Planning a new screen enclosure, repairing an existing patio or pool screen, or preparing your outdoor space for South Florida weather often brings up questions about permits, materials, repairs, and maintenance. Here are answers to some of the questions homeowners commonly ask Screen Builders.
Do I Need a Building Permit for a Pool or Patio Screen Enclosure?
Many new pool and patio screen enclosure projects require a building permit. Permit requirements depend on the type and scope of work and the local building department with jurisdiction over the property.
Permitting helps confirm that applicable plans, construction details, and inspections meet current requirements for the project.
When Screen Builders is contracted for work that requires permitting, we can determine the applicable requirements and guide the project through the necessary permitting and approval process.
If you are considering a new enclosure, learn more about our pool screen enclosure options.
Can Work Be Done Without a Required Building Permit?
Work that requires a building permit should not be completed without one.
Unpermitted construction can create problems later, including code-compliance issues, corrective work, additional permitting requirements, or complications when the property is inspected, insured, refinanced, or sold.
Before beginning a screen enclosure, fence, or other permanent outdoor improvement, the permit requirements for that specific project should be confirmed.
Who Is Responsible for Getting the Building Permit?
When you hire Screen Builders for work that requires a permit, our team can handle the applicable permitting process as part of the project.
Florida does allow qualifying property owners to act as owner-builders in certain circumstances. However, homeowners should be cautious about being asked to obtain an owner-builder permit simply so another person can perform work as though the homeowner were acting as the contractor.
If you are hiring a licensed contractor to perform permitted construction, ask who will obtain the permit, whose license will appear on it, and which inspections will be required before work begins.
Does a Fence Require a Building Permit?
Permit requirements for fences can vary according to the municipality, fence type, height, location, property conditions, and scope of work.
Before installing a new fence, Screen Builders can determine which local requirements apply to the proposed project. Property setbacks, easements, community requirements, and other conditions may also need to be considered depending on the property.
Learn more about our fences and gates for South Florida homes.
Does a Pool or Patio Screen Prevent Sunburn?
No. A pool or patio screen should not be considered a substitute for sunscreen, protective clothing, or other recommended sun-protection measures.
Standard insect screening primarily helps keep insects and debris out while allowing airflow and visibility.
For homeowners who want additional shade, Screen Builders also offers SunTex 80 solar screening. SunTex 80 is designed to block up to 80% of the sun’s heat and glare, making it useful for portions of a patio or enclosure where additional shade is preferred.
Even in a shaded or screened area, sun exposure can still occur. Appropriate sun protection should still be used when spending time outdoors.
What Type of Screen Is Best for a Pool or Patio Enclosure?
There is no single screen material that is best for every home.
The right choice depends on what you want the screen to accomplish. Some homeowners prioritize airflow and visibility, while others need additional durability, protection from very small insects, pet resistance, privacy, or shade.
Screen Builders offers several Phifer screen materials, including options for:
- Standard pool and patio screening
- No-see-um and small-insect protection
- Heavy-duty applications
- Pet-resistant areas
- Enhanced visibility
- Solar and shade control
Different types of screening can also be used in different portions of the same enclosure. Our team can help compare the options based on your outdoor space and how you use it.
Can a Torn Pool or Patio Screen Be Repaired?
Yes. Many torn or damaged screen panels can be repaired without replacing the entire enclosure.
Individual repairs may be appropriate for isolated tears, missing panels, damaged screen sections, or certain door and hardware problems.
When the screen material throughout the enclosure has become brittle, loose, or repeatedly tears, larger-scale rescreening may make more sense.
Our patio and screen enclosure repair services can address damaged screens as well as other enclosure concerns.
How Do I Know Whether I Need Screen Repair or Complete Rescreening?
The condition of the entire enclosure should be considered before deciding.
A few isolated damaged panels may only require targeted repairs. If screen mesh throughout the enclosure is deteriorating, complete rescreening may provide a more practical solution.
The enclosure itself should also be inspected. Replacing screen mesh will not correct damaged framing, corroded components, loose fasteners, door problems, or other structural concerns.
Screen Builders can evaluate the enclosure and explain which components need attention rather than automatically recommending complete replacement.
Should My Screen Enclosure Be Inspected Before Hurricane Season?
If your enclosure is older, has previous storm damage, or already shows signs of wear, it is a good idea to identify problems before severe weather approaches.
An enclosure consists of more than screen panels. Framing, bracing, attachment points, fasteners, doors, bolts, brackets, and other components can all affect the overall condition of the structure.
Screen Builders provides a hurricane preparedness evaluation for existing screen enclosures to identify areas that may need repair, maintenance, or reinforcement.
Preparing early also gives homeowners time to address concerns instead of trying to arrange repairs immediately before a storm.
What Are Removable Screen Panels?
Screen Builders developed removable screen panels as a hurricane-preparation feature for screen enclosures.
Before severe weather, designated panels can be removed to create openings in the enclosure. This allows more wind to pass through instead of placing the same pressure against a fully screened wall.
After the storm has passed and conditions are safe, the panels can be returned to their original positions.
Existing enclosures can also be evaluated to determine whether removable panels can be incorporated as part of an enclosure upgrade.
Can You Repair an Existing Screen Enclosure Even If Screen Builders Did Not Install It?
In many cases, yes.
Our team can evaluate an existing pool or patio enclosure to determine the type of damage, condition of the screening, and whether other enclosure components need attention.
The appropriate repair will depend on the construction and condition of the existing structure.
How Often Should I Check My Pool or Patio Screen Enclosure?
There is no single maintenance schedule that applies to every enclosure, but homeowners should periodically look for visible signs of wear and inspect the enclosure after significant storms.
Things to watch for include:
- Torn or loose screen panels
- Screens pulling away from the frame
- Corrosion
- Loose or missing fasteners
- Screen doors that no longer close properly
- Damaged hardware
- Bent framing
- Movement in enclosure components
Small problems are generally easier to address when they are identified before damage becomes more extensive.
How Do I Choose a Screen Enclosure Contractor in South Florida?
Look beyond price alone.
Consider the contractor’s licensing, experience with South Florida construction, knowledge of screen materials, ability to handle repairs as well as new installations, previous projects, and how clearly the proposed work is explained.
Ask what is included in the estimate, which screen material will be used, whether permits are required, and whether the contractor has evaluated the entire enclosure rather than only the most visible problem.
Screen Builders has served South Florida homeowners since 1987. You can view our completed screen enclosure projects and read customer reviews and testimonials before deciding whether our team is right for your project.
Have Another Question About Your Screen Enclosure?
Every pool, patio, lanai, fence, and outdoor enclosure project is different. If you have questions about a new enclosure, repairs, rescreening, screen materials, permitting, or hurricane preparation, contact Screen Builders to discuss your property and the work you are considering.