Retractable screens for lanai spaces give Florida homeowners something fixed enclosures simply can't — the freedom to open up or close off your outdoor space on demand.
Quick answer: What are retractable lanai screens?
Florida lanais are built for outdoor living — a shaded, covered extension of your home where mornings, evenings, and weekend gatherings happen. But without the right screening, bugs, blazing sun, and humidity can turn that space into something you avoid rather than enjoy.
The good news? A well-chosen retractable screen system solves all of that — without permanently closing off your view or your breeze.
Whether you're weighing a manual chain-pull system or a fully motorized setup with smart home integration, this guide walks you through everything you need to know to make the right call for your home.
I'm Cody Lafferty, and with over 10 years of hands-on experience in aluminum and screening across fabrication, installation, and project management here in Florida, I've helped countless homeowners find the right retractable screens for lanai spaces that hold up to our demanding coastal climate. Let's dig into what actually works — and why it matters for your home.
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Living in the Space Coast or Treasure Coast means dealing with a unique set of environmental challenges. One moment it’s a gorgeous sunny afternoon in Melbourne, and the next, a swarm of mosquitoes is trying to carry away your appetizers. This is where the lanai)—a term originating in Hawaii to describe a covered, open-sided porch—becomes the MVP of your home.
When you install retractable screens for lanai areas, you aren't just adding a mesh barrier; you are installing a versatile climate control system. One of the most significant advantages is UV protection. Research shows that motorized screens can block up to 95% of harmful UV rays. This doesn't just protect your skin; it prevents your expensive outdoor rugs and furniture from fading under the harsh Florida sun.
Furthermore, these motorized-patio-screens act as a formidable insect defense. In areas like Palm Bay and Vero Beach, no-see-ums can ruin an evening in seconds. By using a tighter weave mesh, you can keep the smallest pests out while still maintaining airflow control.
The energy savings are equally impressive. By blocking the sun before it hits your glass doors, you can save between 25% and 49% on cooling costs. It's like putting a pair of high-end sunglasses over your entire back porch. For those who want to enjoy their morning coffee in their pajamas without the neighbors watching, privacy mesh options allow you to see out perfectly while creating a "dim-out" effect for those looking in.
| Mesh Type | Primary Benefit | UV Protection | Airflow |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insect Mesh | Maximum visibility & breeze | 40% | High |
| Solar Mesh | Heat reduction & glare control | 75-99% | Medium |
| Privacy Mesh | Blocks view from outside | 90-95% | Low-Medium |
| TuffScreen | Pet & golf ball resistance | 40-50% | Medium |
While manual screens exist, motorized-patio-screens are the preferred choice for homeowners in Melbourne Beach and Viera. Why? Because if a screen is difficult to move, you won't use it. Motorized systems, often powered by industry-leading Somfy or Dooya motors, allow you to transform your space with the push of a button.
When comparing motorized retractable screens vs. fixed patio screen enclosures, the biggest draw is the lack of "caged-in" feeling. Fixed screens are always there, even on those rare, perfect 75-degree Florida days when you want a completely unobstructed view of the water or the golf course.
Modern motorized retractable-patio-screens also feature obstacle detection. If a chair or a stray toy is in the way, the motor senses the resistance and stops, preventing damage to the mesh or the motor itself. This seamless integration into your home’s architecture makes the screen almost invisible when retracted into its housing cassette.
No two homes in Brevard County are exactly alike, and your screens shouldn't be either. You can customize nearly every aspect of your lanai-screens.
Learn more about expertly crafted screens and how they can be tailored to fit even the most complex architectural designs, including oversized multi-panel door systems.
In Florida, "weather resistance" isn't a buzzword; it’s a survival requirement. Between the salt air of Cocoa Beach and the hurricane winds that occasionally sweep through the Space Coast, your hurricane-grade-motorized-patio-screens need to be built like tanks.
