Can I Build a Screen Room on my Existing Backyard Patio?

Are there days when you wish you could enjoy the fresh air of your outdoor space without dealing with intense sunrays, annoying bugs, and cleaning leaves off your favorite napping couch? Fortunately, there is a way to make that happen, screen rooms. Today, we are answering the frequently asked question, “Can I build a screen room on my existing backyard patio?”

What is a Screen Room?

A screen room is exactly what it sounds like; it is a room that utilizes thin screens as a wall to create a protected outdoor living space. Many people enjoy adding a screen room to their outdoor space so they can enjoy fresh air without all the hassle of sitting wholly outside.

For their screen rooms, many homeowners design a comfy outdoor space filled with couches, chairs, and greenery to create a relaxing atmosphere where they can rest away from the hustle and bustle of the house, spend time with loved ones, and occasionally host fun parties “outdoors.”

Can I Build a Screen Room on My Existing Backyard Patio?

To put it simply, yes, you can! You can add screen rooms to your backyard patio as well as porches and decks. To add a screen room to your existing backyard patio, you simply utilize your existing structures to build off of. However, if you do not have an existing outdoor structure to work off of, you can even start from scratch and create a brand-new outdoor space.

What are the Pros & Cons of a Screen Room?

There are various benefits and disadvantages of building a screen room, some of which rely heavily on where you are located and what you want from it.

Pros of a Screen Room

The first benefit of a backyard patio screen room is the added layer of protection between you and Mother Nature. The screens will protect you from insects looking at you for their next snack, the harsh rays of the sun overhead, and outdoor debris that may get blown into your space like leaves or twigs. Since the screens have itty-bitty holes, you can rest assured that wind and water are the only things getting through.

The second benefit is the seasonal use. Many homeowners take advantage of their screen rooms from early spring, as soon as it is warm enough to sit outside, until autumn, when the cool winter winds make themselves known. For us living in Eastern Washington, we generally have full access from early spring until late autumn, making it a worthwhile investment.

The third benefit of a screen room is affordability. Screen rooms are far less expensive than adding a new space to the house or even a sunroom. Additionally, homeowners can choose from a wide array of styles and colors as well as from roof, window, and door options. This ability to customize your outdoor space is highly coveted as it allows you to design according to your unique tastes, wants, and aesthetics.

Cons of a Screen Room

While a screen room will protect you from bugs, the sun, and errant flying debris, the walls are still just screens. They won’t protect you from harsh wind, cold weather, or rain blowing sideways. Plus, they aren’t indestructible. While they are tougher than your average screen, they aren’t as tough as a wall.

Additionally, since you can’t heat a screen room, most homeowners get little use out of it during the winter months. Here in Eastern Washington, our winters are frigid. Unless you installed a gas-powered outdoor fire table, there is a slim chance you would use it at all from November to February unless you were really desperate for a s’more!

How is a Screen Room Different than a Sunroom?

Many homeowners ask us what the difference is between a screen room and a sunroom is. As we discussed above, a screen room uses screens as its walls. A sunroom, on the other hand, uses glass windows. While glass windows will protect you from the elements better than a screen, it also means that you don’t have access to fresh air as it is essentially an indoor room.

Can I Add Sky Lights to My Screen Room?

The answer to this question relies heavily on your existing structures. If you already have an overhanging system that you are planning to use as a room for your screen room, then it is unlikely that you will want to go through the construction process of adding skylights to something already built.

However, if you do not yet have a roof structure in place, building one with skylights is an excellent way to bring in natural light to your screen room. Do bear in mind that the addition of skylights will cost more to install than a traditional roof, decrease sun protection, and need to be cleaned at least once a year so they don’t get overly dirty.

Build Your Screen Room with Patio Covers Unlimited

Whether you want to add a screen room to an existing structure or you want to start from scratch, Patio Covers Unlimited is your premier option for patio enclosure in the northwest. We serve homeowners like you in the Tri-Cities, Walla Walla, Yakima, and other surrounding areas in Washington State.

We will build your screen room to match your needs and desires to ensure you get a space you absolutely adore for years or decades to come. You can schedule a free estimate to learn more about screening in rooms and other patio cover options. Our seasoned professionals will kindly explain your options and advise you on which ones are the best for your specific needs and wants. Contact us today to learn more!

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