Patio Enclosure: The Definitive Buying Guide

I know you’re looking for something that can protect your pool or home garden without worrying about the prevailing weather conditions.

Well, you need a patio enclosure.

These structures assure you maximum relaxation at the comfort of your home, while providing convenient places to bond with family.

And, in this guide, I will extensively explain all you need to know about patio enclosure.

By the end of this guide, you will be able to build your own patio enclosure, budget and choose the right materials, among other things.

Just stay with me.

What Is a Patio Enclosure?

First, let’s understand what a patio means.

By getting that, it will be much simpler for you to comprehend what a patio enclosure is.

A patio simply refers to a paved outdoor space adjacent to your house that can otherwise be used when dining or as a recreation space.

Patio – Photo courtesy: Внутреннийдвор

With that said, a patio enclosure refers to a roofed structure that is built attached to your house for the purposes of providing extra outdoor space for recreation or dining.

It is covered in each and every side with a clear material that I will explain to you in a moment.

This is what I’m talking about;

Patio enclosure – Photo courtesy: Apple By Systems

I hope this has clarified what we mean by a patio enclosure.

In most cases, many people assume that a patio enclosure is the same as a porch.

This is due to the fact that they both serve similar purposes.

Additionally, both can take the same shape and size.

However, a porch is slightly raised inches above the ground as compared to a patio which is placed on a ground level.

What most people don’t know is that these two have differences judged by:

• Materials with which they are made of–For a patio, bricks, slabs, concrete or even tiles are used as building materials.

Otherwise, a porch is usually built using wood or concrete.

• The home area in which they are constructed– In Greek, a porch means” entrance” while a patio is derived from a Spanish word meaning “backyard”.

However, this doesn’t mean porches are built in the front of your house and patios are located at the backyard. That’s not the case.

Both can be located at any side of your house depending on your preference.

• Their purpose– Patios are large and can give room for outdoor furniture such as dining table while on the other hand, Porches normally offer space for gatherings or are used as sitting area.

It’s no doubt that patio enclosures add beauty as well as elegance to your house.

Now think of introducing it to your swimming pool area.

This will mean that you will be able to enjoy your pool all year through as well as keep it tidy.

Swimming pool patio enclosure – Photo courtesy: IMGLABS

This is not all.

In the next section, I will explain to you the various reasons why a patio enclosure will be the ideal equipment to incorporate in your swimming pool.

Just stay with me.

Benefits of Building Swimming Pool Patio Enclosure

As I mentioned earlier, patio enclosures come with a wide range of benefits both for your house and swimming pool.

Pool patio enclosure – Photo courtesy: Lifetime Enclosures

Some of which include;

i. Enjoyment all year through

From the information above, it’s quite clear that a pool patio enclosure will ensure maximum enjoyment throughout the year.

Why I’m I saying this?

A swimming pool patio enclosure will offer protection from harsh weather conditions which would otherwise interfere with your pool activities.

In addition to that, having a patio enclosure installed above your swimming pool will enable you to be in a position to swim for a longer time duration.

All that is required for you is sliding the enclosure back and forth either to open or close it according to your preference.

This mainly applies to a retractable patio enclosure.

I will explain more about this later in this guide.

Keep reading.

ii. Protects your pool from Debris

A swimming pool patio enclosure will act as a cover for your pool.

Meaning, any foreign materials be it leaves, insects or any other object will be prevented from falling into your swimming pool.

Did I mention that this alternatively lessens the frequency of your pool maintenance?

Well, having the capability of obstructing foreign objects from entering your pool, it’s no doubt that you will experience less pool maintenance routines.

iii. Ensures safety

With a patio enclosure, you are in a position to monitor movements in and out of the enclosure.

These enclosures have locks which greatly help in controlling any movements around.

Patio enclosure

Especially if you have kids or pets nearby, you will constantly be on the lookout.

Something which patio enclosures greatly cater for.

iv. Offers protection from UV light

UV radiation is harmful to human skin as it may lead to extreme health problems.

However, patio enclosures are built with quality materials such as polycarbonate sheets which are used as a glazing material and block these harmful sun rays.

In addition to that, the swimming pool chemicals used for purification are retained much longer due to the fact that evaporation is minimized.

v. Beautifies your outdoor garden

On its own, a patio enclosure not only enhance the look of your garden but also decorates your outdoors space.

