Choosing the right type of porch shade or screen for your outdoor living space can be quite a decision-making process in itself, but when you have settled on a style or approach, along comes the next question: what kind of porch screen material are you going to go for? Well, there is a wide range of porch screen materials out there, but the one which is right for you will depend on a number of factors.

Here we’ll take a look at the major deciding factors in picking the right screen material for porch areas, and at the differences between the main types of screen material are.

Deciding Factors for Porch Screen Materials

Personal Taste: 

One of the biggest factors in choosing the type of material used for your porch screen is that it fits in with the overall aesthetic you want for your home. Some types of porch material, such as a common fiberglass screen, can come in virtually any color, while others, like steel or bronze, will only have one. Apart from the color, the porch screen materials used will give different looks, like vinyl-coated polyester for a minimalist look or brass for something more vintage.

Climate: 

Another major reason to pick one kind of porch screen material over another is what weather effects you’re looking to minimize. This could mean going for something with a tighter mesh size if the sun is too strong and you’re looking to protect furniture and fittings from sun-weathering or a non-metal if it’s a damp climate that could lead to rust and corrosion.

Location: 

There are also a number of environmental factors that may play a role in picking a particular porch screen material. These include sea salt, which can lead to the corrosion of metals like aluminum and brass if you live close to the sea. The direction and strength of the sun will make a difference as some screen porch materials, especially PVC-coated polyester, are better for dissipating heat. In urban areas, the fumes of a city can create a thick scale on your screen porch material, so an easily cleaned option like fiberglass will be a good choice.

Pets: 

Pets, specifically cats and dogs, can either scratch or tear holes in your porch screen. This is mostly a problem for a fiberglass screen as it’s the most fragile of porch screen materials. The best pet-resistant material for a porch screen is PVC-coated polyester fibers, but strong metals, such as stainless steel, brass or bronze, would also work well.

Visibility Needs: 

If you have a beautiful view and little passing traffic before your home, then you’ll want the screen porch material that gives you the most possible visibility, so a thin PVC or fiberglass screen with a wide mesh would work. However, privacy might be a more significant concern in a more populated neighborhood. Therefore, you’ll want a darker material that creates a mirror effect by being brighter on the outside than on the inside.

Movement: 

It also makes a difference if your porch screen is going to be fixed and static for its lifetime or if it will be moving. Motorized and retractable porch screens are highly popular for new installs as they increase homeowners’ design options. However, much heavier materials, such as stainless steel or brass, may not be viable, while more fragile options, such as fiberglass, run a greater risk of being damaged. If looking to install a motorized or retractable screen, it’s best to talk with your installer to get expert help on the best porch screen materials to use.

Different Types of Porch Screen Material

As we’ve looked at, though insect protection is the primary use for porch screens, they also have a lot of other deciding factors on the material used for the screen mesh. There are a wide variety of options, so here we’ll take a look at the most common and some more niche screen porch material choices and their pros and cons.

Fiberglass: 

This is generally the number one choice for porches as it can come in a huge variety of colors and provides great visibility as it minimizes glare from the sun. It’s easy to work with, flexible and generally the cheapest option out there, but the downsides are that it’s relatively fragile, so it tears easily and can be easily torn by determined pets.

PVC-Coated Polyester: 

A more resilient porch screen material, polyester fibers coated in a vinyl covering, is more resistant to pets and other types of corrosion caused by environmental factors. This screen fabric also won’t dent or crease like other materials and is probably the best choice for very hot climates or screens taking direct sunlight as the fibers naturally dissipate heat.

Metal Screen Materials:

Some vendors still offer metallic screens, but they fall short in so many fields that Screenmobile doesn’t offer them. PVC and fiberglass are generally considered to be superior options compared to aluminum, stainless steel, copper, and brass, due to the following reasons:

• Aluminum: It may be cheaper than other metallic options, but it dents easily and is prone to corrosion, especially in damp or seaside locations. Charcoal or black coating can reduce glare but also adds to the cost.
• Stainless Steel: Strong and rust-resistant, but it is rigid, making it difficult to work with, and it also causes significant glare in the sun.
• Copper: Flexible but bends easily, and while it has a unique natural discoloration over time, it may not be suitable for all styles.
• Brass: a stylish option, but it is expensive, flexible, and susceptible to sea salt and atmosphere corrosion.

In comparison, PVC and fiberglass are durable, low-maintenance, and have better resistance to weather and corrosion, making them a better long-term investment for porch screens.

Conclusion

There is a wide range of potential materials to use for your screen porch, and a number of factors go into deciding which one is best for your situation. Apart from keeping out insects, your porch screen material can also be used for keeping the worst of the sun’s rays or even mild precipitation from your porch furniture or fittings. Of course, wear and tear and corrosion are also big factors, but then the stronger materials you choose, like stainless steel or brass, may not be viable in the area you live in.

Before making any decision on your screen porch material, it’s always good to get an expert opinion on what will work best for your individual needs. To do so, you can get in contact with your local Screenmobile installer here, who will be happy to discuss your options.

Why Turn a Porch into a 3 Season Room or 4 Season Room

The most basic sunroom could also be called a one-season porch. It’s an area outside your home, level with your house, which is usable and quite enjoyable when the sun is shining in. It will most likely have insect-resistant porch screening to make sure the only guests are ones you’ve called over rather than the mosquitoes, no-see-ums or various other bugs attracted by the gathering.

This space can be many things, a relaxing place to chill out, somewhere to take in some cool air without the aircon blasting, or even a casual party location. However, this space could also be elevated even further by building a three-season or four-season space out of your existing porch or veranda. Three and four-season sunrooms mean that you can get much more use out of this extra living space, which brings greater value to your home and also means getting better value out of any investments you make there in terms of decoration and furniture.

