Closed-In Porches

An open porch gives you a place to enjoy the outdoors, but Florida's mosquitoes, rain, wind, heat, and blowing debris can limit how often you actually use it. Closing in your porch can create a more protected and comfortable space while allowing you to keep the outdoor character you enjoy.

Lafferty Aluminum & Screening designs and builds custom closed-in porches throughout Brevard and Indian River Counties, with options ranging from traditional screening to acrylic or vinyl window systems.

Whether you want a breezy screened porch or greater protection from Florida's changing weather, we'll help you choose an enclosure system that works with your home and how you want to use the space.

What is a Closed-In Porch?

A closed-in porch is an existing covered porch or patio that has been enclosed using screening, windows, doors, aluminum framing, or a combination of these features.

There isn't one standard way to close in a porch. The right solution depends on how much protection you want from the outdoors and how you plan to use the finished space.

For example, a homeowner primarily concerned about mosquitoes may prefer a screen enclosure, while someone looking for additional protection from rain, wind, and outdoor conditions may prefer acrylic or vinyl patio windows.

Our team can evaluate your existing porch and help you understand the options available for your home.

Ways to Close In a Porch

Screened Porch Enclosures

Screening is one of the simplest ways to make an existing covered porch more enjoyable.

A screen porch enclosure helps keep mosquitoes, flies, leaves, and other debris outside while maintaining natural airflow and visibility. It's a great option for homeowners who want their porch to continue feeling open and connected to the outdoors.

Different screen mesh options can also provide varying levels of airflow, visibility, privacy, and protection from smaller insects.

Acrylic & Vinyl Patio Windows

For homeowners who want more protection than screening alone, patio windows can create a more enclosed outdoor living environment.

Acrylic and vinyl window systems provide clear views while offering additional protection from rain, wind, insects, and outdoor debris. Depending on the window system, panels can be opened to allow fresh air into the porch when conditions are comfortable and closed when greater protection is needed.

This flexibility makes patio windows a popular option for Florida homeowners who want to get more use from an existing porch.

Custom Aluminum Framing

A porch enclosure often requires more than adding screen or windows to existing openings. Our team can design custom aluminum framing around your porch's dimensions and existing structure to properly support the selected enclosure system.

The result is a cleaner, more cohesive design that looks like it belongs with your home.

Doors & Entry Options

Doors and entry points can be incorporated into your porch enclosure based on your home's layout and how you access the backyard, pool, patio, or surrounding outdoor areas.

We consider traffic flow and everyday functionality when determining the placement of these features.

Screened Porch vs. Window-Enclosed Porch: Which Is Right for You?

The biggest decision when closing in a porch is determining how connected you want the space to remain to the outdoors.

A screened porch provides maximum airflow while helping keep insects and debris out. It's an excellent choice if your main goal is creating a more comfortable open-air space.

An acrylic or vinyl window-enclosed porch provides an additional barrier from outdoor conditions while still allowing you to enjoy natural light and surrounding views.

Neither option is universally better. The right enclosure depends on your existing porch, budget, desired level of protection, and plans for the space.

Lafferty Aluminum & Screening can help you compare the available options before deciding how to move forward.

Benefits of Closing In Your Porch

Keep Bugs Outside

Screening or window systems create a barrier between your porch and Florida's mosquitoes, gnats, flies, and other insects, making the space much more enjoyable for relaxing, dining, or entertaining.

Reduce Rain and Outdoor Debris

The amount of weather protection depends on the enclosure system you select, but closing in a porch can help reduce exposure to blowing leaves, dirt, rain, and other outdoor debris.

Create a More Functional Space

Instead of having a porch you only use when conditions are perfect, an enclosure can make the area more practical for everyday life.

Create an outdoor dining area, conversation space, reading spot, entertainment area, or simply another comfortable place to spend time at home.

Protect Furniture and Décor

Reducing direct exposure to rain, debris, and other outdoor conditions can also provide greater protection for the furniture and décor you keep on your porch.

