How to Choosing the Right Screen Room Options

The weather is warming up all over the country and people are getting ready to spend more time outside. While the prospect of sitting on your porch sounds great, past seasons will remind you that there are challenges that come with trying to relax outdoors. Excessive heat, bright sunlight, bugs, wind, and nosy neighbors can ruin what should be an enjoyable experience.

To combat these issues, you may be planning to have a screen room constructed on your property. If you’re exploring your options but you’re not sure which solutions you need, keep reading. This article will cover a few common screen room options as well as the key factors you should consider when making plans.

Screen Room Options

Screen rooms are designed to allow fresh air to blow through an otherwise enclosed room, which is what separates them from a sunroom (which is glass-enclosed). Depending on several factors, homeowners can choose a variety of options to create the most ideal screen room for their needs.

If you’re planning to have a screen room constructed in or around your home, take a look at these screen room options for ideas on the best way to proceed.

Retractable Screens

Retractable screen systems can be either manually controlled or motorized, so these screen room solutions are developed with the intention of meeting a variety of unique needs.

Retractable screens are custom-fitted into spaces the homeowner desires (such as archways or windows) in order to create a screen room. The screens can be retracted when they’re not in use to open the space completely or lowered to allow fresh air to flow through the area. This option provides the best of both worlds, as the screens block excessive sunlight, heat, and insects while allowing homeowners to enjoy the tranquility of the outdoors.

Additionally, some screens are designed to improve the homeowner’s sense of privacy without obstructing the view of any surrounding landscapes.

Screen Doors

A screen door can serve several purposes including sun protection, security enhancement, and pet safety. Depending on what the homeowner wants his or her screen door to accomplish, one of several screen door options may be appropriate.

Heavy-duty pet-proof screens allow dogs and cats to get fresh air and have fun playing outside the house without introducing any risks to the animal’s safety. These screens are incredibly durable, so dogs and cats won’t be able to break through if the mail carrier drops by.

Screen doors also improve home security measures by allowing airflow to pass through a screen room without opening the rest of the home to intruders. Screen doors can be locked so that the homeowner and his or her family can relax without interruptions or uninvited visitors walking in off the street.

Like other screen systems for screen rooms, a screen door can also control how much heat and sunlight passes into the room.

Screen doors can be retractable, sliding, or swinging so that they align with the home’s space availability.

Outdoor Shades

Exterior solar shades can turn an ordinary porch or patio into a screen room quickly and easily, and the shades can be rolled up and away when they’re not in use.

https://www.screenmobile.com/our-products/porch-and-patio/exterior-shades/ without forcing the household to contend with insects, sunburns, or heat-induced headaches. Instead, with the shades in place, having a get-together, barbecue, or relaxing afternoon outside is easy regardless of how hot or windy the weather might get.

Factors To Consider

While each component of a screen room sounds perfect in theory, it’s important for homeowners to plan their screen room construction project with a few things in mind.

Screenmobile offers a wide variety of screen room solutions and each one is designed to meet a homeowner’s general needs. That said, certain products will be a better fit than others, depending on the features and functions our customers want.

Keep these three factors in mind when you’re coming up with screen room ideas.

Space Layout

Most screen room solutions come in different sizes, so they can be customized to fit a home’s unique layout. For homes with smaller screen room areas, smaller screens can be installed. For homes with massive porches that need to be screened in, a larger, more powerful screen system may be the best choice.

Additionally, if the home in question has high ceilings and archways, opting for motorized retractable screens may be more convenient than choosing manual screens, as it may be difficult to reach the edge of the screen if it retracts farther than the height of a typical adult.

Usage Needs

Homeowners living in locations that frequently experience harsh weather conditions and storms may benefit from choosing storm screens, doors, and windows. This way, wind, rain, and excessive heat won’t damage the screens encasing the screen room.

If security is a concern, choosing a metal screen door may be a better option than one with vinyl screening. Doors with metal screens still enable plenty of fresh air to blow through, but they keep homes safe and secure in the process.

The intended use for an individual’s screen room should play an important role in determining which product and material is best suited for the project. If you’re not sure exactly what sort of screen room solution you’d like, our customer service team can walk you through your options and help you make an informed decision.

Budget

Finally, the costs associated with creating a screen room will be an essential part of your plan. Some screen room solutions are more affordable than others, and depending on the size of the area you’re working with and the intended purpose of your screen room, you might be able to save money taking one route over another.

If you want to talk with an expert about your screen room options or you’d like to get started with your project, reach out to Screenmobile. Our team of experts will work with you to make sure you have everything you want in a screen room.