The clear, reflecting, glazing materials bring out an elegant classy look around your pool area as well as home garden.

Now think of incorporating other pool accessories such as lighting, plants or furniture.

This will totally transform the whole idea of an ordinary swimming pool.

vi. Increases property value

When it comes to selling of your property, getting buyers will be much faster for a home owner with a swimming pool patio enclosure as compared to a house lacking such an accessory.

Prospective buyers have a tendency of paying close attention to the smallest of the details.

Obviously, any buyer would prefer the house with a swimming pool patio enclosure.

So, what’s the bottom line here.

An additional accessory such as the enclosure would be an added advantage to your property.

vii. Controls water evaporation

During hot weather conditions, water from the swimming pool evaporates.

The evaporated water is blown away by wind and as a result much water is lost.

You don’t want that.

Building a patio enclosure for your swimming pool will play a significant role in preventing pool water evaporation.

As pool water evaporates, it will be blocked by the polycarbonate sheet.

Thereafter, the evaporated water settles on the polycarbonate sheet and later drops back into the swimming pool.

viii. Ensures privacy

Swimming pool patio enclosures provides you with an adequate privacy or rather personal space.

This allows you to carry out your activities without worrying about anyone spying around.

With that said, it’s evident that the swimming pool patio enclosure is an essential accessory that you should introduce not only in your pool area but also home garden.

But before doing so, it’s also important to have more knowledge about these patio enclosures.

In the next section, I will explain to you the key parts of a patio enclosure, just stay with me to learn more.

Main Parts of Patio Enclosure

Some of the main parts of patio enclosure include:

· Frame

For every enclosure to be complete, you will require frames.

Given that frames vary according to the material used, having the right knowledge on the best one for you is important.

Patio enclosure structure – Photo courtesy: Extreme How To

You need to know that there are different types of frame materials for a patio enclosure.

However, the most commonly used are aluminum and vinyl.

I have to say that both materials are appropriate to use for your patio enclosure.

Nevertheless, I will recommend you the best one according to your preferences.

Just stay with me to learn more.

As I said, aluminum and vinyl are the most commonly used types of frames for enclosure.

Between the two, aluminum generally outshines as it has pleasant features as compared to vinyl.

Aluminum

To start with, aluminum is a stronger material.

By this I mean, it is able to survive not only harsh weather conditions but also heavy weight.

And this is not all.

Aluminum patio enclosure – Photo courtesy: DOCOMOMOGO

Using aluminum frame will guarantee you longer life span of your enclosure as aluminum metal is quite durable.

A high quality aluminum will make your patio enclosure to maintain a new and well-designed look for years.

Again, aluminum is maintenance free.

Meaning you will not have to budget for maintenance once you are done with the construction.

Worrying about rust?

Well with an aluminum frame, you won’t have to.

Aluminum is moisture resistant, this draws us to the reason why it is also resilient to rust.

This coupled with a few other features make aluminum to stand out among the three types of materials.

However, you have to keep in mind that aluminum conducts heat.

Meaning it might get uncomfortable resting in your enclosure on a hot sunny day.

Having more benefits, I would recommend you to use it as your frame material.

Vinyl

Just as aluminum, vinyl is a widely used material for enclosure frames.

It is made of a superbly strong PVC plastic resin.

Vinyl patio enclosure – Photo courtesy: Bonded Vinyl Windows

Some of the reasons why some people will still opt for vinyl as compared to aluminum are not limited to;

• Vinyl is not easily dented while on the other hand, aluminum is prone to dents.

As compared to aluminum, vinyl requires less maintenance.

For instance, you don’t have to paint it as you would in aluminum or wood.

• Vinyl is durable

Vinyl has been known over the years to bear up harsh weather conditions such us thunderstorms.

The durability nature guarantees you that it will last longer despite of the harsh weather conditions.

• It’s beautiful

Vinyl is not only appealing to the eye but also has a wide range of colors, styles and textures.

What I’m I trying to put across?

This leaves you with options where you are able to make a selection based on the theme of your house.

Sounds cool, right?

• Non corroding

Vinyl does not easily corrode and is resistant to rust.

