Just like a good concert venue, when it comes to the Carolinas, there isn’t a bad seat in the house. That doesn’t, however, mean that the scenery isn’t difficult to enjoy when you have to fight with mosquitoes, rain, or pollen.
As we quickly head into fall, homeowners across the Charlotte area looking to extend their time outdoors might want to consider porch panels. What are porch panels, you ask?
What Are Porch Panels?
Porch panels, as a general term, can describe several different types of enclosures. In this article, we are talking about framed panels with clear, flexible vinyl that are designed to help homeowners screen in their porch while not obstructing the view.
Porch panels look very similar to windows, but the clear portion of them is made from vinyl rather than glass. Depending on the system you choose, the panels can either slide up and down or side to side. That allows homeowners to choose how they want to set them.
Porch panels are a simple concept that allows you to have fresh air and breezes when you want, and then to close them off when you would rather have protection from the weather.
How Do Porch Panels Work?
There are several different ways to design porch panels. The most popular option is a vertical four-track system that provides up to 75% ventilation. Porch panels are also removable for cleaning; you just pop them out, easily clean them, and put them back in. Other systems slide horizontally, which means that homeowners can choose which system they prefer.
How Are Porch Panels Different From Screens?
A screened porch has the advantage of keeping out things like mosquitoes and pollen while also allowing you to enjoy the best of the outdoors. But that still leaves you exposed to the outdoors and all of the things that aren’t so great about them.
Porch panels add a closable layer to the enclosure. When the weather is pleasant, you can open them and enjoy the breeze. When conditions aren’t so pleasant, you can close them and sit comfortably inside.
So, if you are a homeowner looking to enjoy your screened porch more and for an extended time, then porch panels might be the answer.
Will Porch Panels Make My Porch a Four-Season Room?
There tends to be a lot of confusion about what classifies a room as three-season or four-season. The difference is an important distinction.
Closing in a porch with vinyl panels doesn’t automatically insulate the space. A porch enclosure and a four-season sunroom serve different purposes.
Before deciding what is best for you, it’s important to consider how you intend to use the outdoor space. Do you want to use it when the weather is beautiful and sunny for entertaining, or do you want it to be a functional space that you can use all year round?
Your answer will help determine whether porch panels or a four-season conversion better fits your goals.
Can You Add Panels to an Existing Screened Porch?
As sunroom contractors in Charlotte, we get asked the same question a lot: “Can I use my existing outdoor space and convert it to either a three-season or four-season sunroom?” Although we would love to give a blanket response, we just can’t.
An existing screened porch may be a candidate for a panel conversion. The layout and condition of the porch matter, however. Before you choose a system, a contractor should evaluate the roof, framing, floor, and openings.
Some porches may need repairs or changes before panels can be installed, while others might be ready from the get-go. The goal is always to use what we can while also not wasting time on an existing structure that needs to be rebuilt or altered to even begin building.
How Much Do Porch Panels Cost?
Just as the question about an existing structure has no one answer for all, neither does the question about porch panels and their cost.
There is no single price that fits every porch. The size of the space, panel configuration, installation requirements, and location all affect the overall cost of converting your existing screened porch to a three-season room.
When comparing estimates, make sure to ask what is included. Sometimes what we assume is built into the cost isn’t. And there’s nothing worse than getting a surprise bill at the end of the project!
Are Porch Panels Worth It?
Before you invest in any upgrade, it is worth asking yourself what is keeping you from using your porch now and whether you want to use it more. If you want to keep out pollen and mosquitoes and spend more time outdoors even when the weather won’t cooperate, then porch panels might be worth exploring.
If your goal is a comfortable room throughout the year that you can use through the holidays, then a four-season sunroom conversion might be a better fit, even if it is more costly.
You don’t necessarily need to start from scratch to enjoy more time outside. Sometimes, the right conversion can help you make better use of the space you already have.
How Do Porch Panels Differ From Retractable Screens?
Porch panels help shelter a porch from the weather, while retractable screens provide airflow and insect protection when you need it. Porch panels and retractable screens can both make your porch more enjoyable, but they work differently.
Retractable screens let you lower or extend a mesh screen when you want fresh air and protection from insects. When you no longer need it, the screen rolls into its housing, opening up your view and walking area. Retractable screens can be operated manually or automatically with a motor.
Vinyl porch panels stay within framed openings and slide up, down, or sideways. You can open them to let the breeze in or close them for more protection from wind and rain.
The best choice depends on what pushes you to escape indoors. If insects are the main problem, retractable screens might be a good enough fix. If you want more shelter, however, from changing weather, porch panels offer you more protection.
How Do I Decide?
At Express Sunrooms of the Carolinas, we believe in problem solving, not making problems. The first question we ask homeowners is, “What do you intend to use the space for?” From there, we can guide homeowners to the best fit with our various services and systems.
Our job is to solve your outdoor space issue so that you can use the space exactly as and when you want to. If you are looking to convert your underused outdoor area, contact us today, and we will help you design a room you can use as you want and afford. We also offer financing with zero down if you are eligible. Check out our prequalifying link today!