The secret to wind resistance lies in the side tracks. Many premium systems use "zipper" or "magna" technology. A zipper track physically locks the edges of the fabric into the track, preventing the screen from blowing out like a sail. Some systems even incorporate magnets into the tracks to keep the fabric taut.
For those in high-wind zones, hurricane-grade motorized garage screens and patio screens can be designed to meet strict Florida Building Codes and Miami-Dade approvals. These systems often feature heavy-duty bottom bars that reduce horizontal movement by up to 68% in windy conditions.
However, a word of caution: while some screens are "hurricane-rated," they are generally intended to protect against debris and wind during moderate storms. We always recommend retracting your screens during a named hurricane event to protect the investment. Many systems come with built-in wind sensors that will automatically retract the screen if wind speeds exceed a safe threshold. You can embrace tranquil outdoor living knowing your system is designed to handle the daily sea breezes and afternoon thunderstorms with ease.
The installation of retractable screens for lanai spaces is a precision job. There are two primary ways we handle this:
Once installed, maintenance is surprisingly simple. Unlike fixed screens that tend to trap dust and pollen year-round, retractable screens stay protected in their housing when not in use. To keep them looking new, we recommend cleaning the mesh 2–4 times a year with mild soap, water, and a soft brush. Never use a pressure washer, as the high force can tear the mesh or damage the motor components.
One of the coolest features of modern systems is smart home integration. By using a Wi-Fi bridge, your screens can connect to Alexa or Google Home. You can create "scenes"—for example, saying "Alexa, sunset mode" could lower the screens, dim the patio lights, and turn on your outdoor speakers.
But what happens if the power goes out? It’s a common question in Florida. You can learn about when power fails and manual overrides to ensure you aren't stuck with your screens in the wrong position during a summer blackout. Generally, motorized screens require power to move, so many homeowners choose to put their screen systems on a backup generator circuit or a dedicated surge protector.
For a deeper dive into the financial side, check out our guide on the cost of motorized screens for garages and patios.
Absolutely. In fact, the majority of our installations in Melbourne and Palm Bay are retrofits. We use custom-colored tracks and housings to match your existing lanai architecture. Whether your columns are made of aluminum, wood, or stone, there is a mounting solution that will look like it was part of the original build. We can even handle sloped floors by using specialized "wool pile" weatherstripping on the bottom bar to create a bug-tight seal against uneven pavers.
Pricing for retractable screens for lanai spaces varies based on size, motor type, and mesh choice. A single motorized screen for a standard opening might start around $3,000–$5,000, while large-scale projects covering 30-foot spans with hurricane-rated mesh can exceed $15,000.
While the upfront cost is higher than fixed screening, the ROI comes in the form of home value and lifestyle. Motorized screens are considered a luxury upgrade that sets a home apart in the Florida real estate market. You can find more detail in our blog about motorized screen costs.
In many cases, yes. Because these systems are attached to the structure of your home and involve electrical work, local building departments in places like Palm Bay often require a permit. Additionally, if you live in a deed-restricted community, you will likely need HOA approval. At Lafferty Aluminum & Screening, we handle the technical documentation and professional guidance to ensure your installation is 100% compliant with local codes.
At Lafferty Aluminum & Screening, we believe your lanai should be your favorite "room" in the house. With over 30 years of family-owned expertise serving Melbourne, Florida, and the surrounding areas, we’ve seen how the right screen system can transform a home. We don't just install mesh; we provide a way for you to enjoy the Florida breeze without the Florida bugs.
Our commitment to quality craftsmanship and customer satisfaction has made us a staple in the community, from the quiet streets of Merritt Island to the beachfront homes of Indialantic. If you're ready to take control of your outdoor living space, we're here to help.
Transform your outdoor space with screened-in lanais and experience the magic of a retractable system for yourself. Whether it’s for bug protection, shade, or that perfect evening sunset, we’ll make sure your lanai is ready for anything.
"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.
