Why Rescreening Your Pool Enclosure Protects Your Investment

Rescreen pool enclosure projects are essential maintenance tasks that restore protection, appearance, and functionality to aging outdoor spaces. Here's what you need to know:

Quick Answer: When and Why to Rescreen

• Timing: Every 8-12 years, or when you notice sagging, tears, or bug infiltration
• Cost: DIY runs $500-$1,500; professional restoration costs $5,000-$10,000 (about half the price of a new enclosure at $15,000+)
• Benefits: Keeps out pests, blocks debris, provides UV protection, and can add up to 10x its cost in home value
• Materials: Phifer 18/14 mesh lasts 7-9 years; polyester screens can last 20+ years
• Process: Remove old screen and spline, upgrade fasteners, clean and paint frame, install new screening

Florida's intense sun, humidity, and coastal salt air accelerate screen deterioration—which is why the state accounts for nearly 40% of the entire screen repair industry's revenue. Most builder-grade screens fail after just 3 years, while even quality materials show wear within a decade. Signs like sagging panels, brittle mesh, pinholes, or bugs collecting against the screen all indicate it's time for a rescreen.

Whether you're dealing with torn panels from pets, faded screens from UV exposure, or simply want to refresh your outdoor space, rescreening offers a cost-effective alternative to full replacement. The process involves more than just new mesh—proper restoration includes upgrading corroded fasteners, cleaning frames, and ensuring proper tension for storm resistance.

As Cody Lafferty — Founder & CEO of Lafferty Aluminum & Screening, I've overseen countless rescreen pool enclosure projects across Brevard County, helping homeowners restore outdoor living spaces using durable materials engineered for Florida's demanding climate. Our team specializes in custom solutions that address structural challenges while extending the lifespan of your investment.

Why and When to Rescreen Pool Enclosure

Maintaining a pool enclosure is about much more than just curb appeal. In East Central Florida, our enclosures face a constant barrage of UV rays, salt-laden air, and tropical storm-force winds. A well-maintained screen acts as a vital barrier, offering significant debris reduction and serving as a safety barrier for children and pets.

Typically, a pool enclosure requires a full rescreen every 8 to 12 years. However, this lifespan can vary wildly based on the quality of the original materials. Common builder-grade screens often have a lifespan of just 3 years before they begin to fail. Given that Florida accounts for nearly 40% of the entire screen repair industry's revenue, it’s clear that our local climate is particularly harsh on aluminum structures and mesh.

Beyond aesthetics, a compromised screen allows pests like mosquitoes—which can carry diseases—to infiltrate your "outdoor oasis." Furthermore, screens that have lost their tension are far more likely to fail during a hurricane. Properly tensioned, high-quality screens can withstand winds of 140-150 mph. To ensure your enclosure remains a safe and enjoyable space, we recommend checking out our comprehensive rescreening services. We prioritize your data safety as much as your home's safety; you can view our Privacy Policy for more details.

Signs it is time to rescreen pool enclosure panels

How do you know if you need to rescreen pool enclosure panels or if a simple patch will do? Look for these "red flags" of screen aging:

1. Sagging Mesh: If the screen looks loose or billows in the wind, the spline (the rubber cord holding it in) is likely failing, or the mesh has stretched beyond its elastic limit.
2. Brittle Texture: Gently press on a screen panel. If it feels stiff and "crunchy" or tears with minimal pressure, the fiberglass core has been compromised by UV exposure.
3. Silver-Flecking: This is a classic sign of aging in Florida. When the protective vinyl coating wears off, the fiberglass underneath begins to show through as shiny, silver-colored flecks.
4. Pinholes: Numerous tiny holes across the mesh indicate that the material is disintegrating.
5. Bug Collection: If you notice an unusual number of gnats or mosquitoes inside your enclosure, there are likely gaps in the spline channels or small tears you haven't spotted yet.

If you notice these signs on multiple panels, it is often more cost-effective to perform a full screen panel replacement rather than chasing individual holes month after month.

Benefits of a full rescreen vs partial repair

While it might be tempting to replace only the panels that are currently torn, this is often a "band-aid" solution. Choosing a full rescreen is the most economical choice in the long run. When one panel reaches the end of its life, the others are usually not far behind. By doing the whole job at once, you save on multiple service call fees and ensure a uniform appearance across the entire structure.

A full rescreen also allows for a complete structural assessment. At Lafferty Aluminum & Screening, we don't just roll in new mesh; we inspect the frame for rust, check the door hardware, and ensure the entire cage is sound. In cases where the aluminum itself is severely corroded or bent, we might discuss a full pool cage replacement to ensure your family's safety.

Selecting Premium Materials and Hardware

Choosing the right mesh is the most important decision in your rescreen pool enclosure project. Not all screens are created equal!