If you already have a porch or are thinking of adding one, going the extra step of making it a 3-season room or 4-season room definitely has big benefits. Here we’ll look at what they are and what you need to do to make it happen.

3 Season Room or 4 Season Room: What’s the Difference

Let’s start with looking at what the big difference is between a basic or screened-in porch, a 3-season room and a 4-season room.

A normal or screened-in porch will have, at most, screening materials at its openings, which mostly serve to keep out insects but can also be for reducing the glare and UV damage of the sun or for ensuring pets and toddlers don’t stray out any gaps. However, with the screen material allowing for the full flow of air and no extra insulation measures, outside of summer, the porch will be too cold, windy or wet for daily usage.

A 3 season room will generally have insulation (though some very warm parts of the country won’t necessarily need it) and also a screen and window layout that can keep out wind and rain. This means that despite the worst of whatever spring, summer and fall has to throw at your home, the 3 season room will still be usable. A three-season porch, as it doesn’t have its own heating or aircon, will still have to be separated from the rest of the house, which is the main difference between it and a 4 season room.

A 4 season room, as the name suggests, is completely usable all year round. That’s because, along with better insulation in the flooring and roofing, and windows that can trap heat, it’s also connected through to your house’s heating, ventilation and aircon (HVAC) system, which allows it to be heated or cooled like any other room in your house. As a year-round sunroom, you’ll be able to enjoy the space and comfort of the extra living space without having to worry about the ambient temperature outside, which also means that a 4 season room can be directly connected to the rest of your house without the need to be closed off by walls or doors, which also fills your home with more natural light.

So with those differences sorted out, let’s look at how to go about building a 3-season room or 4-season room. These can be either from converting an existing porch, veranda or other outside space or building it from the ground up. There are different processes for making either of the spaces, but they also have a reasonable amount in common.

How to Build a 3-Season Room

Whether the job is a conversion or a new build, whether it’ll be a DIY 3-season room or you’re hiring a contractor, the core concept of elevating a 3-season room from a simple screened-in porch is how much control you have over the environment. By that, we mean you want to be able to keep what you don’t want (wind, rain, insects, heat or coldness) out and what you do want (warmth or cool air, noise, pets and toddlers) in.

There are a number of factors that allow you to do this, namely insulation (roof, wall, floor) and your windows, screens or window screens. The insulation doesn’t have to be as heavy as with a 4 season room. Roof and floor work are the main concerns. It’s possible to have all-clear walling in your 3 season room, depending on your insulation needs. An example is the Eze-Breeze system, which integrates panels made from see-through vinyl that have the same functionality as glass without the fragility or cost. The advantage of using such a system for your 3-season room is that the wall/window panels can be adjusted into different configurations depending on how much coverage or openness you want for the room in adapting to the seasons.

Cost-wise, a 3-season room is going to run anywhere between $10,000 to $50,000, depending on how much insulation and glazing or screening has to be added. It can even sometimes be cheaper to build the room again from the ground up rather than retrofitting insulation or other features such as anti-mouse and moisture screens in the flooring.

How to Build a 4-Season Room

As mentioned, the big difference between a 3-season room and a 4-season room is that the latter is connected to your home’s HVAC systems. To ensure that you’re not losing warmth or coolness from your home that means the 4 season room must be up to the same standards of insulation and temperature control as the rest of the house, so all of the same rules apply as for a 3 season room but wall insulation and insulated (that is, double-panel) windows or screens are a must.

Connecting your HVAC system to the room can be quite a task in itself, though. It will probably need to be rewired for extra outlets or HVAC equipment. When it comes to that equipment, a new aircon or heating system unit may be required, though you may be lucky to get away with simply splitting ducts from the main system. For anything producing fumes, such as a fireplace or stove, make sure you have proper exit ducts, and the whole finished job is up to local building codes.

Though a 4-season room will logically come in more expensive than a 3-season room, at around $20,000 to $80,000, the benefits are greater. Apart from being able to use the room all year round, it is also important, legally, for a room to be occupiable 365 days a year for it to be officially counted as ‘living space’ by real estate agents, thus adding greater value to your home.

Conclusion

Building or converting a porch or outdoor area into a 3 season room or 4 season room is a big home improvement undertaking but can have huge benefits, giving you, your family and your friends a wonderful and relaxing living space for the majority or all of the year.

If you’re thinking about taking the step, it’s always best to talk with the experts first. Here at Screenmobile, converting and winterizing porches, verandas and other spaces is a specialty, and our technicians are always happy to discuss how the job can go down and what kind of options are available to make the space your own.

To find out more, you can read about conversions, 3-season rooms and more here or locate your nearest Screenmobile operator here.

What are Pet Screens?

Pets are much-loved members of the family but can sometimes pose a challenge when it comes to the treatment of furniture and anything else in the house. This is especially true in the case of screen doors, which are usually more fragile than a normal door, and household pets can damage them in a number of ways, such as:

– Dogs: Screen doors are a barrier stopping a dog from getting outside, which is made even worse as they can clearly see what’s on the other side, and they want it. Dogs can claw or get their teeth into regular screen doors to try to tear them apart. They can also just straight-up crash into them and knock them out if they’re coming at them in a hurry.

– Cats: Cats, generally, don’t have the strength or desire to pull out a screen door, but they do love scratching their nails and stretching on the grate-like surface of a screen which will tear it open in time and then the curiosity really begins. Cats are also known to climb up screen doors like it’s a tree, which can end up pulling them out of their frame.

For these reasons, special pet-resistant screens are needed, which use different screen material to normal screens to give them extra strength and make them tear-resistant. A pet screen will still provide all the functionality of a normal screen, that is, keeping out bugs and providing a certain amount of privacy while also allowing air to circulate, but it will just be a more heavy-duty version.

