Screens make porches usable

We both have fond memories of backyard slumber parties and sleepovers. And while we may have outgrown the slumber party part (though we'll never tell by how much), neither of us has outgrown the love of a summer night breeze and a clear starry sky.

But sadly the current generation of outdoor slumber partiers has much to contend with — from worries about mosquitoes with West Nile virus to fears of kidnapping. Add to that obnoxious yellow jackets that swarm every BBQ and valid concerns about sun exposure, and it's no wonder our yards are practically abandoned!

But we are (happily) seeing a traditional solution making a comeback: the classic screened porch. A screened porch is an in-between space — part inside and part outside. It can provide some of the delights of being outside, like cool breezes and fresh aromas, without the annoyances, like yellow jackets and mosquitoes. Screen porches can provide the added benefits of eliminating the usual build-up of leaves and dirt on decks or patios; providing a shady, cool place to relax "outside" and allowing for more permanent furnishings.

In fact, the enclosed porch can be finished to be much like an interior space since it is partially protected by screens. Adding rugs, plants, lighting, and a ceiling fan bring all the comforts of the inside to a casual outside setting.

A fireplace can be added to extend the use of the space and provide a fun spot to roast hot dogs or make s'mores. A screened porch can become truly three seasonal with baseboard or radiant heating and screens that can be removed and replaced by glass or acrylic panels.

There are several options for screening. The least expensive fabric is fiberglass screening, which costs about 15 cents per square foot. This will not rust, but is not strong enough to weather abuse from children or pets. Aluminum mesh is the most commonly used material. For 25 cents per square foot, you get a stronger, longer-lasting material. It can produce a glare in bright sunshine, but a new black version is available for 5 cents more per square foot.

Fancier screening made of bronze or copper is available for 90 cents per square foot. Bronze is the stronger of the two, and copper will oxidize and change color over time. The strongest material to stand up against pets and kids is a new vinyl-coated polyester fabric that costs about 50 cents per square foot.

If constructing a whole new porch is a bit more than you want to tackle at this time, another option is to add curtains made of mosquito netting to your porch. This obviously does not work on an open deck, but it can be added to any permanently roofed porch area. The netting comes in white or black and can be attached with hooks or Velcro strips or hung on curtain rods.

So while there are any number of reasons our back yards are all but abandoned these days, with some effort and creativity, a screened porch can turn a problem into a design opportunity and add value and interest to your home.

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Architects Ann Robinson, AIA, and Annie Vernon, AIA, welcome your design questions at Ask@RenovationDesignGroup.com. Robinson and Vernon are founding principals of Renovation Design Group, www.RenovationDesignGroup.com, a local architectural firm specializing in residential remodeling design. To register for "Remodeling a Home with Character & Class" or another seminar, call 533-5331.