When you start looking into upgrading your backyard, the terminology can get a bit confusing. Is it a screen room? A sunroom? A lanai? In screen rooms Melbourne FL residents typically choose, the distinction usually comes down to three things: the roof, the walls, and the airflow. Understanding these differences is the first step in deciding which structure will best serve your family's needs for the next twenty years.
At its core, a Screen Room is an outdoor space enclosed by high-quality mesh. Unlike a sunroom, which uses glass panes to create an indoor-feeling environment, Aluminum Screen Rooms are designed to let the Florida breeze flow through freely while keeping the "uninvited guests" (mosquitoes and debris) out. This creates a unique "hybrid" living space that feels like you are sitting in your yard, but without the discomfort of direct sun or biting insects.
FeatureScreen RoomSunroomLanai / Screened PorchWall MaterialMesh ScreenGlass (Vinyl/Acrylic)Mesh ScreenRoof TypeInsulated Aluminum or Pan RoofShingled or Insulated AluminumExisting House RoofAirflowMaximumControlled (HVAC)HighBest UseBug-free outdoor loungingYear-round climate controlExtending existing porch
For those who want a completely new footprint on their property, custom screen rooms Melbourne FL builds are the way to go. These are permanent structures that can be either attached to your home or built as a freestanding "island" retreat in your yard. A freestanding screen room can serve as a poolside cabana or a quiet garden sanctuary away from the main house's noise.
Unlike a simple pop-up tent or a temporary gazebo, Florida Screen Rooms are engineered with weather-resistant roofs—often made of insulated composite panels that stay cool even in the July heat—and heavier aluminum frames designed to meet strict Florida building codes. We focus on ensuring these structures look like a natural extension of your home, matching the color and style of your existing architecture so it doesn't look like an afterthought.
If you already have a roofed porch or a concrete "under-the-main-roof" patio, a Screened Patio Melbourne project is often the most cost-effective route. This process involves "screening in" the existing openings. This is a popular choice for newer homes in Viera and West Melbourne where builders often include a covered patio but leave it open to the elements.
Because we are working within your home’s existing architectural integrity, a Screened-in Porch Melbourne setup maintains the original look of your house while providing that vital fresh air circulation. It’s the perfect way to turn a dusty, pollen-covered porch into a clean, usable morning nook where you can enjoy your coffee in peace.
Why do so many of your neighbors have screen enclosures? It isn't just about the aesthetic; it’s about survival in the subtropics! Living on the Space Coast offers beautiful views, but it also comes with environmental challenges that a screen room helps mitigate.
If you have a pool, Screen Enclosures Melbourne are practically a requirement. Beyond the obvious benefit of keeping frogs and leaves out of the water, a screen enclosure adds a vital layer of child safety.
By using a Screen Enclosure Service Melbourne that installs self-closing, lockable doors, you create a secure perimeter that prevents unsupervised access to the water. Plus, with less organic matter falling into the pool, you'll find yourself spending significantly less on chlorine and professional cleaning services. The screen also acts as a windbreak, which can reduce water evaporation and help maintain a more consistent water temperature.
Beyond the lifestyle perks, there is a clear financial benefit. Adding a high-quality screen room increases your home’s "marketable" square footage. When buyers look at Aluminum Screen Enclosures in Melbourne FL, they see a home that is ready for the Florida lifestyle.
Curb appeal is boosted, and the functional value of having a protected outdoor space often provides a high return on investment (ROI) compared to other home improvements like kitchen remodels or bathroom upgrades. In a competitive real estate market like Brevard County, a well-built screen room can be the deciding factor for a buyer choosing between two similar properties.
We know the "bottom line" is important. When planning for screen rooms Melbourne FL homeowners should expect a range of prices based on the complexity of the build, the materials chosen, and the specific requirements of their property.
The average cost for a screen enclosure in our area is approximately $9,500, but the range is wide—typically between $5,000 and $14,000. What changes the price?
To get an exact figure for your specific backyard, you can Request a Free Quote from Lafferty Aluminum & Screening.
Do you need a permit? Yes. In Melbourne and throughout Brevard County, any permanent aluminum structure requires a building permit. This ensures the structure is engineered to withstand our local wind loads, which are governed by the Florida Building Code.
Working with licensed contractors is non-negotiable here. A "handyman" build might save money upfront, but if it isn't permitted and built to code, you could face fines, or worse, the structure could fail during a storm. We handle the entire permitting process for our clients, from drafting the engineering plans to scheduling the final inspections, to ensure everything is above board and safe.
Living on the Space Coast means planning for hurricane season. A common question we get is: "Will my screen room survive a hurricane?"
While no structure is 100% "hurricane-proof," modern Screen Enclosures in Palm Bay FL are designed to withstand significant wind loads. The aluminum frames are anchored deep into the concrete using high-strength stainless steel fasteners, and the engineering accounts for wind "blow-through."
Pro Tip: During a major storm, some homeowners choose to remove a few screen panels to reduce wind resistance on the frame. While this doesn't guarantee survival in a Category 5, it can ease the pressure on the structural members. The real key to durability is high-quality fasteners and proper bracing—things we never compromise on. We use heavy-duty gusset plates and internal reinforcements that many budget contractors skip.
Yes. Any permanent year-round screen enclosure requires a permit from local building authorities. This is to ensure the structure meets Florida Building Code requirements for wind resistance and structural integrity. Failure to obtain a permit can lead to issues when trying to sell your home or filing insurance claims after a storm.
Most homeowners spend between $5,000 and $14,000. The average project usually lands around $9,500, depending on the size of the area being enclosed and whether a new concrete foundation or insulated roof is required. Custom features like pet doors or specialized privacy mesh can also affect the final price.
Very durable, provided they are built to code. They are engineered to withstand high wind gusts. While the mesh panels may occasionally tear in extreme winds (which is actually a "safety valve" to protect the frame), the aluminum structure itself is designed to remain standing. We use high-quality alloys and corrosion-resistant hardware to ensure long-term stability.
Maintenance is relatively simple. We recommend rinsing the screen panels with a garden hose every few months to remove salt spray and pollen. For the aluminum frame, a mild soap and water solution is usually all that is needed to keep it looking new. Avoid using pressure washers on the mesh, as the high pressure can stretch or tear the material.
Yes, if you choose an insulated roof system. These roofs are designed to hide electrical wiring internally, allowing for the seamless installation of ceiling fans and light fixtures. This is a great way to increase airflow on those humid Florida afternoons.
At the end of the day, a screen room isn't just an addition to your house; it’s an investment in your quality of life and the long-term value of your property. It’s about being able to enjoy a rainy Florida afternoon without getting wet, or a summer evening without being eaten alive by bugs. It's about creating a space where memories are made, from family barbecues to quiet Sunday mornings with a book.
At Lafferty Aluminum & Screening, we bring over 30 years of family-owned expertise to every project. We live and work right here in Melbourne, and we understand the unique challenges our weather presents, from the salt air of the coast to the intense heat of the inland suburbs. From the initial design to the final permit sign-off, our focus is on quality craftsmanship and making sure you are 100% satisfied with your new favorite room.
If you're ready to transform your outdoor space with the best Screen Enclosures Melbourne has to offer, we’re here to help. Whether you are in Palm Bay, Viera, or right here in Melbourne, let’s build something great together. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward your dream backyard.
"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.