What Materials Are Used in a Pet Screen

Pet screen material should be vinyl (PVC) coated polyester or nylon fibers for a few reasons. The first of these is that PVC-coated fibers are up to seven times stronger than regular screen materials, and while they are tight-knit, the fibers also have more give in them than some types of metal-based screens, which may just crack if hit by a sprinting hound who can’t stop in time. As well as adding a protective coating from pet claws, the PVC coating also helps protect the fiber strands from the worst of the sun’s rays, as well as salt, oils, and moisture in general.

The second reason to be careful about the pet screen materials you use is to ensure they aren’t toxic or harmful to your pets. Standard screen materials like carbon fiber and aluminum may not be hugely toxic in the small amounts a pet is likely to ingest (though some dogs can chew through a whole one, which is definitely not a good thing), but these materials don’t digest at all and so can cause gastrointestinal blockages for your pets. The best pet screen material in this sense is polyester fiber which, while not excellent in huge quantities, is just the same as the filling in a pet’s play toy.

It should also be noted that there may be chemicals you want to avoid in some popular screen washes, so be sure to check for a non-toxic version before cleaning your screens.

What Kind of Pet Screens Are There

Depending on the type of pet you have, the challenge will be different for protecting your screen from them. The typical forms of pet screen solutions are:

Pet Resistant Screens

These are normal screens but made with the heavy-duty PVC-coated polyester fiber mentioned earlier. They have extra strength to deal with the vast majority of animal interests, so you can feel safe leaving your pet alone with them without coming home to find one or both to have disappeared. The fiber is thicker, so the screen apertures are also slightly larger to allow for air and light but still too small for bugs to pass through.

Pet Guards

For the toughest pet challenges, mainly very large and active dogs, then a full-on pet guard might be necessary. This is like a barrier for your screen, which protects the screen from being reached and scratched or gnawed by your pet. It functions like a gate, with vertical bars, and can be made from a variety of metals with varying levels of width and number of bars. This will keep your screen safe while still letting it function fully.

Pet Doors

Pet doors, which allow pets to move freely between outside and inside, can also be installed on pet screens. Without any barrier to entry or exit, a lot of the reason for picking on the screen door is gone, and if it’s made of pet screen material, then it will be built to survive most wear and tear. Whether you want to have a pet door included in a screen door, you’re having installed or to install a pet door on an existing screen door, you can ask your Screenmobile technician to help you out.

Pet Screens for Windows

In the same vein as pet screen doors, screens for windows also need protection from pets, especially those behind tall furniture or anything to do with cats. Using the same PVC-coated polyester as the pet screen material, your screen windows should be tough enough to survive most scratching, climbing and pulling. The frames can be an issue, and it’s important to get screen window frames that don’t pop out too easily.

What is the Best Screen for Pets

The pet screen vs. regular screen debate is relatively easy to settle. If you have a pet that’s in any way curious about the outside or your furniture, you should most likely get a pet screen for your doorways and possibly windows, too (in the case of cats or windows beside sofas or other tall furniture). This pet screen will be made of special, heavy-duty material, such as PVC-coated polyester, that is not dangerous or toxic for your pet.

As to whether you should get a pet screen, screen guard or a pet door, well, that will depend on your pet, its size and desire to get outside, whether it’s allowed outside and whether they’re big enough to get through even a pet screen or agile enough to reach a window. Those are all individual decisions, but our Screenmobile technicians are always happy to help you find the best option for your family, pets and all.

To find out more about installing pet screen doors or windows, pet guards or pet doors, you can read more about what Screenmobile offers here or go here to find your local Screenmobile operator.

Every day we hear so much noise coming into our homes from the outside—everything from cars and trains to music, loud talking, and dogs barking. Unwanted noise from the surrounding environment can keep us up at night and interrupt our peace and quiet.

What can you do about unwanted noise? One way you can fight back against unwanted noise is by soundproofing windows. This guide explains what environmental noise is, the different ways noise can be reduced, and covers several window options that are available. Read on to learn more about noise pollution and how you can soundproof your windows.

What is Noise Pollution?

Environmental noise, also known as noise pollution, can be annoying as well as disruptive. What is noise pollution, exactly? Noise pollution is unwanted or harmful noise coming from outside that negatively affects living things.

Noise pollution can be very harmful and affects many people and other animal and plant life, too. Unfortunately, we humans cause a lot of noise when we are doing things outside. What can be done to combat all of this noise?

Thankfully, there are some measures you can take to reduce sounds coming in from outside. Some methods are good for reducing noise, and some are good for absorbing noise. What’s the difference?

Reduction vs. Absorption Soundproofing

Noise reduction and noise absorption may sound like they mean the same thing, but there is a difference. Noise reduction works by stopping sounds from entering a space. Typically, we hear noise through air, and noise reduction works by blocking air from outside from coming in. Reduction in soundproofing keeps sounds out and can be an effective method for fighting unwanted noise.

Noise absorption, on the other hand, helps reduce noise by absorbing some or all of the sound that already exists in a space. Sound-absorbent materials take in and trap noise, which results in less noise in your home. Both reduction and absorption work but are often combined for the best results.

Options for Soundproofing Your Windows

There are many different ways of soundproofing your windows. Some of these ways work by reduction, some by absorption. There are several different soundproof window treatments. The following section covers several effective products. Try one or several of the following options to help reduce the amount of unwanted sound in your home.

Double-Pane Windows

Double-pane windows are commonly recommended for reducing noise from outside. Double-pane windows have two panes of glass rather than one, so they are able to help with noise reduction. They work by blocking some of the sounds from entering your home.

Double-pane windows are a very expensive option, and they are not enough on their own to stop noise pollution from reaching you in your home. Thankfully, there are other options that work effectively and are much more affordable.

