Do you crave to breathe in the fresh air but aren’t always delighted to be directly exposed to the elements? Do you want to spend more time outside without the full commitment of grass, bugs, and sun? Exterior screens allow homeowners to enjoy a private oasis and enhance their outdoor living while being protected from the worst of the elements. If you have been wondering if adding one is the right choice for you, dive in with us as we explore what every homeowner should know about exterior screens.
Exploring the Types of Exterior Screens
Unlike screen rooms, which are stationary structures that can’t be changed, exterior screen installations provide homeowners with a variety of outdoor living options. Essentially, you can modify your level of protection from the elements. Exterior screens come in two forms: retractable and motorized.
A retractable exterior is like a big screen door that can be slid and cranked in and out of position. On the other hand, motorized exterior screens are more like blinds; with a touch of a button, they can be lifted into their mount on the beams of pergola, patio cover, or other outdoor structure.
Determining which option is right for you will depend on your existing architecture, level of investment, and desire of use.
The Impact on Outdoor Living and Energy Efficiency
Exterior screens are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners for their enhanced outdoor living opportunities and energy efficiency.
In terms of outdoor living, an exterior screen essentially provides you with a wall against the elements. The benefits of installing exterior screens include:
- Improved comfort in a shaded environment
- Customizable privacy from prying eyes
- Protection from harmful UV rays
- Preservation of outdoor furniture and décor
- Energy reduction and cost savings
Let’s dive into that last one! When placed strategically, exterior screens are remarkable at preventing heat entry, up to seven times better than internal blinds or window films. They can block up to 90% of solar heat, potentially lowering indoor temperatures by as much as 15°F. The cost savings could be significant given that air conditioning accounts for 16% of U.S. electricity usage, with 43% of the summer peak energy demand stemming from it. Consider this: a window exposed to the summer sun can add as much heat as a 1500-watt heater per every ten square feet of glass. This heat gain can be substantially minimized by installing exterior screens strategically, slashing cooling expenses by up to 60%! Just imagine how much money that could save a homeowner over the course of a decade!
Materials and Mesh: Making the Right Choice
When choosing the materials for your exterior screen, the mesh type is an important consideration. There are a variety of options to choose from, including:
- Vinyl-coated fiberglass
- Aluminum
- Solar
- Bronze
- Pet-resistance
- Tiny-insect
Each of these types offers a variety of benefits. Making the right choice involves carefully evaluating how your exterior screens will be used. Whether you want to block the sunlight from blinding you, protect your outdoor time from rogue golf balls, or keep out rain, dust, and debris, your exterior screens will be a shield to it all at different levels. We suggest consulting a professional to determine which mesh is suitable for your situation.
Aesthetic Integration with Current Home Design
We can’t emphasize enough how vital it is to consider aesthetic integration with your current home design. You want to choose a style and design that will elevate your home’s appeal and add value to your property. For example, a light grass screen can mesh well with modern homes with monochrome accents, but it may not look great with a traditional tan-colored home. Be sure to consider your options and consult with your installer’s designer before making any final choices.
Maintenance Tips to Secure Longevity
With the harsh seasons of the Tri-Cities battering homes with wind, rain, snow, and sun, you may be worried about how your exterior screen will fair. As with anything exposed to the elements, a little bit of maintenance is required to secure the product’s longevity. Depending on the type of exterior screen you get, the following can provide some insight on what you can expect for maintenance.
- Clean the screens regularly to remove dirt, debris, and insects.
- Check for and repair or replace damaged screens when they occur.
- Trim shrubbery and trees to prevent damage to nearby exterior screens.
- Prevent pets from damaging exterior screens.
- Apply UV protection to the screen fabric.
Just remember, whatever type of exterior screens you choose will come with a care manual to follow for more precise advice.
Professional Installation: Partnering with the Right Experts
While it may be tempting to do DIY screen installation, securing professional installation is pivotal for achieving the best outcomes with exterior screens. Expertise ensures that screens are not only installed correctly but are also optimized for performance and durability.
By choosing seasoned professionals like us at Patio Covers Unlimited NW, homeowners benefit from a seamless installation process and advice tailored to their specific needs.
Trusting specialists like us can significantly impact the effectiveness and longevity of your investment, making your project not just a benefit for now, but for many years to come.
Why Patio Covers Unlimited NW is Your Go-To for Exterior Screens
Patio Covers Unlimited NW is the premier choice for homeowners seeking superior exterior screens in the Tri-Cities, Walla Walla, Yakima, and surrounding areas. Our commitment to quality, durability, and unparalleled customer satisfaction sets us apart.
We specialize in providing customized solutions that meet your needs, ensuring your outdoor living spaces are beautiful and functional. With Patio Covers Unlimited NW, you’re choosing a partner dedicated to enhancing your home with the highest quality exterior screens on the market.
Transform your outdoor living space with the perfect exterior screens from Patio Covers Unlimited NW. Contact us today for a consultation and take the first step towards a more comfortable, private, and stylish outdoor area!