As summer draws near, property owners are feeling the heat—and not just from the temperature. High energy bills can seriously dent your budget. But there are ways to keep your space cool and comfortable without breaking the bank.

One solution is to invest in sun control and shading devices, which reduce glare, lower indoor temperatures, energy consumption, and much more.

In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of sun control and shading devices available and provide tips for choosing the right one for your property. Read on to learn more!

Understanding the Importance of Sun Control and Shading Devices

Sun control and shading devices are designed to reduce the amount of solar heat that enters a building through windows and other openings. Solar heat can be overbearing, especially in buildings with large windows or those located in hot climates. And blocking or reflecting solar heat can significantly reduce cooling loads and energy consumption.  

Alongside reduced cooling loads and energy consumption, sun control and shading devices also help improve indoor comfort. Reducing glare and controlling solar heat gain can make maintaining a consistent indoor temperature easier, reducing eye strain, and improving visual comfort.

These devices can also help to protect furniture, carpets, and artwork from fading due to exposure to sunlight.  

Sun control and shading devices can also improve natural lighting in a building. They help diffuse direct sunlight, reducing the amount of harsh, direct light while allowing natural light to filter through. This can create a more pleasant and inviting environment while reducing the need for artificial lighting.  

Types of Sun Control and Shading Devices

Several unique types of sun control and shading devices are available—here are some of the most popular types:

Window Solar Screens  

Window solar screens are popular for those looking to reduce solar heat gain, glare, and harmful UV rays. These screens are installed on the outside windows and work by blocking sunlight before entering the building. They come in a variety of colors and can also offer privacy.

Motorized Shades

Motorized shades are convenient for those who want to easily control their shades. These shades can be programmed to open and close automatically based on the time of day or the amount of sunlight. They come in different materials, such as fabric, wood, or aluminum, and can be customized to fit any window size or shape.

Blinds

Blinds are versatile shading devices that can be adjusted to control the amount of sunlight entering the room. They come in various materials, such as wood, aluminum, or fabric, and can be vertical or horizontal. Blinds are popular in residential settings but can also be used in commercial buildings.

Exterior Shading Systems

Exterior shading systems are mounted outside a building and work by blocking sunlight before it reaches the glass surface. They come in different types, such as fixed or retractable, and can be made from materials such as metal or fabric. Exterior shading systems can significantly reduce solar heat gain and glare and can be an excellent option for buildings with large windows.

Custom Awnings

Awnings are another type of exterior shading device that can be installed over windows, doors, or outdoor spaces. They provide shade and protection from the sun and can come in various materials, from fabric to metal. Awnings can be retractable or fixed, and they can be motorized or manual.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Sun Control and Shading Device

Here are some of the most important factors to consider when choosing a sun control and shading device for your building:

Location

The location of your building can significantly impact the type of sun control and shading device you choose. Consider factors like latitude and sun angles to determine the amount of solar heat gain your building receives.

Building Orientation

The orientation of your building can also impact the amount of solar heat gain and glare. East and west-facing windows receive the most direct sunlight while north-facing windows receive the least.

Architectural Style

The architectural style of your building can also impact the type of sun control and shading device you choose. Consider options that complement the style of your building while also providing the necessary shade and solar control.

Window Type and Size

The type and size of your windows will also impact your choice of sun control and shading device. Decide whether your windows are operable or fixed and whether they are located in hard-to-reach areas.

Energy Efficiency Requirements

If energy efficiency is a priority, consider options such as solar control films and exterior shading systems that can significantly reduce solar heat gain and energy consumption.

Cost

Finally, consider the cost of different sun control and shading devices and weigh the upfront costs against long-term energy costs and maintenance savings.

Choosing the Right Sun Control and Shading Device for Your Building

When choosing the right sun control and shading device for your building, start by assessing your building’s location, orientation, architectural style, and specific needs and preferences.

You’ll also want to compare the different types of sun control and shading devices based on their features, benefits, and costs. At this point, decide which factor is the most important to you, and let that clear your path toward your decision.

If you’re on the fence about this decision, consider the long-term maintenance costs and energy savings each option provides. The cost-effectiveness alone is a great perk, but consider the long-term benefits of high-quality sun control we’ve laid out in this guide.

Smart Shading, Lower Bills

Don’t let the summer heat get the best of you and your property. Choosing the right sun control and shading device for your building is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your indoor comfort and energy consumption.

With a wide range of sun control and shading devices available, our team at Screenmobile can help you choose the perfect solution for your building.

From window screens to porch enclosures, doors, and more, Screenmobile is here to help you love your home again. Check out our products to see the options available for your space, and find your nearest Screenmobile location to call for your free estimate!