Thick Curtains

Using thick curtains on your windows is a tried-and-true method of reducing noise in your home. A good set of curtains act as a screen for windows and absorbs sound from outside, keeping things quieter in your space. Using curtains or drapes on your windows is a simple and cost-effective way to reduce noise pollution. Not only can thick curtains help reduce noise, but they can also help reduce your energy costs, as well.

Shutters

Shutters are an excellent option for noise reduction. Indoor shutters work as a soundproof screen for windows. They are very effective against environmental noise, especially if constructed from good-quality wood. Shutters are easy to use, stylish, and work by helping to block out sounds. Indoor shutters are a simple, affordable, and attractive way to reduce noise in your home.

Blinds

Blinds are another simple and affordable way to reduce unwanted noise. Blinds work by absorbing noise, similarly to curtains. Blinds are effective and look nice, too. They can also help reduce your light and heat bills, too. A good set of blinds reduces sound from outside and are an affordable option.

Cellular Shades

Another great way you can reduce unwanted noise in your home is by installing cellular shades. Cellular shades are window covers made of many fabric cells that work like an accordion when opened or closed, working as a soundproof window screen. These window coverings have the added benefit of reducing your light bill! Cellular shades are an attractive and affordable way to reduce outdoor sounds from making their way into your home.

Storm Doors and Windows

You can also install storm windows and doors on your home to help reduce unwanted noise. Storm windows and doors are very effective against noise pollution. They work by blocking a lot of the sound from entering your space. Storm windows are wonderful for use on an outdoor patio or a screened-in porch and work with your existing window to help block sounds. When used in this way, you can enjoy the outdoors without dealing with all of the unwanted environmental noise.

Solar Shades

Solar shades are another great option for reducing noise pollution in your home. Solar shades work to reduce noise by absorbing some of the sounds. Solar shades are a wonderful, affordable option for soundproofing your windows. These shades are attractive and can help reduce harmful sunlight, as well as reduce your light bill. Try installing solar shades to help you enjoy peace and quiet in your own space.

In Closing

In this guide, we covered what noise pollution is, different methods for reducing it, and several different products you can utilize to fight it in your own home. Hopefully, you find this information about soundproofing windows useful.

Consider having one or more of these options professionally installed on your home. At Screenmobile, our professional installers can help with all of your soundproofing needs. Our services include:

• Window screens
• Shades and blinds
• Window shutters
• Storm windows and doors
• Custom solar screens
• Motorized shades and blinds

Screenmobile has the noise reduction products you need to enjoy the peace and quiet of your home. Visit our website and complete this form for a free estimate, or find the nearest Screenmobile location today!

Architects, home improvement designers and realtors, especially in the south and west of the country, will often talk about how much a veranda adds to a home in terms of utility, style, and, indeed, home value. But what is a veranda, what kind of benefits does having one offer, and how can you make the most out of yours? These are all pertinent questions for potential house buyers or someone looking to improve their home. So let’s start by taking a closer look at the first of those ‘what is a veranda’?

What is a Veranda?

The name veranda itself is from the Portuguese ‘varanda’, which probably originates from the Spanish ‘barranda’, meaning railing or handrail. This isn’t a surprise as both countries are very warm, and the Spanish architectural styles were imported to the southwest and places like New Orleans. So verandas were always very common in the warmer parts of the country before air-conditioning was invented. Still, it was from the late 19th century and on, during the picturesque movement, that the idea of making the most of outdoor space really took off, and verandas became a must-have for homes all over the US.

Today a veranda describes an open air porch, at ground level or slightly above it, that has a covering extending from the house. This differentiates it somewhat from other types of outdoor structures, such as a deck or patio, where the overhead covering is optional. As we saw from the roots of the word, verandas often have railings running along their edge, which give an impression of enclosure without affecting the veranda’s open-air nature. The idea of a veranda can often be interchangeable with that of a wrap-around porch as you guessed it, the veranda may wrap around more than one side of the house.

What is a Veranda: The Benefits

A Welcoming Entrance

Walking up to your house (or any house), the building can come across as forbidding or unwelcoming if it has no exterior details. However, with a veranda with furniture, personal items or screen walls, it seems more like an extra room of the house that you or any guest is arriving straight into. This domestic veranda room can also mean that crossing the threshold into your home isn’t actually necessary, and you can meet and talk with people comfortably and politely outside.

Enjoying the Fresh Air

Among the many benefits of having a veranda is how it allows you access to the fresh, outside air in all kinds of conditions. If it’s hot and stuffy inside, but you don’t want the aircon blasting, then the veranda is the place to go, even if it’s raining outside, with its super durable permanent covering, the veranda is still a great place to chill out, in the open. A veranda screen enclosure also allows you to take in that fresh air without having to worry about insects swarming over attracted by the lights.

Great for Entertaining

Entertaining guests at your home can be stressful if you’re worrying about how tidy your home is before they arrive or how untidy it’ll be after they’re gone. A veranda then becomes the perfect place to host people, out in the fresh air and with no fear of spillages on your carpet and of course, there can always be through-flow between the inside and outside. Installing a veranda screen enclosure keeps unwanted guests, i.e., bugs, away from the party and adds a layer of privacy to your outside space to make it even more relaxing.

Extra Square Footage

As an addition to your home, at the least, a veranda adds extra space to what can be considered ‘yours’. This provides its own personal comfort and gives you and your loved ones more area to move around or hang out in. Interestingly though, it also adds value to your home, with this extra footage counting as living space.

A Relaxing Space

Most of all, what a veranda delivers is a perfect ‘do-nothing’ space, it’s not an office, bedroom or kitchen, just a peaceful place to sit out and enjoy in whatever way you want. Your space is yours to do with as you wish. It can be somewhere you watch the world go by and chat with neighbors, somewhere quiet you go to read or a place where everybody comes to meet. Wrap-around porches or spaces with a veranda screen enclosure can also deliver a greater sense of privacy.

