What could be better than enjoying a cold drink on your porch in your Ottawa home during the summer? The cool air blowing on your face, the sweet, chilled drink flowing down your throat… oh bother! (Slap) So many mosquitoes!
So, how do we get rid of the mosquitoes and reclaim our space on the patio? The answer is easy – a screened porch!
An enclosed patio or deck with retractable screen walls is the best and easiest solution to block out the bugs while still letting in ample fresh air. But the million-dollar question arises: what kind of patio screen should you get to screen in your porch?
As your trusted local screen professionals, we will give you a few insider tips on how to pick out and install the best porch screen wall for your home to enjoy during the hot summer months. Keep reading!
Key Features To Keep an Eye On:
Durability and Material Quality:
When choosing the retractable screen wall for the porch enclosure, durability and material quality are paramount.
For the screen material, high-quality options like fiberglass, aluminum, or pet-resistant screens are your best bet. Fiberglass is favored for its flexibility and affordability, while aluminum stands out for its superior durability and corrosion resistance.
Different brands offer various screen (mesh) options that cater to specific needs, such as blocking heat or allowing more airflow.
Let’s take some of the famous motorized screen wall brands as examples: Talius uses exterior-rated fabrics combined with an edge retention system, ensuring their screen enclosures are robust and long-lasting. Wizard features a self-cleaning mechanism along with various screen options for insect protection, solar protection, and privacy. Mirage boasts robust aluminum construction with attractive powder-coating finishes and utilizes motors by Somfy, a leading name in Smart Home products.
When it comes to the frame material, aluminum is a top choice because it is lightweight, strong, and resistant to rust, making it ideal for Ottawa’s varying weather conditions.
Each brand employs different materials and construction techniques to enhance durability and maintenance ease.
Talius focuses on high-quality construction techniques, using aluminum with a powder-coat finish for durability and ease of maintenance.
Wizard uses high-quality materials along with their self-cleaning mechanism and unique Mack Daddy Pivot for smooth operation.
Mirage employs aluminum construction with a powder-coating finish, ensuring both longevity and elegance.
UV Protection:
UV protection is crucial to prevent sun damage to your furniture and reduce heat buildup, making your screened in patio more comfortable.
Each brand provides varying levels of UV protection. Talius offers superior solar protection, effectively mitigating UV damage with an impressive 99% sunblock.
Mirage screens are equipped with a highly effective UV blocking function, boasting a 97% UV blocking rate.
Wizard screens also offer reliable protection against the sun with a commendable 99% UV blockage.
Wind Resistance Capability:
Ensuring your enclosed patio can withstand strong winds is essential, especially in Ottawa, where winds can be quite intense.
Different screen brands offer varying degrees of wind resistance. Talius leads the pack with wind resistance capabilities of up to 100 mph. Wizard screens can handle winds up to 20 mph, the lowest among the brands mentioned.
DIY Screen Wall Options
It’s true that you can purchase tracks and screen wall panels at local home improvement stores like Home Depot, allowing you to take on a DIY enclosed porch project. However, there are a few significant drawbacks to consider.
Firstly, if you’re not a seasoned handyman, installing a motorized retractable screen wall with mounting and motors can be incredibly challenging. Even for those with advanced DIY skills, the effort and complexity involved are substantial.
Secondly, the quality of a DIY installation is likely to fall short, even slightly, compared to a professionally installed screen wall. Without professional guidance, support, or a warranty, the risk of ending up with a subpar or problematic installation is high.
On the plus side, DIY projects can be more cost-effective. If budget is a primary concern, this route might save you money upfront. However, weighing the potential issues against the initial savings is crucial to ensure the end result meets your expectations and needs.
By understanding these key aspects and comparing the features of different brands, you can choose a screen product that meets your needs and ensures durability, comfort, and protection for your patio screen room in Ottawa.
Considering Ottawa’s Specific Demographic Features and Weather
Climate Adaptation:
Ottawa’s climate includes cold winters and warm summers, so the retractable patio screen and its installation should cater to this. Insulation and proper sealing can help make the screened porch usable year-round. Products from Talius and Mirage, with their superior weather resistance and thermal comfort, are particularly suited for Ottawa’s climate.
Aesthetics:
Ottawa homes often feature traditional or contemporary styles. Ensure the screened in patio design complements the existing architecture. With a wide range of customization options, including colors and mesh types, brands like Talius and Mirage can provide a screen wall that seamlessly integrates with your home’s aesthetic.
Local Recommendations:
Consider seeking recommendations from neighbors or local community groups for trusted installers who are familiar with Ottawa’s specific needs and weather challenges. Trusted brands with good reputations, such as Talius and Mirage, are likely to have reliable local installers, like Screen Savers.
By focusing on these key aspects, you can ensure that your screen porch enclosure in Ottawa is durable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing, providing a comfortable and enjoyable outdoor space for your home.
Key Aspects for the Professional Installer
When it comes to installing a screen porch enclosure, the expertise and reliability of the installer are just as important as the quality of the screen itself. Here are some key aspects to look for in a professional installer to ensure a smooth and satisfying experience:
Licensing and Insurance:
First and foremost, make sure the installer is licensed to operate in Ottawa. This ensures compliance with local regulations and standards. Additionally, verify that the installer is bonded and insured. This is crucial as it protects you from any liability in case of accidents or damage during the screen wall installation process.
For instance, Screen Savers and all its team members are bonded and insured, providing you with peace of mind by protecting both you and the installation team.
Experience and Expertise:
Experience matters a lot in screen porch installations. Look for screen installers with a solid track record and extensive experience in this field. Check their portfolio and don’t hesitate to ask for references from past clients. It’s also important that they have expertise in handling the specific type of screen product you’ve chosen.
With over 15 years in the screen industry, Screen Savers’ technicians undergo continual training, ensuring they are well-versed in the latest techniques and products.
Reputation and Reviews:
A good reputation is a strong indicator of reliable service. Research the installer’s reputation online and read reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau. Positive reviews and high ratings are a testament to customer satisfaction.
For example, Screen Savers boasts over 585 five-star reviews, reflecting proven satisfaction from numerous happy customers.
Warranty and Service:
Warranty is another critical aspect to consider. Ask about the warranty on both the screen product and the installation work. A dependable installer should offer a solid warranty and provide follow-up service if needed.
Screen Savers offers an installation warranty in addition to the limited lifetime warranty provided by their suppliers, ensuring you are covered in case of any issues.
Customization and Design Assistance:
Customization options and design assistance are essential for ensuring your screened in porch matches your home’s aesthetic and your personal preferences. A good installer should offer various customization choices and help you design an outdoor screen room that integrates seamlessly with your home’s architecture.
Compliance with Local Building Codes:
Make sure the installer is familiar with Ottawa’s building codes and regulations. They should handle all necessary permits and inspections required for the installation, saving you from potential legal hassles and ensuring the project is up to code.
Professionalism and Communication:
Professionalism and clear communication are key to a successful installation experience. Choose an installer who communicates clearly and professionally. They should provide a detailed quote, timeline, and scope of work. This transparency helps set the right expectations and ensures you are informed throughout the process.
By focusing on these aspects, you can ensure that your motorized retractable patio screen installation in Ottawa is not only durable and functional but also aesthetically pleasing, providing a comfortable and enjoyable outdoor space for years to come.