A brand new screened porch offers numerous benefits depending on how your family plans to utilize the addition. Along with added space, a screened porch increases your home value and provides a comfortable place to enjoy the outdoors, protected from the elements. There’s nothing worse than planning a weekend BBQ with friends and family, only to be interrupted by passing showers or thunderstorms. With a screened porch, you can keep the party going outdoors, sheltered from rain and debris.
For the summertime in particular, screened porches provide additional shade and can limit exposure to pesky bugs and insects. And when the crisp autumn air arrives, your family and guests can stay warm and cozy semi-protected from the chill. This month, we’re proud to feature a beautiful refurbished screened-in porch in Edgewater, Maryland. While their original porch was covered, the walls were left open which wasn’t suitable for multi-season use. Project Consultant Brian Hannon worked with our customers to design this perfect home extension that brings the outdoors, indoors for three seasons of changing weather!
Before:
Brian first met with our clients to determine their vision for their refurbished screened porch, color and design options, and provide an overview of the materials and build process. Prior to our work, we helped to obtain a permit for the deck and screened porch. Generally, upon building a new deck or screened porch for your home, you will be required to have a county permit.
To obtain the permit, you need a copy of your property plat shows the property lines, and an indication of where the new deck will be constructed. You will also need a drawing of the desired screened porch to scale that clearly shows the dimensions, footer size and depth, beam size, joist size and spacing, materials to be used, railing system and staircase location if any. Below, you’ll see the CAD Drawings of the new screened porch for our clients in Anne Arundel County.
After:
Our hardworking crews removed the existing deck and installed new framework and rear and front support beams for the newly designed screened porch. We then installed 224 sq. ft. of TimberTech Reserve composite decking in Antique Leather, a beautiful hue that complements the home’s siding and brightens up the outdoor space. Antique Leather provides a rich, golden wood aesthetic that gives a space inviting, sandy beach tones. TimberTech Reserve brings the charm of reclaimed wood without the rigorous maintenance of wood.
White fascia, white diagonal lattice, white vinyl Lincoln-style railing, and black aluminum spindles adorn the perimeter of the space and keeps it safely enclosed. An Antique Leather cap board tops the entirety of the railing — not only a nice design accent, but functional too! Cap rails, also called drink rails, provide flat surface for drinks to rest on. Four steps lead down to the stone walkway and garden area, complete with black Pyxis riser lights. Many homeowners opt for this additional accessory, as deck lighting extends the use of the space long after the sun goes down.
While the outdoor deck space is beautiful in and of itself, the refurbished screened porch is where the project truly shines! We kept the original roof and added white fascia, white support raps, and white soffit ceiling inside the room. A decorative, finished screened porch ceiling is an aesthetic undertaking rather than a structural necessity, but this extra step adds visual appeal, creates a focal point for outdoor entertaining, and can enhance resale values. On the outside, we added cedar impression siding — a charming design choice which matches the home and new decking perfectly.
To replace the drapes that served as the “walls” for the original screened porch, we installed Eze-Breeze panels and an Eze-Breeze door. Eze-Breeze Sliding Panels fill the gap between screen enclosures and insulated 4-season rooms. Eze-Breeze vertical units have four sliding vents that nest up or down over the attached screen. When completely open you have 75% screen. Remove the vents and you have 100% screen. Closed you have 100% protection from wind, pollen, and weather.
If you’re thinking about adding a screened porch, it might just be the perfect time. Though you might not have it completed early this summer, you’ll have a perfect spot to enjoy the fall and early winter! If you’re dreaming of a screen porch and reside in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Howard, County, PG County, or Queen Anne’s County, fill out this short contact form to set up an appointment with one of our knowledgable Project Consultants!