Pros & Cons of Screening in Your Deck or Porch

If you have a deck or porch that you enjoy using, you’ve probably considered the option of screening it in. There are several benefits to screening in your deck or porch, but there are also a few problems that may arise when doing so that you should also consider. Here are a few things to think about before deciding to screen in your deck or porch:

Pros:

Enjoy the outdoors… indoors

Screening in your deck or porch allows you to enjoy the outdoors without having to technically be outside. That way, you can enjoy the sunshine and breeze without being exposed to the dirt, leaves, and bugs that come along with it!

More space

A screened in deck or porch can serve as an additional living room, where your family and pets can spend time in a safe environment in your home, while still enjoying the benefits of being outside. This area can also be used for storage during colder months.

Privacy

If you enjoy spending time on your deck or porch, but prefer a bit more privacy, screening in this area is a great option. It allows you to be outside of your home without feeling like you’re on display.

Cons:

Screen cleaning

A screen will prevent debris from entering your deck or porch, but this also means that it will need to be cleaned frequently to keep it looking nice. Pollen and dust, especially, can quickly begin to build up on your screen without regular wipe downs.

Waterproofing

Though a screen will help to prevent against water damage, during heavy rainfall it is likely that your porch or deck will still get wet. This means that all of the furniture and decor in that area needs to be waterproof. Otherwise, you risk damage to your property and potential mold problems down the line.

Maintenance

Adding a screen to your deck or porch may increase the amount of time and money you spend caring for the area of your home. In addition to keeping your screen clean and furnishings in good shape, you may also find that you’ll need to replace or repair your screen every so often.

If you have any questions about screening in your deck or porch, give us a call! We’re happy to answer any of your questions about the benefits and drawbacks of screening in the outdoor areas of your home!