If you've ever tried to enjoy your lanai only to retreat inside because of bugs, glare, or the afternoon sun, retractable lanai screens solve that problem without permanently closing off your space. Lower them when you need protection, raise them when you want an open view — all with the push of a button.
We've seen a steady rise in homeowners across Brevard and Indian River County asking specifically about screening their lanai, and it's easy to see why: a lanai is one of the most-used rooms in a Florida home, and an unscreened one only gets used on the handful of days each year when the weather, bugs, and sun all cooperate.
Retractable lanai screens are adjustable screen systems that lower or raise as needed, giving you full control over your lanai environment. Unlike a fixed screen enclosure, they disappear into a housing cassette when not in use — so on a perfect 75-degree day, your lanai stays completely open and unobstructed.
They provide:
Living on the Space Coast or Treasure Coast means dealing with a specific set of outdoor challenges. One moment it's a beautiful, sunny afternoon in Melbourne — the next, a swarm of no-see-ums is chasing everyone back inside. This is exactly where a screened lanai earns its keep.
Installing a motorized lanai screen isn't just adding a mesh barrier — it's adding a climate control system for your outdoor space. Research shows motorized screens can block up to 95% of harmful UV rays, which protects both your skin and your outdoor furniture from fading in the Florida sun.
The energy savings add up too: blocking sun before it hits your glass doors can cut cooling costs by 25–49%. And for homeowners who want to enjoy morning coffee on the lanai without the neighbors watching, privacy mesh creates a "dim-out" effect — you see out clearly, they don't see in.
Manual lanai screens exist, but motorized systems are the clear preference for most homeowners — and the reason is simple: if a screen is a hassle to move, people stop using it. Motorized systems, typically powered by Somfy or Dooya motors, let you transform your lanai with the push of a button instead of wrestling with a manual crank.
Compared to a fixed screen enclosure, the biggest advantage is avoiding that permanently "caged-in" feeling. On those rare, perfect 75-degree days, you can retract the screen completely for an unobstructed view — something a fixed enclosure can't offer.
Modern motorized systems also include obstacle detection: if a chair or stray toy is in the path, the motor senses the resistance and stops automatically, protecting both the mesh and the motor.
No two lanais in Brevard County are exactly alike, and your screen shouldn't be either:
In Florida, weather resistance isn't optional — it's a requirement. Between salt air near the coast and seasonal hurricane winds, your lanai screen needs to be built like it means it.
Premium systems use zipper or magnetic track technology to lock the fabric's edges in place, preventing it from ballooning out like a sail in the wind. Hurricane-rated systems can be engineered to meet Florida Building Code requirements, with reinforced tracks and heavy-duty bottom bars that reduce horizontal movement by up to 68% in windy conditions.
One important note: even hurricane-rated screens are designed to handle debris and wind during moderate storms — not a named hurricane. Always retract your screens ahead of a named storm to protect your investment.
Most lanai screen installations fall into two categories:
Maintenance is simple: clean the mesh 2–4 times a year with mild soap, water, and a soft brush. Never use a pressure washer — the force can tear the mesh or damage the motor.
Many systems also support smart home integration through a Wi-Fi bridge, connecting to Alexa or Google Home so you can build routines like lowering the screen, dimming the lights, and turning on music with a single voice command.
If you're worried about what happens during a power outage, motorized screens generally require power to move — many homeowners put their system on a backup generator circuit or dedicated surge protector for peace of mind.
Yes — most installations are retrofits on existing homes. Custom tracks and housings are built to match your current structure, whether it's aluminum, wood, or stone. Even uneven surfaces like pavers can be sealed with specialized weatherstripping for a proper, bug-tight fit.
Cost varies based on size, motor type, and mesh selection. A single motorized screen for a standard opening typically runs $2,000 to $5,000+, while larger or hurricane-rated systems for wide openings can exceed $6,000+. The upfront cost is higher than fixed screening, but most homeowners see strong value through improved comfort, usability, and everyday enjoyment of the space.
In many cases, yes. Because these systems attach to your home and often include electrical components, local building codes may require a permit. HOA approval may also be needed in some communities. Working with an experienced installer ensures your project meets all local requirements from the start.
They provide strong daytime privacy. At night, with interior lights on, visibility from outside can increase — choosing a darker, higher-density mesh improves nighttime privacy.
Yes. They're considered a premium upgrade that improves outdoor living space, comfort, and curb appeal — all things that matter to potential buyers.
Most installations are completed within a day or two, depending on the size and complexity of the project.
It depends on how you use the space. If you mostly want bug protection without losing your view, insect mesh is the better fit. If afternoon sun or nosy neighbors are the bigger issue, solar or privacy mesh will serve you better. Many homeowners end up mixing mesh types across different openings based on sun exposure and sightlines.
Whether you're dealing with bugs, harsh sun, or just want a more usable outdoor space, Lafferty Aluminum & Screening can help. Our motorized lanai screens give you shade, privacy, and fresh air at the touch of a button — built specifically for Florida's climate.
Contact our team today for a free estimate and find out how a custom motorized screen system can turn your lanai into the room you actually use every day.
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.