To add on that, it is also resistant to UV radiation.

This assures you of proper protection from the harmful sun rays.

On the other hand, vinyl has some drawbacks that may otherwise corrupt your choice for it.

Vinyl is capable of cracking, fading and warping as well.

To add on that, it’s important for you to know that vinyl is nonresistant to harsh weather conditions as it can discolor.

Roof cover/Glazing material

A roof is another main part of a patio enclosure which is also made up of a glazing material.

We have diverse types of roof designs that I will explain in details later in this guide.

So, what do we mean by a glazing material?

First and foremost, glazing is a word that means “glass”.

It can be a door, wall or a widow that is made of glass.

The type of “glassy” material used for roofing or covering the enclosure is the glazing material.

In this guide, I will majorly focus on the solid polycarbonate sheet as it is the most commonly used type of glazing material.

I will also explain to you the several benefits that come with using polycarbonate sheet as your glazing material.

Otherwise, you can also choose to use glass.

The good thing is, by the end of this guide, you will be in a position to make the right choice.

Keep reading.

· Gutter

Gutters are a vital part of any type of enclosure roofing system or any building as a whole.

The main purpose of installing gutters is channeling rain water or snow to the desired drainage system.

So take a look at this:

Patio enclosure gutter – Photo courtesy: Super Gutter

Some of the benefits that it provides include;

• Prevents damage of the roof

Take for instance a roof that comprises of wood.

Wood is subjected to rotting as soon as it absorbs water.

This undoubtedly leads to additional maintenance costs.

Having the water channeled to the desired drainage system will prevent such a risk.

• Ensures dryness of the surrounding area

Gutters channel out rain water from the roof therefore ensuring there’s no water accumulation which could otherwise damage the roof.

• Ensures dryness of the basement

Heavy rain water can flow down onto the basement leading to build up of wet areas.

Such wet areas are a breed for molds and other unwanted plants around your enclosure.

Having gutters installed will ensure drainage of water far from your enclosure saving you the agony of dealing with such menace.

• Protects your enclosure

Gutters protects your roof from the effects of harsh weather conditions such as snow and downpours as they are able to channel snow and rain water away from the enclosure.

Door

For you to access your patio enclosure, you will be required to install a door.

This not only improves security of your enclosure but also enables you to control who enters the enclosure.

We have two types of doors.

The sliding door and the non-sliding one.

For the sliding door, wheels are present in order to facilitate the sliding of the doors.

On the other hand, non-sliding doors are just equipped with a handle which facilitates pushing and pulling back of the door in order to open or close it.

Non sliding door of patio enclosure

Sliding door patio enclosure

Rail System

Basically a rail system facilitates easy opening and closing of the patio enclosure.

As I said earlier, some patio enclosures are fitted with wheels which aid in opening and closing of the enclosure.

A rail system mainly refers to the path through which these wheels roll on.

Door Locking Mechanism

Every patio enclosure has a door locking mechanism for proper security and privacy.

There are different types of locking systems at your disposal from which you can choose from.

However, some doors have a self-locking mechanism.

Some of the locks that are suited for an enclosures include;

• Latch locks
• L and T locks
• Wing Handles
• Water Resistant Locks
• Radial pin tumbler locks
• Camlocks

Depending on your enclosure, your design engineer will be able to advise you on the best lock to use.

· Latch locks

Before anything else, you need to understand what we mean by a latch and a lock.

A latch can be defined as a fastening equipment that works by joining separate surfaces in order to achieve some kind of closure.

However, this does not guarantee you adequate security.

You therefore need to introduce a lock for your door locking system to be complete.

A lock simply refers to the equipment used to secure the door with the help of a key.

This is what I mean by a latch;

Latch lock

· L and T locks

Just as the name suggests, this particular type of lock forms letter “T” and “L”.

This is what am talking about here;

L and T locks

The side facing downwards is the part used as a handle either to open or close the door.

· Wing Handle

Wing handles appear classy and elegant at the same time.

A wing handle appears to resemble the T and L locks but the distinctive feature in them is that they have a handle and the lock is just fixed beneath it.

This is what I am talking about.

Door with wing handle

· Water Resistant Locks

This locks are ideally designed to endure harsh weather conditions making them one of the best locks for outside enclosures.

