Can A Veranda Be Screened In?

There are various reasons somebody would decide to screen in their outdoor space. Whether they want to expand their living space or create a safe retreat from the elements, insects, or other factors, homeowners who enclose their outdoor living spaces through the use of screens will see significant improvements to the space within a short period.

Just as with an enclosed porch, a verandah can be successfully screened in, provided the verandah’s overall structure meets all the necessary requirements. Before proceeding with the project, you will need to consider the aesthetic impact of screening in a verandah and local building regulations.

Once you decide to go ahead with screening in your verandah, several more considerations will determine whether your verandah screening project will be successful. It’s important to consider all necessary factors before attempting to proceed with a project of this nature. Various structural implications and cost factors will come into play.

Can A Verandah Be Screened In?

Depending on the structural nature of the verandah in question, you should be able to have it screened in, no matter the reasoning. As opposed to using glass and timber to create a fully enclosed verandah, a screened in verandah will maintain the feel of an outdoor space while providing some of the benefits of covered indoor living space.

A screened-in verandah will require a sufficient building structure to ensure the screening can be successfully incorporated.

Provided your verandah already has a roof – which, by definition, a verandah ought to have – you should be able to successfully incorporate screening into the verandah space. In addition to a roof, your verandah will need to have vertical deck posts to provide the necessary framework onto which your verandah screening can be attached.

Without a proper roof structure and a series of vertical posts, it will become extremely difficult to incorporate a screened verandah into your space. Before installing a series of screens to enclose your verandah, you must build a roof and an overall verandah structure, including vertical and horizontal posts. The costs of such a project might be prohibitive for a project of this nature.

With the above in mind, incorporating screens onto your verandah will be easier if you have the necessary structures and framework. In addition to making the construction process easier, having a roof and vertical structure on your verandah will ensure that you do not incur additional costs on your project.

Several kits available will allow you to enclose your verandah with screens. These pre-manufactured screen units allow you to save time and money on your project. Depending on your needs, they usually consist of individual sections that are cut to fit a small or large area. For larger areas of screening, multiple sections of the pre-manufactured screens are usually incorporated.

Benefits Of Screened Verandahs

Screened-in verandahs can provide a host of benefits to their users. This will naturally depend on the needs of the homeowners and what they hope to achieve with the space. One of the first benefits of screened-in verandahs is that they increase the usable living space in your home.

Whether you want to incorporate a second family room, an additional entertainment area, or simply a secluded area for relaxing in the evenings, a screened-in verandah can provide all these benefits.

One of the main benefits of a screened-in verandah is its ability to provide you with protection from leaves and insects. The screens will prevent insects from entering your space and keep out any leaves that might blow through your space. This is a major benefit for anybody who enjoys spending time outdoors but would prefer not to be bothered by insects or spend their time removing leaves.

Compared to fully enclosing a verandah with glass and timber, a screened verandah is a far cheaper alternative. Overall, screening in your verandah is far less time-consuming than fully enclosing it. A screened verandah also allows a far better connection to the outdoors than a verandah enclosed in glass.

If you live in a hot climate, a screened verandah provides an ideal opportunity to create an outdoor room. You can even sleep in your enclosed verandah with its pleasant breezes and ability to protect you from insects and other creatures that might disturb your slumber.

With a screened-in verandah, you can incorporate indoor elements from your house into the space. Indoor décor elements that previously may not have worked in an outdoor setting can safely be incorporated into your screened-in verandah without damage.

Considerations For Screened Verandahs

Several considerations go into the creation of a screened-in verandah. Firstly, you must establish whether screens or glass will be the most applicable elements for your specific verandah. This depends on how you use the space and how forgiving the climate is in your locale.
Next, you must consider the aesthetic aspect of incorporating screens into your verandah. Depending on the architecture of your home, a series of screens may or may not be suited to the overall aesthetic appeal of the building. In some cases, enclosing your verandah with screens may harm the overall aesthetic appeal of the building.
Consider also the panel size – while smaller panels are cheaper and somewhat simpler to fix, they tend to obstruct outdoor views. Larger panels are less restricting of views, but they can be more expensive to purchase and install while remaining difficult to maintain. Larger panels can also bulge and become baggy if exposed to extreme wind, pets, and children.
Various materials and types of screened-in verandahs are available, such as those made from fiberglass, high-visibility screens, aluminum screens, and solar screens. Pet-resistant screens can also be extremely effective in preventing damage from pets.
When considering a screened-in verandah, you must consult your local safety regulations and building codes. This is especially true if you need to build a roof onto your verandah before installing the screens.

Your local homeowners’ association may also need to be consulted, especially from an aesthetic point of view.

Also, remember that any materials used for your screen must be resistant to outdoor weather conditions.

we also have a selection of verandah articles on the site some we have listed below but you can search the others.

we also have an article on screening in a porch with plexiglass here and below.

Conclusion

Screening in your verandah can have a host of benefits, including expanding the usable living space in your home. Several considerations go into successfully incorporating a screened verandah into your home.

However, a screened-in verandah can prove a major asset if incorporated carefully and correctly. Always consult with local building authorities before embarking on this project.