A Guide to Moving to Fort Myers
A screened porch is an amazing addition to a home that allows you to enjoy time outside without the worries of bugs, debris, weather conditions, and unwelcome critters. It’s common to hang out here all summer long, but you shouldn’t let your porch go untouched throughout the colder months!
We’ve gathered all the best maintenance tips so that you can keep your screened porch pristine and functional year-round.
Caring For Your Screened Porch in Winter Months
It’s important to remember that whether you plan to spend time on the porch throughout the winter or not, you’ll still want to take some precautionary measures to keep the screens, walls, and doors in good shape.
Protect the longevity of your screened-in porch by winterizing it! Taking this step is the best way to protect your outdoor space and will even allow you to continue spending time in it during the colder conditions.
How to Winterize a Screened Porch
Start With a Clean Slate
The best practice is to give your porch a little TLC before going any further in the winter-proofing process. Sweep away any leaves, dirt, or debris that may have been dragged in with your shoes.
We also recommend wiping down all surfaces. This will help keep rust away and prevent grime from building up and freezing to the structure and contents of your porch.
Add a Layer of Defense
One of the most effective things you can do to maintain your screens’ integrity and continue using your porch through snow and low temperatures is to create a temporary barrier.
There are a few possibilities for covering up your screened porch, and the right one for you will depend on your budget, your intended purpose, and how much time and effort you want to dedicate to installation.
Some options you might want to consider include:
- Paneling: Install tempered glass, acrylic, or clear vinyl panels over top of your screens
- Curtains: Hang weatherproof curtains along the perimeter of the porch
- Enclosure: Purchase and hang an enclosure specifically designed for sheltering a patio
While some of these methods will keep you warm, others will only help cover your screens and shield the interior of your porch. It’s crucial to do your research on the methods and products available before moving forward.
Invest in a Heater
Stay warm all season with a new patio heater. There are plenty of sizes and designs that are outdoor safe! You might be surprised what a difference this can make in keeping your screened-in porch comfortable during frosty weather.
Swap Out Furniture and Décor
Another way you can winterize a screened-in porch is by ensuring its contents are appropriate for the season. Look at your current furnishings and decide whether they are tough enough to withstand the cold, wind, snow, and ice that may come your way.
If you notice some not-so-sturdy materials or fabrics, it might be time to store them away in the basement or garage. You can take this opportunity to create a new look for your porch by investing in some furniture that is built to last.
Try getting some inspiration for these swaps from your front porch décor, which might already be geared for year-round use.
Although this can be a bit costly, the durability of these new items means you’ll be able to use them year after year. Not to mention, your summer gear will outlast their lifespan by being kept safely inside, saving you on costs down the road.
With the colder months on the horizon, now is the time to get started. Winterizing a screened-in porch may seem like an overwhelming task, but nailing down your preparations now will make the annual process a breeze!
Maintenance is vital to your home’s efficiency, including porch maintenance. Find out what other parts of your home you can winterize to protect everything from the interior to the exterior!
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