Just as the name suggests, these category of locks are water resistant.

This feature will play a significant role in ensuring durability of the lock itself.

Water resistant lock

· Radial pin tumbler locks

A radial pin tumbler lock uses cylindrical pins to inhibit the lock from opening with any other different key.

The pins are often arranged in a circular manner and operated by a “tubular” key.

This is how it looks like;

Radial pin tumbler lock

· Camlocks

Camlocks are cylindrical in shape.

These type of locks have a rotating locking handle at one end while the lock is installed on the opposite side.

Take a look at this;

Cam lock

With this information, it’s now easier for you to choose your desired type of lock even without any professional guidance.

But as you do that, you will also need to choose handles for your locks.

In the next section, I will explain to you the different types of handles that might suite your choice and preference.

Keep reading.

Handles

Handles basically facilitate the opening and closing of the enclosure door.

This refers to the part which you will hold so as to pull or push the door.

They come in different shapes, sizes and colors.

Have a look at these.

Handles

Best Patio Enclosure Material

Whenever you are planning to construct a patio enclosure, you need to choose a suitable material.

In this section, I am going to recommend a few materials you can consider.

Solid Polycarbonate Sheet for Cover

We have two types of polycarbonate sheets.

• The solid polycarbonate sheet and
• The hollow polycarbonate sheet

The only difference between these two polycarbonates is that the solid polycarbonate sheet lacks air spaces between the sheets while in the hollow polycarbonate sheet air spaces are present.

Take a look at this;

Hollow polycarbonate sheet

Solid polycarbonate sheet

From these two diagrams, you can clearly understand what I’m talking about.

Some of the benefits of using solid polycarbonate sheet are not limited to;

• Solid polycarbonate sheets are able to withstand extreme weather conditions such as thunderstorms and tornados.
• Polycarbonate sheet is a great substitute for glass in cases where you want to affordably mimic a glassy theme or rather look.

This is due to the fact that polycarbonate sheet is a clear material that can easily be mistaken for glass.

• Again, polycarbonate sheet is inexpensive as compared to glass. This also describes why most people prefer using it.
• If you are conscious of your budget, then polycarbonates sheet would be the ideal material for you to use.

The light weight nature of polycarbonate sheet makes it easier for you to transport or handle guaranteeing you affordable after purchase costs.

• Furthermore, its ability to block sounds make it a suitable choice to use in places where privacy is required such us office cabins.
• Polycarbonate sheet is able to let in maximum light while at the same time blocking the harmful UV radiation from accessing your enclosure. This feature is one of the most favorable that makes polycarbonate sheet to be widely used.
• Structures designed using polycarbonate sheet can be made into different fancy shapes that add a design to the building. In short, polycarbonate sheets are versatile.
• Easy to install- Since polycarbonate sheets are lightweight, they can easily be handled and constructed.
• Unbreakable- As compared to glass, polycarbonate sheets are not subjected to breakage.

Polycarbonate patio enclosure

Despite the many benefits that polycarbonate sheets possess, there are a few drawbacks.

• Polycarbonate sheets are not resistant to scratches and dents.
• Toxic- Polycarbonate sheets are proved to be dangerous especially when they come into contact with food due to the chemicals present in them.
• Polycarbonate sheets are sensitive to some cleaning products containing benzene, acetone among other organic solvents.

Glass Patio Enclosure for Cover

Glass is considerably a stylish and elegant material to use for your enclosure.

It not only brings out a classy look but also will add much value to your property.

This is because glass is expensive as compared to other glazing materials such as polycarbonate sheets.

Glass patio enclosure

However, using glass for your patio enclosure cover can be disadvantageous in a manner that;

• It is easily prone to breakage –This is one of the reasons which makes most buyers decide to opt for a polycarbonate sheet.

Glass can easily crack or break when hit by an object or during harsh weather conditions.

Using glass in a home area especially with kids around would be inappropriate owing to the fact that it’s susceptible to breakages and cracks.

You don’t want that.

• Glass is expensive- As I mentioned earlier, glass costs much higher as compared to other materials.

If you are working on a budgeted cost, then using glass for your patio enclosure may interfere with your budget.

• Glass is heavy- As compared to polycarbonate sheets glass is a heavier material.

