Adding a screen enclosure to your porch is a great way to expand your living space and protect against insects. A screened-in porch provides a comfortable area to relax, entertain, and enjoy the outdoors without dealing with mosquitos and other pests. Installing a screen porch enclosure is a project a motivated DIYer can tackle over a weekend. With the right materials and some carpentry skills, you can create a beautiful new space to enjoy your existing porch.
Planning Your Porch Enclosure
The first step in any porch screening project is planning. Take measurements of your porch and think about how you will use the space. Consider the following:
Size and Layout
Measure the length, width, and height of your porch. Account for any decorative architectural details like columns or railings when planning your enclosure. Decide if you want a full screened enclosure or just want to screen in certain sections. Carefully measure and sketch your plans to determine the screening materials needed.
Screening Materials
Fiberglass is the most common and affordable screening material. It provides good visibility and airflow while protecting against insects. Aluminum and stainless steel screens are more durable options but are more expensive. Think about the purpose of your screened porch when choosing materials.
Frame Construction
You can build a new frame for the screens or attach them to your existing porch frame. Using your existing structural supports simplifies installation. Make sure the frame is sturdy enough to hold the screening materials. Wood, aluminum, or vinyl frames are common options.
Doorways
Determine how you want to access your screened porch. Self-closing screened doors with springs allow easy entry while preventing insects from flying in when the doors shut. You may want a standard exterior door for primary access. Measure doorway sizes carefully when planning doors.
Weather Protection
Full roof coverings help protect screened porches from rain and sun. If your porch is already covered, adding screens helps protect from wind while still allowing airflow. Partial roofs and roll-down weather strips can provide protection as needed.
Aesthetics
Think about how you want your porch enclosure to look from the outside. Matching architectural style and paint colors will provide a cohesive look. Blend screening frames with existing posts and railings for a seamless transition.
Preparing the Porch for Screening
Once you have a plan, prep your porch for screening installation:
Remove Existing Screens/Enclosures
Take down any old screens or enclosures attached to the porch. This may involve removing screws, hinges, and frame components. Properly dispose of unneeded materials.
Secure Structural Elements
Inspect the porch foundation, steps, railings, roof, and other structural components. Make any necessary repairs to ensure the porch can support the new screen system. Secure loose elements like posts or ornamental details.
Clean Surfaces
Use a hose and biodegradable cleaner to wash porch floors, railings, walls, and ceiling areas. Allow surfaces to fully dry before beginning installation. Clean dirt, cobwebs, and debris provide a blank slate to work with.
Paint/Prime Frames
Apply exterior primer and paint to any unfinished wood or metal frame elements like posts, ceilings, and railings. This protects surfaces against moisture and ensures proper adhesion of screens.
Level Flooring
Use an angle finder to determine if your porch flooring is level. this ensures screen components you install sit flush. Grind down or shim any raised areas as needed to create a flat surface.
Preparing your porch properly prevents issues down the road and ensures screens fit correctly. Invest this upfront time to create a sound structure for your new screened enclosure.
Installing Screen Panel Frames
The screen panel frames provide structural support and a place to attach the screening material. Follow these steps to install:
Assemble Frame Pieces
Construct frame pieces using mitered 2×2 lumber. Cut pieces to size according to your measurements. Assemble into rectangles using exterior wood screws and waterproof wood glue.
Attach to Porch
Position the newly constructed screen frames onto the porch floor according to your plans. Attach the frames to porch posts, railings, or ceiling using 3-inch galvanized screws. Ensure the frames sit level and square.
Create Door Frames
Measure and construct frame pieces to create the door openings needed. Miter cut frame lumber to proper lengths and join pieces with screws and wood glue. Set door screen frames in place attached to posts.
Secure Corner Joints
Drill pilot holes and install heavy galvanized angle brackets on inside/outside corners for reinforcement. This provides extra stability and strength for the frame system.
Caulk Edges
Run a quality exterior caulk along all frame joints and seams. Smooth caulk with a wet finger for a clean finish. Caulk protects from water intrusion.
Building sturdy frame foundations ensure your screens fit right and stay securely in place once installed. Take time to measure precisely and anchor frames properly at connection points.
Attaching Screening Material
With porch frames constructed, you can now attach the screening:
Measure and Cut Screen Panels
Measure each framed opening then cut fiberglass or metal screening to size using sharp tin snips. Wear gloves to protect hands and make clean cuts. Leave screen panels slightly larger than openings.
Staple on One Side
Lay screen panels over one side of the frame. Use an electric staple gun to attach the screen to the frame starting about 1 inch from the corners. Staple every 2-3 inches along the edge.
Pull Screen Tight
Move to the opposite side and pull the screening very tight across the frame like a trampoline. The tightness keeps the fibers perpendicular for strength. Staple this side every 2-3 inches.
Staple Remaining Sides
Continue pulling the screen taut and staple along the other edges rotating around the panel. Overlap corners by several inches and trim excess when all sides are attached.
Attach Screen Doors
For hinged screen doors, attach screen panels to the outer door frame using staples, spline, or vinyl beads. Install self-closing door hinges and latch hardware.
