Screened Porches Bring The Outside In - New Trends Make Outdoor Living More Enjoyable

(Wednesday, June 25, 2003) - Memories of hot sun, harassing insects and unexpected rain showers are enough to keep most families from eating outdoors during the summer. But an increasing number of homeowners are now dining al fresco on their screened porches.

"With a screened porch, you can enjoy the fresh air, avoid the hot sun and it's a great way to escape pesky bugs," says Ed Repak, Construction & Drafting Director for Archadeck. "Today's screened porches are viewed more as an additional room rather than just a porch."

Archadeck specializes in building screened porches that blend with the original structure and details of your home. In addition to matching the existing roof line and shingles, the company can build gables and knee walls with a finish to match the home's exterior. Interior finish on the ceiling, the knee wall and even on the existing house wall, all add to the feeling that the screened porch is another room in the house, rather than an enclosed deck. Skylights add to that effect, and they help capture some of the natural light that can be lost when a roof is added to an exterior wall.

"And, for those homeowners who wish to extend the use of their screened porch into the cooler days of fall," explains Repak, "we offer several options which allow the screened porch to be converted into a 3-season room." One popular option includes adding clear acrylic panels that may be removed with the turn of a clip, much like the back of a picture frame. An alternative would be a fixed panel insert, which can be opened during warm weather like a window, but closed during chillier days and nights. "In addition, in those areas of the country where the sun is extremely strong during afternoon hours," says Repak, "Archadeck offers screens with UV protection and the option to wire in ceiling fans."

Some budget conscious homeowners prefer to start with upgradeable decks that they can convert to a screened porch in the future. In those cases, Archadeck increases the size of footings to support the roof load. Builders also install screen under the floorboards. "That way, the floor is already bug-proof when the owner decides to upgrade," explains Repak.

For those customers living where insects are not an issue, Archadeck offers a variety of shade options, ranging from an open porch or loggia to a pergola. These attractive structures provide the perfect relief for the potent rays and heat of the sun.

About Archadeck
Founded in 1980 in Richmond, Va., Archadeck was ranked #1 in Decks & Porches by Qualified Remodeler magazine (Sept. 2001), and has designed and built more than 50,000 projects across North America, including decks, screened porches, sunrooms, gazebos, pergolas, arbors, and many other outdoor structures. Archadeck offers the strongest warranty in the decking industry.

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