This is disadvantageous as you will not only buy it at a higher price but also incur additional after sale costs.

By this I mean, transporting such a heavy material would be costlier as compared to a lightweight material.

• Requires regular maintenance- You will be required to perform regular cleanup of the panels so as to maintain the attractive glass look.

Presence of plants around your patio enclosure also add up to your cleaning routine as you will have to clean the roof every three to four months.

By doing this, you will not only remove bird dropping buts also leaves and branches that might have fallen on top of the roof.

• Increases the cost of security- Use of glass enhances the cost of security. This is due to the fact that it can be easily broken which may pose security danger to the home owner.

Now you get why I recommend a polycarbonate sheet right?

Swimming pool patio enclosure – Photo courtesy: Americans Pools & Spa

However, we also have benefits that glass possesses.

• Glass does not rust- This features makes it to last longer without wear and tear. It also saves you the need to recurrently paint as you would to prevent rust.
• It is waterproof- Glass does not retain or rather absorb water as compared to materials such as wood. This makes it retain its glow much longer.
• Can either be colored or colorless- This offers you with options to choose from to match your desired theme.
• Glass is classy – There’s no doubt that glass brings out a classy and attractive look around your home or commercial property.
• Adds value to your home- Glass will add value to your property. This comes in handy especially when you decide to sell your property.

Your potential buyers will give it a first priority due the glass patio enclosure cover.

• Weather resistant- Glass has the capability of tolerating effects of changing weather conditions such as rain, wind, the sun while at the same time retaining its actual appearance.
• Can be easily cleaned- The smooth glossy surface of glass make it easier to clean.
• Offers protection from the harmful UV radiations

Wood for frame and structure

Patio enclosure frames can either be made of wood or extruded aluminum.

Both provide excellent finishing of your enclosure.

Wood patio enclosure – Photo courtesy: HGTV

I will explain each one of these in this guide so keep reading.

Here is the point, in case you choose to use wood for your frame and structure, then it’s important for you to know that you have to choose weather resistant wood.

Which are these weather-resistant woods?

Well, we have cedar, pressure-treated posts or studs and redwood.

It’s upon you to make a choice that well suites your preference.

If your home is located in the woods, then using a wooden frame for your enclosure would be an ideal choice.

However, wood is a water absorber.

Meaning, it is prone to rotting, corroding and peeling.

This is one of the drawbacks that makes potential enclosure owners to opt for alternatives choices.

This doesn’t mean that you can’t use wood, no.

I have a trick for you.

It’s easy.

All you have to do is paint your wooden frames.

By doing this, the paint will form a coat on the wood controlling the water absorption.

Other disadvantages that come by using wood include;

• Higher maintenance- Wood requires regular maintenance from one year to the other more so owing to the fact that wood ages.
• Prone to pests- Wood is a habitat for pests such as termites. These pests pose great danger not only to your patio enclosure but also to your home.

They gradually consume the wooden structure and might actually spread to your home which can be frightening.

Aside this, wood is an affordable material to use.

I would recommend it especially if you are working on a budget.

 Extruded aluminum for frame and structure

The vital element of a patio enclosure is the structure that offers support to the glazing material.

Aluminum patio enclosure – Photo courtesy: RIYUL

Aside a wooden frame, you can choose to use an extruded aluminum frame for the construction of your patio enclosure.

Extruded aluminum is popularly used due to its durability as well as reliability nature.

These is brought about by certain chemical properties which enhances its longevity.

Other benefits of using extruded aluminum for your patio enclosure frame include;

• Resistant to rust and corrosion- These feature makes it quite reliable to use in different environments.
• Strong- Extruded aluminum is capable of sustaining heavier loads. This might come in handy when experiencing harsh weather conditions such as heavy snow.
• Environmental friendly- Extruded aluminum is harmless or rather nontoxic. Meaning it won’t pose any health or environmental related problems in case of burning.
• As compared to other metals,extruded aluminum is completely recyclable without losing its properties.

Having explained this, I would recommend you to use extruded aluminum for your patio enclosure frame.

Nevertheless, you need to know the different patio enclosure designs that you can choose from just so as to make a better wise buying decision during purchase.

