What Are Porch Screens — and Why Do They Matter?

Porch screens are mesh panels installed across porch openings to keep insects out while letting in fresh air, light, and outdoor views. They're one of the most practical and cost-effective ways to extend your living space.

Here's a quick overview of what you need to know:

TopicQuick AnswerBest material for FloridaVinyl-coated polyester or aluminumStandard mesh for mosquitoes18x14 meshMesh for no-see-ums20x20 meshAverage cost to screen a porch\~$2,800 or $5–$20 per sq ftDIY or professional?Both are options; pro install recommended for large enclosuresHow long do screens last?Aluminum up to 30 years; HD Screen has a 10-15year warranty

Whether you want to enjoy your backyard without swatting mosquitoes, protect your family from the Florida heat, or simply add usable square footage to your home — the right porch screen setup makes a real difference.

Screened porches also add measurable home value. And for coastal Florida homeowners especially, they turn an underused patio into a space the whole family actually wants to spend time in.

I'm Cody Lafferty, owner of Lafferty Aluminum & Screening, and with over 10 years of hands-on experience designing, fabricating, and installing porch screens across Florida, I've seen what works — and what doesn't. In this guide, I'll walk you through everything you need to make a smart, informed decision for your home.

Choosing the Right Materials for Porch Screens

When we talk about porch screens, the "mesh" is the heart of the project. Not all screens are created equal, especially when you’re dealing with the intense UV rays in Melbourne or the salt spray in Indialantic. Choosing the wrong material can lead to sagging, fading, or silver-colored "ghosting" in just a few years.

Here are the heavy hitters in the industry:

• Fiberglass: This is the most common "standard" screen. It’s flexible, easy to install, and doesn't crease. However, standard fiberglass can become brittle and "flake" over time due to sun exposure.
• Aluminum: A classic choice that has been around for decades. Aluminum screen panels are incredibly durable and cannot be chewed through by grasshoppers or small rodents. If kept in good condition, aluminum screens can last up to 30 years.
• HD Screen: This is a high-tenacity, vinyl-coated polyester. It is significantly stronger than fiberglass and comes with a limited 10-15 year warranty. It’s our go-to for homeowners who want a "set it and forget it" solution.
• Vinyl-Coated Polyester: Often used for pet screens, solar screens, or florida glass, this material is designed to withstand extreme heat and physical impact.

Comparing Screen Materials

MaterialExpected LifespanDurability LevelBest Use CaseFiberglass7–10 YearsModerateBudget-friendly projectsAluminum20–30 YearsHighInsect resistance (grasshoppers)HD Screen15–20 YearsExtremeLarge spans, high wind areasPet Screen15+ YearsIndustrialHomes with dogs, cats, or toddlers

For more details on how we integrate these materials into your home, check out our page on porch screening.

Selecting Porch Screens for Insects and No-See-Ums

In Florida, "bugs" isn't a specific enough term. We have different tiers of pests. The size of the "pore" or hole in your porch screens determines what stays out.

• 18x14 Mesh: This is the standard size. It keeps out flies, wasps, and most mosquitoes while allowing for excellent airflow and visibility.
• 20x20 Mesh (No-See-Um Screen): If you live near the water in Sebastian or Vero Beach, you know about no-see-ums. These tiny biting midges can fly right through standard screens. A 20x20 mesh is woven tightly enough to stop them. The trade-off is slightly reduced airflow, but for most, the lack of itchy bites is well worth it.

For more design inspiration and technical tips on mesh selection, This Old House offers some great perspectives on balancing visibility with protection.

Specialized Porch Screens for Pets and Sun Protection

Standard screens aren't always enough for specialized needs. We often recommend these upgrades:

• Pet-Resistant Screens: Made of heavy-duty vinyl-coated polyester, these are seven times stronger than standard mesh. They are designed to resist "clawing" from cats and dogs. Interestingly, they are also great for families with toddlers who might push against the screen.
• Solar Screens: These can reduce the temperature on your porch by as much as 15 degrees. They act like sunglasses for your home, blocking up to 90% of UV rays, which also protects your outdoor furniture from fading.
• AllergyGuard: This specialized mesh uses a filtration tech that blocks pollen and dust, allowing allergy sufferers to enjoy the breeze without the sneezing.
• Privacy Mesh: These screens use a unique weave that makes it difficult for neighbors to see in during the day, while still allowing you to see out.