Getting the Most Out of Your Veranda

You can do so many things to make your outside veranda space yours in terms of decoration and furniture. It could be a swing seat, a table set for dining or working, or even loungers and a TV to create an outdoor screen room. It’s also possible to create the perfect veranda for all seasons with veranda screen enclosures to keep out the worst of the weather and bugs or winterproofing with heavier-duty screens and a sliding door. There are numerous ways you can alter or decorate your own veranda to make sure it is exactly the outdoor space you want.

Conclusion

Tracing its history back centuries, the veranda is a staple architectural feature, especially across the south and west. A veranda is a versatile outdoor space that can be shaped as you wish so that it becomes one of your home’s favorite spaces. This could be through furniture, how you decorate or with a veranda screen enclosure to protect you from the elements and annoying bugs.

Whatever you wish to do with your veranda, why not talk to the experts to see what your options are. Screenmobile has been helping homeowners across the country to create the veranda of their dreams for decades. To find out more about how we can help you get the most out of your veranda, you can read more here or get in touch with your local Screenmobile operator.

Whether you frequently spend time outdoors or you live in a humid area, you’re probably no stranger to pests like no see ums. These small but bothersome insects deliver extremely itchy bites, leaving many an unsuspecting hiker or camper riddled with irritating red splotches.

You normally encounter these pests outside, but a no see um invasion in your home is possible, especially if you live near a body of water. No see ums can ruin everything from get-togethers to just relaxing in your home. Keep reading to find out what no see ums are, how to identify their bites, and most importantly, how to get them out of your space and keep them out for good.

What Are No See Ums?

No see ums are tiny insects belonging to the Ceratopogonidae family that are infamous for their ability to ruin a nice day at home with irritating bites. Also known as biting midges, these mosquito-like pests feed on the blood of humans and other animals in order to produce eggs. Less than ⅛ inches long, they may be hard to see, but you’ll surely know they’re around when you begin to notice itchy clusters of red dots appearing on your skin.

The life cycle of no see ums consists of 4 stages: eggs, pupae, larvae, and adults. It may take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks for no see ums to reach the adult stage. Once they do, females will fly up to 2 km away from the breeding site in search of food.

Contrary to popular belief, no see ums and sandflies are actually not the same species. Though both are a type of small biting insects, sandflies belong to an entirely different biological group.

Where Are They Found?

Like many other types of insects, no see ums are often found in wet, humid areas or in close proximity to bodies of water. Females typically lay their eggs in moist areas, as the larvae can be both aquatic and terrestrial. So, if you live in a coastal region, you may be particularly at risk for an invasion from no see ums.

No see um bites also occur frequently while adventuring outdoors. Hikers, campers, fishermen, and even joggers might find itchy bites littering any exposed patches of skin, especially when exploring near marshes and other moist climates.

Identifying a No See Um Bite

The diet of no see ums typically consists of flower nectar. However, as we mentioned, female no see ums have to feed on either human or animal blood to gain enough protein to produce eggs. This leads them to bite humans when they have the opportunity. Due to their small size, you may not be able to pinpoint what is biting you at first. This can be an indication that what you’re dealing with is, in fact, no see ums.

No see um bites may look similar to mosquito bites at first, but they are much more severe. When one of these tiny pests bites you, it injects some of its saliva under your skin to draw blood to the surface, making feeding easier. This leaves behind small, itchy red marks that can expand into larger, more uncomfortable welts in the coming days.

You can treat no see um bites the same way you would treat itchy bites from most insects. Wash the area thoroughly with soap and warm water to get rid of any saliva left on your skin. If your bites are swelling, you can apply a cold compress or ice pack to relieve the pain.

You should also try your best to avoid scratching your no see um bites, as it can cause bleeding. Over-the-counter products like hydrocortisone cream, calamine lotion, or aloe vera may be helpful for reducing itchiness as the bites heal.

How to Get Rid of No See Ums

Though you’re most likely to run into no see ums outdoors, they have been known to invade houses as well. If you have an insect problem, try these solutions to get rid of or repel no see ums quickly.

Climate Control

A great way to chase away no see ums is to control the climate in your home. As we explained, these pests prefer warm, moist areas. With a combination of air conditioning and dehumidifiers, you can make your home as unwelcoming as possible for these creatures by creating an environment with cold temperatures and low humidity. No self-respecting no see ums will want to stick around for long.

Carbon Dioxide Traps

Female no see ums are attracted to the scent of human skin. But what exactly does human skin smell like? Our bodies emit a combination of carbon dioxide, heat, and lactic acid. This is like ringing a dinner bell for no see ums who are immediately alerted that there is blood nearby.

Since females are likely to follow the scent of carbon dioxide, one efficient way to get rid of no see ums is to set carbon dioxide traps. These traps release carbon dioxide into the air to attract no see ums. Once the insects get close enough to the device, they become trapped either by an adhesive or a vacuum.

No See Um Screens

Screenmobile’s custom screens are the perfect solution to prevent no see ums and a variety of other unwanted pests from entering your home in the first place. Our custom screens allow you to prioritize your unique needs by selecting from a variety of fabrics. Our insect control fabric is specially designed to keep out even extremely small pests like no see ums, which may be able to fit through typical mesh screens.

If you need help fighting back against your insect problems, give us a call or fill out our contact form. We will dispatch one of our trained Screenmobile professionals to your house ASAP. Thanks to our handy workshop trailers, all it takes is one visit to get high-quality, custom-made mesh screens installed in your home. Let us help you take back control of your space from pesky pests today!

This blog covers the enclosed patio option from another angle, focusing on providing shade and making the porch a more relaxing place to be. From retractable awnings to motorized shades – this is all about blocking out the sun and cooling down the front or back porch.