In the next section, I’m about to show you the diverse classification of patio enclosures, be it in terms of size, roof design and much more.

Just stay with me.

Patio Enclosure Design Ideas

Are you looking for the right design for your patio enclosures?

Well, you’re in the right place.

Classification of Patio Enclosure by Size

Patio enclosures can be classified according to different aspects such as size and roof design.

I will explain to you about all these but first let’s start by looking at the different patio enclosure sizes.

With patio enclosures, the size is determined by;

• Your taste and preferences
• The shape of your home
• Your budget
• Your individual needs

As compared to pool enclosures whereby we have high, low and medium profile enclosures, for a patio enclosure is quite different.

We have five classifications of patio enclosures according to size;

• WideView
• MegaView Lite
• Picture Window
• Partial Mega View
• MegaView Patio Enclosures

1. WideView

As the name suggests, a WideView enclosure offers an extensive view.

This particular type of enclosure has its wall posts widely spaced out making them a suitable choice for homes situated close to beaches or lakes.

Wide View enclosure come in diverse styles.

However, you can only have them either in white or bronze.

If you are planning to build a small enclosure, then a Wide View enclosure stands to be best option for you.

WideView patio enclosure – Photo courtesy: FL Screens

2. MegaView Lite

The MegaView lite is the ideal solution for small enclosure spaces.

This type of enclosure will offer you unobstructed views of your surrounding environment at the same time protecting you from adverse weather conditions.

MegaView Lite – Photo courtesy: Hendry Aluminum

3. Picture Window

The main feature of the picture window enclosure is the presence of a huge opening found at the centre.

This as well guarantees you a wider view of the outdoor surroundings.

Have a look at this

Picture window patio enclosure – Photo courtesy: Reliable Screen Enclosures

4. Partial Mega View

This type of enclosure serves a better substitute of the MegaView enclosure most importantly if you want an economical enclosure having the MegaView features.

This design has used the WideView design on the side walls.

However, the front design is built using posts and beams.

Patio MegaView – Photo courtesy: Hendry Aluminum

5. MegaView Patio Enclosures

As compared the other types of enclosures, the MegaView enclosures are best suited for a large patio enclosure.

Not only does it provide safety but also proves to be much stronger.

It’s with no doubt that it provides you with an option of enjoying extensive views from the comfort of your enclosure.

MegaView Screen Enclosure – Photo courtesy:Hendry Aluminum

Classification of Patio Enclosure by Roof Design

Patio enclosures come in several types of roof designs.

This roof designs are not limited to;

• Mansard roof style
• Dome roof style
• Gable roof style
• Slope roof style
• Flat roof style
• Hip roof style

To start with, it’s important for you to have a pictorial view of these designs.

Have a look at this.

Different roof designs

1. Mansard roof style

A mansard roof also referred to as a French roof is characterized by four sloppy slides that converge at a flat surface on the top.

The above diagram further explains how a mansard roof looks like.

For some reason, we can conclude that a mansard roof is comprised of a flat roof style and the hip roof style.

The reason being…

The flat surface at the topmost part portrays a flat roof design whereas the slant sides resemble the hip roof design.

Advantages of mansard roof style

• Its spacious- Due to its roof shape and design, it offers a large area of attic space.

Such spaces are often converted to bedrooms or even apartments in bigger buildings.

• Its attractive and unique
• Due to its ample space, they have the capability of accepting future home additions.

Mansard roof design patio enclosure – Photo courtesy: Houzz

Disadvantages of Mansard roof design

• For some reason, such a roof design would be unfit for areas experiencing extreme weather conditions such as heavy snowfall.

This is due to the fact that the flat topmost surface has the capability of holding falling snow which would otherwise destroy the walls.

• Expensive to construct- Owing to its unique design, a mansard roof will require unique materials as well as skilled labour for its construction.

This otherwise leads to higher costs being incurred.

• High cost of Installation- The mansard roof is costly to install due to its complex design.
• High cost of maintenance and repair – Its’ high cost of installation will definitely reflect when making any future repairs. Meaning you will spend more on repairs too.

This is not all, finding the right skilled person to repair the roof will be quite a hassle.

2. Dome Roof Style

The dome roof is semi-circular in shape.

Its spacious nature enables it to accommodate a wide range of furniture as desired.

