miss.
You keep your view clear and your space usable. You can read, eat, or relax outside without constant swatting or bites.
You get added strength when you choose vinyl-coated polyester mesh built for busy spaces. This screen handles daily use in areas with pets, kids, or heavy foot traffic without tearing easily.
TuffScreen comes in 18 x 14 and 20 x 20 weave options, so you can match your needs for airflow and visibility.
You keep clear views while adding reliable protection to your openings.
You want your pets to enjoy fresh air without risk. Install a pet-resistant screen made from thick, vinyl-coated polyester to handle daily wear from claws and paws.
This material helps prevent:
You create a secure space where your pets can move freely. At the same time, you keep your patio strong, clean, and built to last.
You can add privacy and style to your enclosure with Florida Glass. This screen uses a strong mesh core with a smooth vinyl layer that limits visibility from the outside.
It helps block wind-driven rain and small debris while still letting light pass through. You create a more private space without closing it in.
You get function and a neat finish in one upgrade.
The right screen system lets you use your patio in more ways throughout the year. You can turn the space into a quiet reading corner, a place to host friends, or a simple home office with natural light.
With proper screens, you gain:
You control how you use the space, based on your needs. This setup helps you create a practical area that supports work, rest, or social time without major changes to your home.
A patio enclosure turns your outdoor area into a space you can use in more ways. You create a flexible room for relaxing, dining, or working while staying connected to the outdoors.
You also gain practical benefits:
With the right screen system, you enjoy fresh air and natural light without common outdoor problems. You also add usable living space that can increase your home’s value.
Take control of your outdoor space and shape it to fit your needs. Lafferty Aluminum & Screening builds patio enclosures designed around your layout, style, and daily use.
You choose screens that block insects, handle rain, and allow steady airflow. The right setup helps you enjoy your patio in every season.
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A well-designed enclosure turns your patio into a space you use more often and with less hassle.
You will see four common materials used in patio enclosures. Each one has clear strengths and limits.
Fiberglass costs less and installs easily. It does not crease easily, but it can tear under pressure.
Aluminum feels stronger and holds its shape well. It may corrode in coastal areas if not coated.
Polyester screens often have a vinyl coating. They resist tearing and work well in homes with pets.
Stainless steel provides the most strength. It handles impact and salt air better than most other options.
Polyester and stainless steel perform best in high-traffic areas.
Polyester pet screens use thicker strands. They resist claw damage and heavy use. Many homeowners choose this option for dogs.
Stainless steel offers even greater strength. It works well where you expect strong impact or long-term wear.
Fiberglass works for light use but tears more easily. Standard aluminum falls in the middle.
If durability is your top concern, choose a heavy-duty polyester or stainless steel mesh.
You can install screens using track systems or tension-based systems.
Track systems
Tension systems
Track systems make repairs simple. You remove and replace sections without removing the entire screen.
Tension systems create a clean look and hold fabric tight. They may require more effort during installation.
Both options perform well when installed correctly. Your choice depends on design preference and maintenance needs.
Mesh size affects comfort and visibility.
A standard 18x14 mesh blocks common insects while allowing steady airflow. Many patios use this size.
A tighter 20x20 mesh blocks smaller insects like no-see-ums. Airflow decreases slightly.
Screens with higher openness improve visibility. However, larger openings may allow small insects inside.
If you live in an area with tiny insects, choose a tighter weave. For general use, standard mesh offers a good balance.
Removable panels give you more flexibility.
You can:
Fixed screens stay in place year-round. They require less handling but make deep cleaning harder.
If you live in a region with strong seasonal changes, removable panels offer practical benefits. For mild climates, fixed systems often work well.
Weather plays a major role in durability.
Strong sun exposure can weaken fiberglass over time. UV-resistant coatings help reduce damage.
Coastal salt air increases corrosion risk. Stainless steel and coated aluminum perform better in these areas.
High humidity may cause metal screens to corrode if not protected. Fiberglass and polyester resist moisture damage.
Choose materials based on your local climate. In coastal or humid regions, invest in corrosion-resistant options.
"Lafferty did an amazing job! We love our new screen. They were very professional and we had our finished screen before expected. We recommend Lafferty to everyone."
"Lafferty did an excellent job on our unconventional screening project. The office staff was responsive and friendly. From consultation to installation, all of our questions and concerns were addressed."
"Lafferty did an excellent job installing our pool screens. The are prompt and keep you well informed concerning the job! I would definitely hire Lafferty Screens again!!"
"We are very satisfied with our new fence and work done by Lafferty Aluminum. Quality, professionalism, and reliability working with Lafferty has been very good and I am happy we chose them."
"Lafferty was one of the easiest and smoothest company's to work with. We are building our home and these guys were so customer friendly, answered all our questions, was available to take our call if we had questions."
"Friendly service, professional attitude of employee, polite and they cleaned up as they worked. We had our pool enclosed redone after hurricane damage and now it looks great. Thanks"
"Lafferty did a fantastic job from start to finish on the patio pavers and aluminum screening. They completed the project on time, and perhaps even a little ahead of schedule!"
"I couldn't be happier with the work performed by Lafferty. They replaced my original screen house in February in a professional and timely manner. I would highly recommend them for your screen enclosure needs."
We're excited to learn more about your needs and provide you with a personalized quote. Please fill out the form, and our team will get back to you with a detailed estimate to kickstart your project.
