Screened in porches have skyrocketed in popularity in recent years, especially in areas with warmer climates. And it’s not hard to see why. Screened in porches or decks allow homeowners to enjoy beautiful weather, add another quality living space to their home, and significantly improve their house’s value.

What’s not to like about any of that?

But that barely scratches the surface when it comes to the many benefits of a screened-in porch. Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of it and find out exactly why screening in a porch or patio can be a total game-changer for your home.

What is a Screened-in Porch?

Put simply, porch screening consists of installing a screen enclosure onto your existing porch and surrounding the little-used outdoor area of your home, transforming it into a high-quality extra living space. A screen enclosure allows homeowners to enjoy the outdoor vibes with a layer of protection against the sun and annoying bugs and insects.

A screened-in porch can cost between $8 to $20 per square foot for covered porches or patios, depending on your area’s labor and materials costs.

DIY vs. Professional Installation

“Do it yourself” screened-in porches and decks are possible but can be a very challenging undertaking. That’s because most custom patio screenings demand a tricky installation process that needs to be carefully thought out, planned, and executed by professionals with years of experience. 

So unless you have some serious DIY home improvement chops, it’s probably better to leave it to the professionals. That way, your screened-in porch will blend seamlessly with the rest of your home and remain up to snuff for many years to come.

You could also transform an unused outdoor space into a flashy three-season room if you want to go beyond a screen-in porch or patio.

Now, here are 4 benefits of screening in a porch, patio, or deck.

1. Improved Home Value

Even though they are not typically factored into the overall square footage of a home, screened-in porches and decks still add tremendous value. This is primarily due to the fact that they add functional living space and a feature that’s in high demand to homes. 

Assuming you live in a warmer area where screened-in porches are highly sought after, you could see anywhere from a 50%-100% return on your initial screen enclosure investment. According to HGTV, a screened-in patio is one of the ten best projects to add value to your home.

2. More Usable Living Space

As mentioned, screened-in porches and patios add valuable living space to homes. This brand new living space could be used for all sorts of things. And it’s entirely up to you. 

Want a second living room? No problem. Or how about a chill-out reading den with a chair swing, hammock, or yoga area? Sure thing. Or, better yet, an outdoor kitchen or dining area, which would otherwise be impossible due to pesky flies and other insects? You got it! You can even use them as a place to keep your furry friends. The possibilities are truly endless.

3. A Breath of Fresh Air and a Healthier Lifestyle

For many, life has changed and allowed people to spend more and more of their time at home, whether it be the increase of remote work opportunities or the convenience of things like Netflix and food delivery apps. While this new reality offers many benefits, it’s not the best thing to be stuck inside all day.

This makes screened-in porches the best of both worlds. A screened-in porch gives homeowners an outdoor space where they can soak up the fresh air and sunlight, allowing them to boost their health, energy levels, and creativity while still being in the comfort of their own home.

4. Entertainment Space for Guests

Screened in decks and patios are also a great option for more socially-minded individuals, offering the perfect place for them to entertain and hang out with guests. Screened-in porch ideas for entertainment include a TV area to watch big sporting events, a dinner party space, or an outdoor drinking area that’s completely mosquito-free. 

Types of Screened-in Porches

Screenmobile offers four main types of porch screens, each with its own advantages:

• Stapled: most cost-effective option and can be customized for any porch, deck, or patio.
• Removable Panels: custom-sized for any space and can easily be removed with clips and fasteners.
• Screen Tight: Assorted colors to complement your home and no staples necessary.
• Screeneze: For homes with existing covered porches. No staples or visible screws.
• Small Extrusions: The best choice for longevity.  The low-profile frame offers a screened-in patio with minimal visual obstruction.

If you’re interested in installing a screened-in porch, don’t hesitate to visit Screenmobile to ask our porch and patio screen specialists for a free estimate today.