This is one of the top reasons why it is considered one of the best type of enclosures.

In additional to that, its roof which appears sloppy in some way helps to prevent water or other unwanted substances from accumulating or rather settling on the roof surface.

Take a look at this;

Dome patio enclosure – Photo courtesy: Great Aussi Patios

Advantages of Dome roof design

• Its spacious thus can accommodate additional features.
• Require less maintenance. As compared to a mansard roof, a dome roof has a sloppy top allowing materials to automatically slide down.

This reduces the agony of having to clean it on a regular basis.

• It is strong- A dome roof offers maximum security as it is able to withstand harsh weather conditions such as hurricanes.

Disadvantages of dome roof design

• It is expensive to construct
• A dome roof design requires additional materials as compared to a flat roof design.

3. Gable Roof Design

The gable roof design comprises of two sloping sides that merge at top.

At either ends, it forms triangular shapes.

This type of roof design is one of the commonest among home owners.

It can as well be referred to as the A-frame roof.

Gable roof patio enclosure – Photo courtesy: Patio Enclosures

Advantages of gable roof design

• It is simple to construct due to the simplicity of its design.
• Gable roof is less expensive as compared to other roof designs such as flat roofs.
• Its slanting roof allows water, snow and other unwanted materials to slide down automatically in turn reducing the maintenance routine.

Disadvantages of gable roof design

• They are prone to destruction by strong winds due to the sharp slanting roof design.
• Gable roof require a lot of materials to construct as compared to flat roof design.
• It is costly to build

4. Slope Roof Style

As the name suggests, a slope rood design slopes towards one side of the enclosure which normally happens to be the shorter side.

The other side from which it slopes from is basically the side that the enclosure is attached to your house.

Sloping roof patio enclosure – Photo courtesy: Bright Covers

Advantages of slope roof design

• It allows unwanted materials to slide down therefore preventing accumulation on the roof.
• A slope rood design saves you the agony of heating costs

Disadvantage of slope roof design

• The construction process is harder as compared to flat roof design.
• Slope roof will prevent you from enjoying adequate sunshine. This comes due to the fact that it is attached to your house thus your house will create a shade.

5. Flat roof style

As the name implies, the roof of a flat roof design is leveled.

This type of roof is used in the modern construction.

Flat roof patio enclosure – Phot courtesy: True Line

Some of the reasons why you should consider building such a roof are;

• It is simple to build
• Flat rooms are stable and can tolerate wind pressure as compared to gable roof design.
• A flat roof guarantees you better insulation as compared to sloped roofs.

Disadvantages of flat roof design

• The flat nature of the roof give room for water, snow and other unwanted materials to accumulate which may otherwise lead to destruction.
• It is unattractive and this makes most people to shy away from building them.

6. Hip Roof Style

A hip roof design has all its sides slanting and converging towards the peak.

Some people might mistake it for a gable roof design.

Hip roof patio enclosure – Photo courtesy: STATIRPODGORICA

The major difference between the two is that with the gable roof, there is a flat surface at the top while a hip roof has its sides joining at the top.

Advantages of hip roof design

• Water, snow, debris and other unwanted materials can freely slide down thus preventing any accumulation.
• Hip roofs are spacious

Disadvantages of hip roof design

• More expensive as compared to gable roof
• Consumes more materials during construction
• Hip roofs are difficult to design as compared to flat roofs.

Retractable Patio Enclosure

First and foremost, you need to understand what we mean by the term retractable.

It’s a term that simply means the ability of the patio enclosure to be opened or closed by sliding the enclosure from one point to the other.

This is popularly facilitated by wheels but some enclosures lack them as well.

Take a look at this;

Retractable patio enclosure – Photo courtesy: MEGAVENTIPC

The arrows clearly show how the enclosure should be opened by sliding the two opposite sides.

These feature makes retractable patio enclosures stand out among other enclosures such as the fixed enclosures.

Some of the benefits of a retractable patio enclosure include;

• It heats up your patio space
• It offers a better place for storing your garden furniture during harsh weather conditions such as rainfall.
• Protects you from harmful UV radiations.

Disadvantages of a retractable patio enclosure.

• The initial cost of building it may be costly
• In case of any functionality problems, it might need several adjustments. This in turn raises the cost of repairing the patio enclosure.

