How to Close In a Porch

You’re likely reading this article because you have a wonderful porch but don’t use it enough. In the southeast in particular bugs and insects are a big issue, but let’s face it, they suck pretty much everywhere (no pun intended). In the old days (like less than 20 years ago) you had very few options to close in your porch, and it was really just for insects. Not anymore. With modern solutions, you can screen your porch and add privacy if you want it, or shade from the sun as well! Screening in your porch isn’t just a summer thing anymore, with modern technology you can trap heat in the winter, and with the addition of a gas or electric heater, you can screen in your porch for year-round use. In the industry, regardless of where you live, you should add 100 days and nights of extra porch time by screening it in.

How to Close In a Screened Porch

This is easy. There is the cheap way- you can simply get a screen company to add fixed window screens and maybe a swinging screen door and call it a day.

Then there is the best way to close in a porch. Retractable Screens. Both kinds- the motorized version (in the west coast we often call this a PowerScreen) and manual versions of retractable screen doors and retractable window screens.

There when you need them, out of sight when you don’t – this is the modern solution to expanding your lifestyle outside of your living room. With retractable screens you bring the outside in at the touch of a button. Here are some of the best retractable porch screens you can buy.

How to Close In a Back Porch or a Front Porch

This is more of a function of fabric than anything else. If you go with a well functioning motorized screen you have tons of fabric options.

Enclosing a back porch tends to be an extension of your living space, and in addition to a bug seal, there’s usually an aspect of shade. Or a desire to keep heat in by enclosing your porch in the winter. By using a tighter weave mesh, like Nano 95 from Twitchell, you can accomplish all of the above. Lots of color options are available to make it work with the look of your home.

Enclosing your front porch might involve some privacy screening. This is still a solar mesh, but a lighter colored retractable screen fabric will give you better privacy from your neighbors. I know- it’s counterintuitive, but a white fabric gives you privacy day and night. Of course you could black out your front porch enclosure, but then you miss out on the breeze an those warm summer nights watching the neighborhood while having a privacy screen at the same time.

How Much Does it Cost to Close In a Porch?

This is a tough answer because no 2 porches are the same. Here is an article about the cost of a motorized retractable porch screen. Typically this can cost anywhere from $3000 to $5000 per opening, so it really depends on the architecture of the porch you want to screen in. Remember, the upside is you are increasing your usable square footage all year round!

Vinyl Porch Enclosure for Winter