When the daylight wanes and the temperature dips, many of us can be overcome by a twinge of sadness. Often the culprit is biological, as we become cooped up indoors, no longer able to comfortably use our screen rooms and patios that give us so much outdoor enjoyment in the spring, summer and early fall.
The good news is there’s two solutions that allows you to winterize your outdoor area, making it usable 3 or 4 seasons of the year, depending on your preference.
Option #1: Screen to Glass Conversion
A screen-to-glass conversion involves replacing the existing screens on a patio or screen room with windows. Typically, the primary goal of a screen-to-glass conversion is to create a more comfortable and usable area throughout the year, making it suitable for both warm summer days and cold winter nights.
One of the key advantages of a screen-to-glass conversion is enhanced insulation. Screens, while effective for keeping insects out, offer minimal protection against cold temperatures, wind, and precipitation. By installing glass windows, homeowners can significantly improve the thermal performance of their outdoor spaces. This added insulation helps to retain heat and block out the cold, making it more feasible to use the area during the winter months. It also reduces energy consumption by decreasing the need for extra heating, thus saving on utility bills.
Moreover, a screen-to-glass conversion adds versatility to the outdoor living space. With glass panels in place, the area can be comfortably used for a wide range of activities such as dining, entertaining, or simply relaxing. The transparency of glass maintains a connection to the outdoors, allowing homeowners to enjoy the views while staying protected from the elements. This upgrade not only extends the usability of the space but also increases the overall value of the home, making it an attractive investment for homeowners interested in increasing their property’s resale value. In essence, a screen-to-glass conversion is an excellent way to make a patio or screen room more functional, comfortable, and appealing year-round, making it a popular choice for those looking to create a seamless indoor-outdoor transition and maximize their living space’s potential.
Option 2: Vinyl Window Conversion
Lightweight vinyl window panels can be set up on tracks or placed in front of your existing screens, allowing you to completely close off your room from the elements. On nice weather days you can still open up the “nesting” windows effortlessly, to allow up to 75% ventilation.
This gives you a refreshing outdoor feel, without being fully exposed. And, if it does get chilly where you live, vinyl windows and a little space heater will work their magic, allowing you to get that outdoor feeling, while staying in complete comfort.
If placed in front of existing screens, at the end of winter you have the option to remove the vinyl windows completely, leaving the screens in place as before.
An Alternative to Glass
Vinyl windows are an innovative alternative to glass.
Vinyl costs a fraction of what glass costs. Vinyl is lighter weight and its durability is unsurpassed (if the vinyl is stretched or dented it will return to its original shape in minutes.) It is also ideal if living near a golf course or in an area where children play.
Vinyl also provides a clear view, unlike tinted glass, and blocks 95% of the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays (a leading cause of furniture fading), so it will help your furniture stay beautiful for years to come.
Discuss Winterizing With a Titan Design Consultant
If the idea of converting your existing porch, screen room, deck or unused outdoor space into a versatile enclosed area appeals to you – you should take advantage of a free consultation with a Titan Sunrooms design consultant. Our design experts will give you ideas, options and pricing, without any obligation (or pressure) whatsoever. To set up your consultation, click the banner below or give Titan a call at (850) 733-7445 ext. 1.