Maintain Your Connection to the Outdoors

Closing in a porch doesn't have to mean losing the outdoor experience. Screening and patio window systems can preserve natural light and views while giving you greater control over the environment around you.

Custom Porch Enclosures Built for Florida Homes

Florida porch enclosures have to perform in an environment defined by heat, humidity, heavy rain, insects, intense sunlight, and coastal conditions.

That's why the design of your enclosure matters just as much as its appearance.

Our team evaluates the existing structure and develops a solution around the property rather than treating every porch the same. Depending on the project, your enclosure may incorporate custom aluminum framing, screen mesh, patio windows, doors, and other outdoor living components.

Lafferty Aluminum & Screening serves homeowners throughout Palm Bay, Melbourne, Viera, Satellite Beach, Merritt Island, Cocoa, Rockledge, Sebastian, Vero Beach, and surrounding communities in Brevard and Indian River Counties.

Why Choose Lafferty Aluminum & Screening?

Custom Design

Every existing porch is different. We design your enclosure around your home's structure, dimensions, appearance, and your goals for the finished space.

Quality Materials

We use aluminum framing, screening, window systems, and other materials selected for outdoor performance and Florida conditions.

Experienced Installation

Our installation crews focus on proper fit, clean finishing details, and quality workmanship throughout the construction process.

Multiple Enclosure Options

Because we offer screening as well as acrylic and vinyl patio window solutions, we can help you compare different ways of enclosing your porch rather than forcing every project into the same solution.

Award-Winning Local Contractor

Lafferty Aluminum & Screening is proud to be the 2026 Brevard Community's Choice Award winner for Best Screen Rooms & Sunrooms. We're grateful to the local homeowners who continue to trust our team with their outdoor living projects.

Frequently Asked Questions About Closed-In Porches

What is the best way to close in an existing porch?

It depends on how you want to use the space. Screening is ideal for maintaining maximum airflow while keeping insects out. Acrylic or vinyl patio windows provide additional protection from outdoor conditions while maintaining views and natural light. An evaluation of your existing porch can help determine which options are appropriate.

Can you screen in a porch that already has a roof?

In many cases, yes. An existing covered porch may be able to be enclosed with aluminum framing and screen mesh. The existing structure and openings should first be evaluated to determine the appropriate design.

Can I add windows to an existing porch?

Depending on the structure, acrylic or vinyl patio windows may be incorporated into an existing porch to provide greater protection from rain, wind, insects, and debris. Our team can evaluate your porch and discuss the available options.

What is the difference between a screened porch and an enclosed porch?

A screened porch uses mesh to create an insect barrier while maintaining open airflow. A more enclosed porch may use acrylic or vinyl windows in addition to aluminum framing to provide greater separation from outdoor conditions.

Can I convert my screened porch to patio windows later?

It may be possible depending on the existing enclosure and structural configuration. If you think you may eventually want to upgrade from screening to windows, mention that during your consultation so your long-term plans can be considered when evaluating the project.

How long does it take to close in a porch?

Project timelines vary based on the size and complexity of the enclosure, materials selected, existing structure, and overall scope of work. We can provide a more accurate timeline once we've evaluated your specific project.

Do you build closed-in porches in Brevard and Indian River Counties?

Yes. Lafferty Aluminum & Screening serves homeowners throughout Brevard and Indian River Counties, including Palm Bay, Melbourne, Viera, Satellite Beach, Sebastian, Vero Beach, and surrounding communities.

Ready to Close In Your Porch?

Your existing porch may have much more potential than you're currently getting from it. With the right combination of screening, aluminum framing, or patio windows, you can create a more protected and functional outdoor living space designed around your home.

Lafferty Aluminum & Screening can help you compare your options and determine the right way to enclose your porch.

‍Call (321) 652-1078 or complete our contact form to request an estimate for your closed-in porch project.