The outdoor living spaces around your house can be some of the most enjoyable parts of the home for relaxing and entertaining. A well-furnished and pretty front porch or enclosed patio can dramatically increase the size of your home’s ‘livable’ area, allowing you to enjoy the fresh outdoors and adding to your property’s value.

However, the one thing that can cause problems for all of that is the sun. Whether it’s getting just too hot, shining in people’s eyes or fading your furniture and fittings over a long exposure, too much sun can be terrible for your outdoor areas.

The solution is getting outdoor shades that can block out the worst of the sun’s effects. Not only can solar shades help with light filtering, but different designs can also help protect from insects or give the space added privacy. To help you determine what size, angle and style would work best for you and the specific space here, we’ll look at some of the best outdoor porch shades and patio covering ideas.

8 Ideas for Outdoor Porch Shades

1. Retractable Awnings

When it comes to sun shades, awnings are one of the most obvious solutions. Too much sun overhead, roll out some fabric to block it out. The great thing about awnings is they can just be rolled back in when you don’t need them, and many electric motors can now be controlled from your smartphone. Awnings can also be created to fit pretty much any space and required projection, as well as coming in a huge variety of fabrics and styles.

2. Outdoor Porch Shades

If you’re looking to keep the sun off the porch or verandah at your home, you’re in luck, as there is an incredible wealth of porch shade ideas out there. They can be horizontal, vertical or slanted to match how the sun gets in. They can be light screens to let in air but no insects or heavier duty to provide a full UV block for everyone and everything on your porch. A mechanical or manual rollable option will give you more flexibility around the amount of light getting through. However, fixed shades may provide more design options.

3. Umbrellas

Umbrellas are a classic and low-tech way to keep the sun off certain areas in your outside living spaces, like seating or a dining table. The good thing about sun umbrellas is that they are flexible and generally easy to set up. They also come in a wide variety of styles to suit the decoration ideas you’re going for and can be taken in when not in use. However, they do have downsides in that they can generally only provide a relatively small area with protection and are not very good at stopping horizontal sunlight. They can also be quite susceptible to winds, meaning they must have heavy bases, which can be difficult to move about.

4. Roll-Down Solar Screens

For front porch shade ideas, roll-down screens are some of the best outdoor porch shades you’ll find. Outdoor roller shades come in a number of fabrics and can be custom fitted for your specific space. With an outdoor roller shade for your porch, you have the flexibility of adjusting the amount of light, and with bottom-up and top-down options, you can also create all the privacy you need.

5. Custom Screens

Screens are the classic outdoor porch shades and have been used for centuries to keep sun, rain and insects away from outside living areas. The concept of the screen hasn’t changed much over that time, but new technologies and materials now give you a real choice when it comes to deciding what’s best for the needs and look of your home. As outdoor porch shades, a screened-in porch is a very common amenity, especially in the south. Still, with modern manufacturing possibilities, you can also screen off very large outside areas as well.

6. Pergola

If you’ve got the space and will, a pergola can be a beautiful patio shade. Basically, it’s a simple construction with four columns and roof beams, and a canopy is pulled along the roof to give shade to the area below. A lattice pergola is a similar design but without any canopy, intending to deliver the minimum of light blockage. Not only does it keep the sun off, but it’s also a really cute design feature and provides lots of DIY and upcycling potential.

7. Extruded Screening Systems

Another advantage of the improvement in outdoor porch shades is how to screen systems can be combined with metal extrusion to cater for maximum width and height openings without the tightness or consistency of the screen material being affected. Extruded screen systems can also add in chair rails for extra safety, kick panels to protect against active pets or sudden water flows and spindle systems to protect children as well as adding a design feature.

8. Trees

One of the most obvious outdoor porch shades is having a verdant tree outside it. Trees have long provided natural shade for the sun’s worst extremes and, at the right angle, can give protection from rain as well as privacy from the street. While certainly an environmentally friendly option and adds a touch of class to your home, trees can also be difficult to maintain, take a long time to grow, and the leafy ones that are best as outdoor porch shades also create a lot of yard work and porch sweeping come fall.

Conclusion

Outdoor living spaces are the best spots for relaxing, entertaining and getting some cool fresh air. Unfortunately, the sun can have a big impact on how much you get to enjoy those spaces. Between the heat making people uncomfortable, the brightness getting in your eyes and the UV rays bleaching your furniture, the sun is a big issue for outside living. Luckily outdoor porch shades have a wealth of variety in forms, styles and materials, meaning you can find exactly what you need to keep the sun off and that fits your home perfectly.

No matter what the space of your outside living area our custom design and expert fitting teams can give you the shade you need. To find out more about outdoor porch shades from Screenmobile, you can read about them here or find your nearest Screenmobile location.

Enjoying time outside is great for our wellness. However, the outdoors present some dangers. UV rays, heat, and pests can prevent you from having the good time you deserve.

A lanai can keep you and your visitors safe from the elements while providing comfort. Lanais can also help business owners attract customers and enhance their buildings’ appeal.

What is a lanai? What are the advantages of having one? What are some other options to help you enjoy your outdoor space?

Keep reading to learn more about lanais and if one is right for you!

What Is a Lanai?

The traditional lanai meaning comes from Hawaii. The term lanai simply refers to a covered or enclosed porch or patio. Conventional lanais have a roofed entrance and exclude more than one wall, granting wider access to nature. They often open up to larger living spaces.

Although lanais originated in the Aloha State, their use spread to areas that frequently experience warm climates, like California and Florida. However, anyone across the United States can add a lanai to their home or business.

How Does a Lanai Differ from a Traditional Porch/Patio?

Porches are traditionally areas connected to buildings that have roofs but no walls.

Patios are typically uncovered, paved areas that can be attached to buildings but sometimes are not.

A porch patio combines the best traits of both, offering a covered and paved space.