Attaching the screening tightly prevents sagging and maximizes insect protection. Take time to get the panels as taut as possible across each framed opening.
Trimming Excess Screen Material
Once screening is attached to frames, carefully trim off any excess:
Use a Sharp Utility Knife
Equip yourself with a new, sharp utility knife and extra blades. Dull blades will tear or fray screened edges instead of cutting cleanly.
Cut Tight Along Frames
Run the sharp blade along frame edges slicing off any protruding screen fibers. Press firmly but don’t dig into the frame itself. Follow around entire perimeter.
Reinforce Raw Edges
Apply clear packing tape over any newly cut screening edges to prevent fraying. Fold tape over for strength. Avoid masking tape which leaves residue.
Inspect for Gaps
Visually inspect framed screen panels from all angles checking for gaps along the edges. Re-staple any loose areas and apply caulk if needed for an insect-proof seal.
Sweep Debris
Use a soft brush to sweep up any stray screened fibers left on the porch flooring. Proper cleanup leaves you with a clean space ready to enjoy.
Trimming off excess screening results in taught, insect-proof panels ready for years of use. Take time to cut neatly and reinforce new edges.
Hanging Screen Doors
Screen doors require proper alignment and hardware for smooth operation:
Install Hinges
Attach heavy duty hinges designed for exterior doors to the screen door and jamb following manufacturer instructions. Use included screws and ensure hinges are aligned vertically.
Test for Plumb
Close the newly hung door and check around the perimeter for consistent spacing. if the door is out of plumb, adjust hinge positions as needed until properly aligned.
Attach Self-Closng Hardware
Mount hydraulic or spring-loaded door closers at the top of the door aligned with the hinge side. This causes the screen to close automatically behind you.
Add Latch Hardware
Install a handle latch near the bottom of the opposite door jamb allowing the screen to be latched shut. Choose hardware durable for outdoor use and mount securely.
Adjust Tension
Test opening and closing the door a few times and tweak tension on door closers as needed. Proper spring tension should close the door snugly without excessive force.
Hanging doors properly is key to smooth operation and insect control when entering your new screened space. Focus on alignment and compatible hardware for a quality install.
Maintaining Your Screened Porch
Regular maintenance keeps your screened porch looking great for years:
Inspect Screens
Check screening material around all frames for tears or gaps especially after major storms. Staple down any loose edges or patch small holes with screen patching tape.
Clear Debris
Use a small brush or shop vac to regularly remove leaves, dirt, or other debris that accumulate on the screens or clog door tracks. This improves airflow.
Re-Caulk Frames
Check caulk seals around all frames annually before wet weather sets in. Reapply exterior caulk as needed to prevent water intrusion and insect entry.
Lubricate Hinges
Apply silicone lubricant or WD-40 to door hinges and closers that become sticky or squeaky. Keep mechanisms operating smoothly.
Touch Up Paint
Spot paint any frames or trim that show chipping, peeling, or bare wood exposed to the elements. Maintain protective paint coating.
With periodic inspections and upkeep, your screened porch will provide many years of expanded living area free of pesky insects.
Common Questions About Screened Porches
Screening in an existing porch expands usable space while protecting against insects. Here are some common questions about screened porch projects:
Can I screen in a porch myself?
Yes! Screening a porch is a very achievable DIY project for a motivated homeowner. You’ll need carpentry skills and the ability to use basic tools. Patience and attention to detail also helps ensure screens fit properly.
What tools do I need to screen in a porch?
Helpful tools include a power drill, driver bits, hammer, pry bar, level, tape measure, utility knife, hacksaw, staple gun, caulk gun, paint brushes, and a stepladder. Safety gear like gloves and eye protection is also recommended.
How much does it cost to screen in a porch?
Costs vary based on porch size and materials, but expect to spend $800 – $2,500. Fiberglass screening is the most budget-friendly. Wood frames cost less than aluminum. DIY saves significant labor expenses.
Can I install screens on my porch myself?
Definitely. Attaching screening material is very doable for DIYers once frames are constructed and secured. Stapling screens tightly and neatly trimming the edges takes time and care but doesn’t require advanced skills.
What kind of door do I need for a screened porch?
Hinged screen doors work well for porch enclosures. Look for exterior doors with heavy-duty screen material and all metal construction. Self-closing mechanisms help keep insects out when entering the porch.
How long does it take to install porch screening?
Plan on spending most of a weekend constructing, installing, and finishing the project. Allow more time if working alone. Factors like porch size, materials, and skill level can add or reduce time. Patience pays off.
Screened porches create a relaxing new living area to enjoy the outdoors in comfort. With proper planning and care, you can successfully complete this project and add usable space to your home.
Conclusion
Adding screen enclosures is an extremely popular way to enhance the functionality of an existing porch. With the right materials, carpentry skills, and a well thought out plan, homeowners can cost-effectively complete this project as a DIY endeavor. Careful measurement, sturdy frame construction, tight screen attachment, and properly hung doors will result in an insect-free outdoor oasis. Invest time in regular maintenance like debris removal, caulk renewal, and paint touch ups to keep your screened porch looking pristine for many years. With expanded living space free of mosquitoes and pests, you can relax outdoors and make the most of your porch.