A Homeowner's Guide to Patio Enclosures
Written by: Admin | Date: Wednesday, 20th July 2011

A patio can be a great place to enjoy the outdoors, entertain friends or relax on a quiet evening. Unfortunately, it can also be hot in the summer, cold in the winter and wet when it rains. Even when the weather is perfect, it can leave people exposed to mosquitoes and flies. That doesn't mean, however, that the patio area has to remain unused most of the time. With a patio enclosure, you can enjoy the benefits of your patio during all seasons without worrying about humidity, bad weather or insects.

BENEFITS OF A PATIO ENCLOSURE

Not only does adding an enclosure to your patio keep out the wind and rain, but it is also one of the quickest ways to give your home an extra room. This room has the feel of the outdoors and the comfort of the indoors, and it can be utilized year-round. It adds beauty and value to a home, and yet it is generally much cheaper than other types of additions. Most patio room enclosures fit right onto the existing patio, and in many areas, they can be installed without obtaining a permit or paying extra taxes. 

TYPES OF ENCLOSURES

Patio enclosures can be made from a wide variety of different materials. Vinyl is one of the most popular because it is durable, easy to install and maintenance-free. It resists mold, comes in a variety of different colors and can even be made to look like metal or wood. Aluminum is another popular choice. It is generally cheaper than vinyl, yet it can be just as durable. Some people feel that it has a cheaper look, but that can be overcome by using alumawood, a type of aluminum that is designed to look like real wood. All-glass enclosures, which are elegant but expensive, are another option.

There are also several different styles of patio room enclosures. Screen rooms are a very basic type of enclosure that protects from insects while still letting air to pass through. They are great for patios with a lot of plants, but they are best for mild climates because they provide only minimal protection from the elements. Fully enclosed patios are more expensive to build, but they are also much more versatile. Their roofs can be flat, sloped or rounded, and they can have tinted windows, single or dual-paned glass, lockable doors and even fans and electrical outlets.

USES FOR ENCLOSED PORCHES

An enclosed patio can function as any type of room you want it to be. It can be a formal dining room for hosting parties and entertaining guests, or it can be a children's playroom with a view of the outdoors. By adding plants, it can be converted to a solarium, and the addition of a desk and a filing cabinet can transform it into a home office. Some people may also use their enclosed porches as sleeping areas, pet quarters or even hot tub rooms. No matter what purpose it serves, an enclosed porch is the perfect addition to any home.

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