Lanais are porch patios that have taken on new dimensions. They extend indoor spaces, expanding the comforts of your home outside. Some lanais have living-room-style accommodations, special lighting, TVs, and more. Lanais generally have some sort of access points between the building and the sitting area. A sliding glass door or set of french doors can lead to a hang-out spot your friends and family will never want to leave.

The Advantages of Lanais

Lanais offer several benefits for your outdoor space. Here are the top benefits of them:

Options

Location

Because you can use a lanai as an extension to your home’s interior, you can have one connected to your house wherever it is possible. Imagine waking up in the morning and walking out onto your lanai directly from your bedroom. The crisp morning air could vitalize you to face the day head-on. You could even connect your living room to one, upgrading your summer barbecues to spectacular affairs.

Access points

As previously mentioned, you can access lanais in several ways. Retractable and sliding screen doors are just a few of the alternatives you can use to enjoy nature year-round.

Furnishings

In addition to lighting and TVs, you can put anything you want in a lanai. A few stunning choices to spruce up your space include:

• • • Ceiling fans.
    • Dining table.
    • Plants.
    • Pool table.
    • Work station.

Walls, screens, or both

Your lanai can have a full wall or half of one. You can also have a screened lanai that helps keep bugs out of your face. A lanai screen can complement wall enclosures, offering pest protection and a great view of your property.

More Usable Living Space

Lanais can be used as a second living room, dining area, or workspace. You can use them however you see fit. Their main draw is that they give you more space to live and play.

Safer Access to Nature

Fresh air and sunlight can boost your energy levels. A lanai porch gives homeowners a safe outdoor space with all the comforts of home. You can relax outdoors while technically not really being outside.

Added Value

Lanais can increase your property’s value. If you place your home on the market, then a lanai can appear attractive to prospective buyers, especially if you live in warm climates.

Lanai Alternatives

If you are still determining whether a lanai is right for you, then you can explore more alternatives that can amplify your home or business.

Sunrooms: Sunrooms are great if you want to let as much sunlight as possible enter your home. A sunroom is simply a room with a large number of windows. You can build one onto an existing patio.

Three-season rooms: These sunroom variations are meant to be used three out of four seasons a year. Three-season rooms could prove beneficial if your winters are severely cold and detrimental to outdoor enjoyment. You could also use them all year. It’s your space!

Catios: Patios for cats are becoming popular across the country. These special enclosed areas are designed specifically for your feline friends.

Let Screenmobile Inspire You

Choosing the right addition for your property can be stressful. While there’s certainly an initial investment to consider, the long-term gains are immeasurable.

Building a lanai can add value to your property and quality of life. You could invite your friends and family to hang out on your lanai. Doesn’t that sound exotic? A lanai can take you away from the stresses of everyday life.

But the key is that you have to trust the company you’ve partnered with to renew your space.

If you want to get away from it all without leaving home, then Screenmobile can create the perfect environment for rest and relaxation. Since 1980, we have been the preferred choice for windows, doors, and porch screens.

However, we are more than just screens. We manufacture and install solar shading, pet-resistant screens, motorized and large-format screens, and more. Our trailers carry the necessary materials and tools to complete a job on-site at the first appointment. We want to treat your time as important as we do ours. We want to get the job done right the first time.

Our service has earned us satisfied customers across the country as well as the top spot on Entrepreneur magazine’s #1 Home Repair Franchise. We are not content with achieving this honor once. We strive to win it every year, meaning you can expect the best from us each time you hire us.

Screen enclosures can transform your lanai, porch, or patio. We’re here when you’re ready to choose a convenient, efficient screen store. Please contact us with any questions or if you want to set up a service request today.

Interior window shutters were the most popular form of window covering for hundreds of years before curtains, drapes and blinds came to take over from the Victorian era onwards. However, interior shutters are currently experiencing a revival in popularity among both stylists and pragmatists. Interior shutters can make sense on many levels, and lots of homes are discovering that interior window shutters can tick a number of boxes for what they’re looking for.

Here we’ll take a look at how this most classic of window coverings provide a number of benefits and can suit almost any home or office design spec.

8 Benefits of Interior Window Shutters

1. Light Management

One of the greatest advantages of interior window shutters is the control they give homeowners over the light entering a room. This is especially applicable for louvered shutters, which can be adjusted to very specific levels to suit your needs at different times of the day. Louvered interior window shutters are those with layered slats that are adjustable by means of a switch or stick. Solid panel interior window shutters also provide light control but only in the on/off sense, though this can also be quite useful for bedrooms receiving streetlighting or early morning natural light.

2. Charming Looks

Another reason for the recent surge in the popularity of interior window shutters is how they give a classic look to any room. Solid panel, plantation, or floor-height wooden shutters can instantly create a vintage vibe in your home while also giving you numerous decorating options to work from, including varnished/stained, painted or distressed, depending on what you’re going for. With minimalistic blinds or zero window coverings on the way out and drapes feeling like too much, interior window shutters can give you a more timeless background for your decoration choices.

3. Privacy Control

Along with light interior, window shutters can also effectively control the amount of vision that gets into a room from outside. This is particularly useful on street-side first and second-floor windows. It’s also possible to get interior window shutters in what is known as cafe style, where only the lower part of the window has shutters. This gives the effect of allowing in plenty of natural light while keeping out the gaze from the street.

4. Protection Against the Elements

With energy prices going up, having an extra layer of insulation can help to keep your utility bills manageable. Interior window shutters help with this by creating an extra pocket of air between your glazed window and the shutter while also allowing you to circulate air through a room without having to open a window fully or be exposed to rain.

5. Cooler Home

While interior window shutters are effective protection against cold and rain, they are flexible enough to also work in the other direction, allowing air to circulate through a room or your whole home even when the sun’s at its height. This has a cooling effect of allowing a breeze to move around but keeping the direct heat of the sun away from the interior.

