Outdoor Living Without the Insects
Screened in Deck in Our services tab for comfortable outdoor use without pest intrusion or windblown debris
Mosquitoes, wasps, and biting flies make outdoor spaces unusable during peak seasons when you'd most want to use them. Screening systems installed on covered or open decks create a barrier that allows airflow while blocking insects, pollen, and leaves from entering the space. You gain months of additional outdoor living time without chemical repellents or constant swatting.
Veteran's Custom Home Solutions LLC installs screening systems that involve frame construction around deck perimeters, screen material tensioned and secured to prevent sagging, and door assemblies that seal completely when closed. The system either integrates with an existing cover structure or includes its own roof framing to create a fully enclosed outdoor room. Screen mesh grade determines what size particles are blocked and how much light reduction occurs.
Arrange an on-site consultation to measure your deck dimensions and discuss screening options compatible with your current structure.
How Screening Changes Your Outdoor Space
Screening installation requires vertical posts at corners and intervals along open sides, horizontal rails at top and bottom to hold screen material under tension, and a door frame with spring-loaded or magnetic closures. Posts must be plumb and securely anchored because even slight movement creates gaps where insects enter. Screen material is splined into grooves in the framing or stapled and trimmed, then covered with trim pieces that protect edges from tearing.
After screening is complete, you'll notice the absence of flying insects even during dawn and dusk when mosquito activity peaks. Outdoor meals no longer attract wasps, ceiling fans operate without blowing napkins and lightweight items off tables, and pollen counts inside the screened area drop substantially compared to open air. The space remains cooler than unscreened areas in direct sun due to shade from the screen material itself, typically reducing temperature by several degrees while maintaining cross-ventilation.
Screen material options include standard fiberglass mesh, which is economical and handles most insect barriers, or upgraded materials like pet-resistant screening that withstands clawing and pushing from animals. Solar screening reduces heat gain and glare but darkens the enclosed space more than standard mesh. Some property owners choose removable screen panels for winter months to reduce snow load and extend material lifespan, though this requires storage space and annual reinstallation labor.
Common Questions About This Service
Screening decisions affect both how you use the space and what upkeep it requires over time. These answers clarify what to expect during and after installation.
What is the difference between screening an open deck versus a covered deck?
Open deck screening requires a roof structure in addition to perimeter screening, essentially building a cover deck first and then adding screens. Covered decks need only vertical framing and screens between existing posts and roof, reducing both cost and installation complexity.
How do screened decks hold up during winter?
Screen material remains in place year-round in most climates, though snow load on horizontal surfaces and ice accumulation can stress frames. Removable panel systems allow seasonal disassembly, while permanent installations should use reinforced framing in areas with heavy snowfall to prevent collapse under accumulated weight.
What maintenance does screening require?
Screens need periodic washing to remove pollen, dust, and cobwebs that accumulate on the mesh and reduce airflow. Tears or holes from accidental impacts should be patched immediately to prevent insects from entering. Door sweeps and seals require occasional adjustment as they wear to maintain a tight closure.
Can screening be added in sections over time?
Screening installation works most efficiently when completed as a single project because frame alignment and door placement depend on overall layout. Partial screening leaves gaps that insects exploit, negating much of the benefit. Phased installation is possible but requires planning door locations and frame connections in advance.
How does screening affect visibility and light?
Standard fiberglass mesh blocks approximately twenty percent of incoming light and creates a slight haze when viewing through it, similar to looking through a window screen. Darker-colored screening reduces visibility more than light gray or charcoal options but is less noticeable visually from inside the enclosed space.
Veteran's Custom Home Solutions LLC designs screening layouts that accommodate existing deck furniture arrangements and traffic patterns while maximizing usable enclosed space. Contact us to discuss frame positioning, door placement, and material selection based on how you plan to use the screened area throughout the year.