• Phifer 18/14 Mesh: This is the "industry standard" in Florida. It is durable enough to keep out most insects and has a typical lifespan of 7-9 years.
• Polyester Screens: For homeowners looking for the ultimate investment, 10-year warranted polyester screens are available. These materials are incredibly tough and can often last 20+ years, resisting the "brittle" phase that fiberglass eventually hits.
• No-See-Um Mesh (20x20): If you live near the water in places like Merritt Island or Vero Beach, you know how tiny biting gnats can be. This tighter weave is designed specifically to keep the smallest pests out.
• Pet-Resistant Screens: These are 7x stronger than standard fiberglass. If you have a dog that likes to "paw" at the screen or a cat that loves to climb, this heavy-duty vinyl-coated polyester is a must. It can last 10-21 years even with active pets.

When working with us, we ensure all projects adhere to the highest standards, which you can review in our Terms of Service.

Upgrading fasteners and frame paint

A common mistake during a rescreen pool enclosure project is ignoring the hardware. Standard steel fasteners can lose 75% of their strength in the first 12 months due to Florida’s salty air. Rusted fasteners aren't just ugly; they can snap during high winds, causing the entire enclosure to collapse.

We recommend upgrading to Nylotech fasteners or high-grade stainless steel. Nylotech fasteners are coated to prevent rust and often come with a 10-year warranty. Additionally, if your aluminum frame looks chalky or faded, this is the perfect time for a repaint. Using specialized acrylic paint can make an old enclosure look brand new for about half the cost of a full replacement. For a deep dive into these options, visit our page on pool screen enclosure replacement and repair.

Professional Restoration vs. DIY Methods

Is DIY rescreening feasible? For a single ground-level panel, yes. For a full enclosure, it’s a massive undertaking.

Professional steps to rescreen pool enclosure frames

When we handle a professional restoration, we follow a methodical process:

1. Teardown: We remove all old mesh and the brittle rubber spline.
2. Pressure Washing: We clean the channels to remove salt, algae, and dirt that can prevent a good seal.
3. Frame Prep: We replace rusted fasteners and address any frame corrosion.
4. Screening: We use specialized walkboards to access roof panels safely. We pull each panel to a "drum-tight" tension.
5. Precision Trimming: We use professional-grade knives to ensure clean edges without damaging the aluminum.
6. Workmanship Warranty: Unlike a DIY job, our work is backed by decades of experience and a guarantee.

If you are in the Brevard area, you can learn more about our local expertise on our pool screen replacement in Melbourne page.

Essential tools for DIY projects

If you’re determined to try it yourself, you’ll need more than just a roll of screen from the hardware store:

• Spline Roller: A tool with a wheels on both ends to "set" the spline into the groove.
• Utility Knife: For trimming excess mesh (always cut outward!).
• Flathead Screwdriver: Essential for prying out old, stuck spline.
• Spline: Usually 0.160" to 0.200" in diameter.
• Walkboards and Ladders: Never walk directly on the aluminum beams of your pool cage; they are not designed to hold human weight and can buckle, leading to dangerous falls into the pool or onto the deck.

Cost Comparison and Financial Benefits

Investing in your enclosure is a smart financial move. A well-maintained screen can add up to 10x its cost in home value by improving "curb appeal" and outdoor usability.

Project TypeEstimated CostLifespanProsDIY Rescreen$500 – $1,500VariableLowest upfront costProfessional Restoration$5,000 – $10,0008 – 20 YearsIncludes fasteners, paint, and warrantyFull Replacement$15,000 – $30,000+20+ YearsBrand new structure and design

A professional restoration usually costs about half the price of a new enclosure. In Florida, the average cost for minor repairs ranges from $150 to $500, while a major overhaul falls in the $5,000 to $10,000 range for a standard 20x40 enclosure.

Maintenance tips for long-term savings

To extend the life of your new screens, follow these simple tips:

• Low-Pressure Wash: Clean your screens every 6-12 months. Use a garden hose or a pressure washer set under 800 PSI. High pressure can blast the vinyl coating right off the fiberglass.
• Mild Detergents: Use something gentle like Simple Green and a soft-bristled brush to remove pollen and salt.
• Annual Inspections: Check your spline and fasteners once a year.
• Prompt Patching: If a stray branch pokes a hole, patch it immediately to prevent the tear from spreading under wind tension.

Conclusion

At Lafferty Aluminum & Screening, we understand that your pool enclosure is the heart of your outdoor living space. With more than 30 years of combined experience serving Melbourne, Titusville, Palm Bay, and the rest of Brevard and Indian River Counties, we pride ourselves on craftsmanship and structural integrity.

Whether you need a single panel fixed or a complete restoration with upgraded fasteners and fresh paint, we are here to help. Don't let a sagging or torn screen ruin your summer. Schedule your screen enclosure repairs today and get back to enjoying your bug-free, sun-protected backyard oasis!