6. Work Well in Tight Spaces

Urban living can often mean being limited in decorating options by a lack of space. This can be particularly troublesome around windows where you may need to block out very strong sunlight from a home office, for example, but a curtain won’t fit. Interior window shutters can be made to measure for any window space and can also be created to fit your own decorative look. The various styles of interior window shutters can also be applied to suit the needs you have in different situations.

7. Protecting From Sun Damage

Over-brightness does impact not only yourself or your guests but also the furnishings in your home. The UV rays from the sun can damage and fade flooring, furniture, pictures, and books over time, and it is something to be wary of before it’s too late. Interior window shutters can provide a helpful barrier against this damage while still letting light enter the room and also allowing you to ‘turn off’ the sun when you are out of your home.

8. Sound Exclusion

Along with keeping out the sun and other environmental elements, interior window shutters can also exclude noise from the street or surrounding nature. Sound waves, especially high-frequency ones, are relatively easy to block out with heavier materials such as wood, so closing your shutters at night time should be able to create a quieter home environment.

Conclusion

Interior window shutters are not just a stylish addition to your home, but they have a range of benefits too. These come from their ability to block out environmental factors, such as rain, coldness, sun rays and sound. They can also help you to maintain your privacy in your home and overall give you a flexible window covering you can alter for different situations.

If you’re interested in installing interior window shutters for one or all of these great reasons, then why not talk to the experts at Screenmobile? We can construct your shutters exactly how you want them and for whichever purpose you need and from a range of materials. To find out more, you can read about our interior window shutters here or talk to your local Screenmobile.

With environmental concerns being top of mind as of late, it is no surprise that upcycling has been all the rage. This is also seen with those looking to upcycle old screen windows.

If you are unfamiliar with the concept, upcycling, contrary to recycling, is when you reuse material in its original form while increasing its value instead of breaking it down as a raw material to make new products. Wood furniture, plastic bottles and bags, and even metal car pieces are all common materials upcycled and sold as something new.

While recycling is often recognized as being good for the environment, upcycling may be even better. Upcycling does not require a material breakdown, thus reducing the need the recycle at all. Upcycling is especially remarkable since you really can upcycle anything, even window screens.

Window screens typically last between eight and ten years. Rather than tossing old ones in the trash, you can reuse them in a way to make something even better or give them new life. Not only will this help the environment, but it will help you bring out your creative side and make use of something you already have around the house! Here are five ways you can repurpose window screens.

1. Filter old paint

If you have extra paint lying around that has been sitting for a while, chances are it has become clumpy and lumpy. The longer it has sat, the lumpier it has gotten. You can make more use of this paint with an old window screen.

If you have some old window screen, you can use the spare screen to filter out the clumps and breathe new life into the paint. The paint will be good as new, and you can use it for other projects around your home.

1. Make a bird feeder

A quick and easy upcycle of a window screen is to make it a birdfeeder. You can leave the screen as is for this idea. You can also cut it into different shapes. Then, coat the screen in peanut butter and spread birdseed over the surface. Attach a chain to suspend it from a tree for the birds in your yard to snack on.

1. Make homemade paper

Making homemade paper is one of the most extraordinary things you can do with an old window screen. Best of all, you most likely have all the required materials in your home. This idea has two upcycles in one: the window screen and old paper you had around the house.

You can use the old screen to make a deckle or a mold to create paper. To do this, attach the screen to a square or rectangular wooden frame. This will give the paper its shape.

You can collect old pieces of paper from around your house to make new sheets of recycled paper. Rip the paper into small pieces and soak in warm water for four to six hours. Once time is up, transfer the soaked paper to a blender and blend until smooth, making a slurry. You can add food coloring or glitter to give your paper some extra pizazz.

From there, transfer the slurry to an aluminum tray at least 2 inches deep and filled with water. The more water you use, the thinner your paper will be. Once you have reached the slurry-to-water ratio you desire, immerse the deckle you made with the spare window screen into the mixture. Evenly spread slurry over the deckle and remove. Keep the deckle over the tray for four to five minutes to allow all the excess water to drip through.

Once the water has dripped through, gently flip the deckle onto a damp towel to release the paper. Allow the paper to dry overnight. You now have created your own recycled paper! Store it in a cool, dry place and use it at your leisure. You can make multiple sheets and create a notebook, or make a few sheets over time to use in other craft projects.

1. Explore your green thumb

There are a few ways you can repurpose old window screens when it comes to gardening and lawn maintenance.

Depending on where you live, your lawn can become patchy for numerous reasons. The animals in your community and the weather often play a role in the health of your yard. Luckily, old screens can be an effective tool to heal your grass.

When you are trying to regrow areas of missing grass, you can use a piece of screen to protect the grass seed from being eaten by birds. Once the grass starts sprouting, you can remove the screen and save it for the next time you need to replant grass seed. You can use this method for planting any seed.

You can also use screens when planting potted plants. Adding a layer of the screen to the bottom of a flower pot before adding soil and plants will help the soil stay put when watering. The screen will still allow excess water to drain through the pot.

1. Get artsy and crafty

If all else fails when it comes to upcycling old window screens, you can always channel your inner artist and create an artistic masterpiece. The screen can become a piece of art on its own! Purchase a canvas, some glue, and other art supplies, and let your imagination get to work.

You can even sell your works online if you want to get some extra cash. Sites like Etsy offer a comprehensive platform for upcycling articles to sell their work.

Wrapping it up

When it comes to old window screens, there are many things you can do other than throw them away. You can upcycle and reuse the screens, giving them new life with a new purpose. It can even help you make some extra cash.

Most importantly, upcycling and repurposing window screens are great ways to limit trash and help the environment, something that is top of mind for many people across the globe. The next time you need to replace your window screens, be sure to try out one of these upcycling methods.

Are you in need of new window screens? Screenmobile can help you get started.