To see how these specialized meshes look in a full enclosure, visit our porch enclosures section.

Popular Porch Screening Systems and Hardware

The days of just stapling screen to a wood post are mostly over—thank goodness! Modern systems make the finished product look sleeker and last much longer.

Our Leading Process

At Lafferty Aluminum & Screening, we use a professional spline screening method designed for long-term durability and a clean finish. Each aluminum panel is individually screened and secured using spline that is rolled directly into the aluminum frame.

By screening every panel separately, we ensure the mesh is tightly secured to the aluminum structure, creating a stronger and more reliable enclosure. This method prevents loose or sagging screens and allows for easier maintenance or replacement of individual panels if needed.

The result is a cleaner appearance, a tighter screen system, and an enclosure built to withstand Florida’s weather conditions.

If you're looking for professional help to install these systems, our team of Porch Enclosure Contractors specializes in these high-end aluminum finishes.

Installation, Measuring, and Maintenance

One of the biggest questions we get is: "Can I do this myself?"

DIY vs. Professional: If you're handy and have a small, rectangular opening, a DIY kit like Screen Tight is a great weekend project. However, if your porch has high ceilings, second-story openings, or needs a structural aluminum frame, professional installation is safer and usually more cost-effective in the long run. Professional enclosures often use extruded aluminum frames, which are much stronger than the roll-formed frames found in big-box stores.

Maintenance Tips for Longevity

To keep your porch screens looking brand new for decades, follow these simple steps:

• Clean with Care: Once or twice a year, use a soft-bristle brush and mild dish soap mixed with water. Avoid power washers, which can blow the screen right out of the spline!
• Frame Inspection: Check the aluminum frames for any loose screws or oxidation, especially if you live near the coast in Cocoa Beach or Satellite Beach.
• Prompt Repairs: If you see a small tear, fix it immediately. Small holes invite insects, and the tension of the screen can cause a small tear to become a large one very quickly.

If your screen has seen better days, we offer specialized Porch Screen Repair services to get your space back in tip-top shape.

Frequently Asked Questions about Outdoor Enclosures

How much does it cost to screen in a porch?

On average, the cost to screen in an existing porch is roughly $2,800. Most homeowners can expect to pay between $5 and $20 per square foot for a standard enclosure. Factors that affect the price include the type of mesh (Pet Screen and Solar Screen cost more), the height of the ceiling, and whether you need a new screen door. Custom aluminum panels generally fall on the higher end of that range but offer the best longevity.

How do I measure for custom screen panels?

You should measure the "daylight" opening—the space between your posts.

1. Measure the width at the top, middle, and bottom.
2. Measure the height at the left, center, and right.
3. Use the smallest of the three measurements for each dimension and subtract 1/8 inch for clearance.
4. Note the thickness of the frame you plan to use (usually 5/16" or 7/16").

Which screen material is best for Florida weather?

For our local climate in Brevard and Indian River County, we recommend vinyl-coated polyester (HD Screen) or aluminum. Florida's high humidity and salt spray can cause cheap fiberglass to degrade in as little as 3 to 5 years. Aluminum is excellent because it doesn't rust and handles the heat well, while Super Screen offers the best resistance to the high winds we see during hurricane season.

Conclusion

A screened-in porch is more than just a home improvement project; it's a lifestyle upgrade. It’s the difference between a porch you walk past and a porch you live on. From the bug-free breezes of a summer evening to the protection of a solar screen on a blistering July afternoon, the right porch screens make all the difference.

At Lafferty Aluminum & Screening, we’ve spent over 30 years helping our neighbors in Melbourne, Palm Bay, and throughout the Space Coast reclaim their outdoor spaces. As a family-owned business, we pride ourselves on quality craftsmanship and ensuring every customer is 100% satisfied with their new enclosure.

Ready to upgrade your outdoor living? Transform your outdoor space with premium porch screens and see why we are the trusted choice for Florida homeowners. Give us a call today!