Screened Porches – The Solution to Outdoor Living

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(June 21, 2007 - Richmond, VA - Grassroots Newswire)

Archadeck says screened porches give people more room to entertain, adds square footage to their property, and enables simple living outdoors

Imagine being able to enjoy a well-prepared dinner on your porch every evening this summer – but without the annoyance of insects or the worry of rain. According to Chris Carey, director of sales for Archadeck, that notion is exactly what draws many people to have a screened porch added onto their home.

"Outdoor living is the trendy way of living nowadays," Carey said. "We have found that, during the summer season, homeowners seek as many ways as possible to stay outdoors more. And, many of these people find the answer to their dilemma in a screened porch – which offers an indoor and outdoor experience, all along with the luxuries of shade from direct sunlight, as well as rain and insect protection."

Archadeck sets itself apart from others by distinguishing itself as a "design-build" business, Carey said. The company, which acts as both the designer and the builder, designs the project for the customer and then makes it a reality by constructing it. Screened porches are a popular request and Carey said the actual projects vary in design and style, depending on the needs and wants of the customer.

When it comes to screened porches, there are a myriad of choices and a long list of material options that can be used to build them. However, the first thing to decide is the main usage of the screened porch. The size of the porch, for example, will depend on how it's being used. If its only purpose will be for dining, it normally would be designed to be smaller than if it was to be used for general multi-functional "outdoor living," which calls for a larger space.
"Many people choose a screened porch simply because it increases their living space – it makes them feel they have more square footage to their home; some use it mainly for entertaining; while others want a screened porch to remind them of a special time in their lives, for instance, growing up in their childhood house," Carey said. "We ask a lot of questions to come up with the best recommendation for our customers. It's interesting how often people will have a very specific idea, but after we ask them questions, what they originally wanted doesn't meet their needs."

Once you know how you will use your screened porch, the next decision falls in the hands of aesthetics and your budget. Do you want an A-frame roof, or a "hip roof"? Would you rather the walls be fully screened or partially insulated with plexi-glass or a stronger material like lexan (a highly durable polycarbonate resin thermoplastic intended to replace glass)? Will imported hard wood or composites be the best choice for your flooring? All of this depends on the style you're looking for, and the part of the country you live in.

"We have found that screened porches are very popular in the southeast area, as well as pockets in the Midwest," Carey said. "However, if you experience more cold months than warm ones, a screened porch could easily be changed into a three-season porch, for use year-round, simply by installing windows to control the ventilation on the porch, as well as a wall system – which could be vinyl or a hard wall – that matches the style and design of the rest of the house."

Overall, the most important thing to keep in mind when designing your screened porch is to be sure you pick the best builder for the job. Since most people aren't experts in remodeling, they often do not know the right questions to ask, Carey said. Archadeck educates its customers and helps them focus on their needs and desires in order to give them the best end product.

About Archadeck

Archadeck, established in 1980, has built more than 60,000 projects across the country and is recognized as the largest deck builder in the United States. Their mission is to enhance the lives of customers by creating unique and innovative outdoor living environments. Qualified Remodeler magazine ranks Archadeck sixth on the 2006 National Remodeling Firms List. Archadeck projects have graced the covers of Gardens, Decks and Patios and Decks & Backyard Projects. The company has been featured in articles in HOME, Additions and Decks and Gardening & Deck Design, as well as on Home & Garden TV (HGTV).

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