4 Benefits of Porch Screening Services for Your Wichita Home

Have you ever decided to sit out on your porch and enjoy the weather—only to be driven back inside by a sudden rain shower or an ominous, buzzing cloud of mosquitoes? Porch screening services can give you the perfect space to relax and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors without worrying about being besieged by nature's most unpleasant insects.

If you're considering porch screen installation for your Wichita home, you may be wondering if it's worth it. We'll cover four big advantages of having a screened-in porch installed on the front or back of your house, plus answer some common questions related to those benefits.

When you're ready to enhance your outdoor living space with a screen enclosure project, rely on the experts at Mr. Handyman of Wichita Metro Area for expert advice and hands-on experience providing quality workmanship—our service will give you big benefits.

1. Expand Your Living Space

Who doesn't want to add additional living space for their home? That's particularly true nowadays, when socializing with friends and family is more of an outdoor activity than ever before. Your new patio enclosure can be used for so many purposes, from a well-ventilated crafting zone to a spacious dining area. You could even put a bed out there for a breezy summer bedroom that'll keep you cool and comfortable all night long.

What is a Good Size for a Screened Porch?

That really depends on what you want to use it for and how much of your existing porch, deck, or yard space you're okay with giving up. You’ll want to make sure you have ample space for the type of furniture you're planning to put out there, plus plenty of floor space for moving around.

Sometimes the shape and layout of the area is more important than just the square footage—for example, a rectangle is easier to divide for multiple uses like dining and relaxing than a square. If possible, try to keep the room open on three sides to increase airflow and outward visibility for views, giving you the feeling of truly being outdoors. Speaking of airflow, a ceiling fan is a nice touch to keep the breeze moving.

2. Enjoy the Outdoors Insect-Free

If you've lived in this area for long, you probably already know or suspect that Wichita is among the worst areas in the nation for mosquitoes. While it's not exactly a distinction to boast about, there are ways to avoid those little bloodsuckers that don't involve bathing in DEET. A well-designed and maintained screen porch will keep the mosquitoes at bay, so you can actually enjoy outdoor spaces without the need for constant vigilance and bug-slapping.

What Screen Size Keeps Mosquitoes Out?

Smaller adult mosquitoes are about a tenth of an inch long, while the big, juicy ones can be nearly a quarter inch in length. Standard screen material is sized 18 × 16, meaning there are 18 strands per inch in one direction and 16 in the other. That's far too small for any mosquito to get through, but if you're concerned about their tiny, annoying cousins called no-see-ums—also known as biting midges or gnats—20 × 20 metal screen mesh might be a better design choice.

3. Boost Curb Appeal

If you're looking for ways to enhance the appearance of your house's exterior, expertly constructed porch enclosures can accomplish exactly that. They add a unique aesthetic that welcomes visitors and makes your home stand out from the others on the block.

If you're also thinking of selling in the future, a patio screen will help impress prospective buyers and make them feel like they're getting a more complete home ready-made for them. Of course, none of this applies if your porch or deck is in bad condition, so keep watch for any serious deck repair signs.

Do Screened Porches Add Property Value?

Yes! Even though they're not usually included in the appraised square footage of your home, they do add value and offer a great return on investment. This is especially true if a lot of homes in your neighborhood have porch screens, because buyers will be expecting and wanting it to be part of the package.

If prospective buyers don't fully appreciate the majesty of your porch, it doesn't hurt to remind them how bad the mosquitoes can get in Wichita, just in case they haven't had a chance to experience it for themselves yet.

4. Lower Your Energy Bill

It may seem surprising that a porch screen can reduce your energy bill, since you don't need to cool that part of your property with air conditioning, but because it shades a large patch of your exterior wall from sun glare, it can reduce the temperature inside considerably, which means your air conditioner doesn't need to work as hard. That superb shade effect translates to energy savings.

Screens also protect windows and patio doors that lead out onto the porch from frequent battering by rough weather, so they'll take less wear and tear, thereby reducing repair costs. Your windows also won't be as prone to letting in cold drafts, which saves money on heating costs in the winter.

How Do You Winterize a Screened-In Porch?

You can protect your home from chilly winter wind and keep your unobstructed views by covering the mesh with clear sheets of vinyl. This will make the space welcoming even in the coldest months, and help reduce your heating bill. Adding an outdoor fireplace is another option to help keep your screened-in porch toasty warm.

Mr. Handyman Provides Local, Trusted Screen Porch Services in Wichita

Don't give yourself the headache of dealing with inexperienced screen enclosure installation. Whether you're in Wichita or nearby areas such as Andover, Derby, or Schulte, you can count on a stress-free and professional experience with excellent customer service from the pros at Mr. Handyman of Wichita Metro Area. We also offer professional screen repair services.

Give us a call today at 316-285-1217 to chat with our friendly staff and find out why we're considered Wichita's top choice for outstanding customer experiences and reliable screen services.