Fixed Pool Enclosures

As the name suggests, this type of enclosure doesn’t give room for sliding two opposite sides of the enclosure to open or close the patio.

Instead, they are fitted with a door locking mechanism that facilitates the opening and closure of the enclosure.

This is what I’m talking about;

Fixed patio enclosure – ARCHGLASS

How to Build Your Own Patio Enclosure

Well, having knowledge about the different aspects of patio enclosures, I will now give you a detailed step by step process on how you can easily build your own patio enclosure.

Step 1. Prepare the foundation

First, identify the perimeter lines.

You will perform this using a mason’s string.

After ensuring all layout is okay and the diagonal measurements are equivalent, you will now proceed to removing the pavers to a width not exceeding 1 ft.

This is what I’m talking about;

Prepare the foundation

Dig a trench measuring about 8 inches wide and 8 inches deep then cover it with crushed gravel making sure it has smoothly settled.

Like so;

Foundation preparation

Now, get your treated foundation timber and set them on the gravel ensuring they are ell levelled.

The next process is for you to replace the pavers by cutting them using a masonry wet saw so that they can perfectly fit in the foundation timbers.

This is what I mean;

Initial stages of the installation

Step 2. Begin the framing process of your enclosure

Now, this is where the actual construction starts.

At the end of this step, you will begin to see your patio enclosure coming to life.

Begin by marking the vertical post making sure that they will be able to merge perfectly with the horizontal counterparts.

On the other hand, mark the foundation timbers with positions that vertical timbers are meant to fit in.

Next, attach the laminated peak beam to the two vertical posts.

Make sure you put in place thick foam strips at the back.

Like so;

Installing poles

Support the two vertical posts with double diagonal braces then go ahead and mount the front posts.

You will follow the same steps you did for the back posts.

After erecting the front posts, support each post with diagonal braces so as to secure them.

Fix the upper horizontal posts in each of the ends securing them with screws then ensure that all sides are uniform.

Installing structure

 Now you can remove the temporary diagonal braces and start working on the sides.

Go ahead and cut off posts that you will use at the sides and vertically erect the two intermediate side posts between the front and back post.

At this point, you will be required to fit an end rafter which forms a birds-mouth notch.

This is what I mean;

Advanced stages of the installation

Having done all the vertical and horizontal framing, it’s time to secure the frames.

You will do this using lag bolts at each and every joint.

Make sure you lag bolt the whole patio enclosure.

This is what I mean by bolting the frames together.

 

Step 3. Fit in the roof frames

Place the rafters in such a way that they rest from the laminated peak beam (that’s attached to your house) to the front horizontal frames.

Fasten the rafters at each end (peak and eave) using deck screws.

You will only use three screws at the peak and two deck screws at the eave as shown below.

At this point, you can now have a visual picture of your patio enclosure.

You just have to follow a few steps that are remaining and you will fully be done with constructing your own patio enclosure.

Keep reading.

Now, you will have to install cross supports on the roof which run from one side post to the other.

The cross supports will ensure that your structure is steady enough giving it adequate support.

At each post fasten with a single screw then afterwards use two bolts for each joint.

Remember, you haven’t secured the rafters to the cross support yet.

You will do this using double screws with 3-1/2 inches.

Have a look at the diagram below to get more understanding on this step.

Step 4. Build the doors

This is a very simple step.

All you will have to do is build the doors, hang them onto the frames and finally add the patio frames.

So let’s begin.

I would recommend you to use cedar wood for your door.

Make the side frames to measure 2*4s and the top and bottom frames to be 2*6.

Next, prepare the lap joints buy cutting them using a circular saw then compress the joints using resorcinol glue.

Ensure that your door is properly squared.

Do this by measuring diagonally on each and every side then compress the glued joints until the glue dries up.

Attach the doors to your structure.

You will use approximately four to five 3-1/2-inch butt hinges after which you can now Fix the door locking mechanism.

By this I mean, fix in the latches, handles as well as the door closers.

Fix ½ inch wide and ¾ inch deep rabbets on the inside of the door ensuring they lay at the edges.

This will enable you to fix the screens in the next stage.

Add the screen frames by placing them in the doors using wood strips of about 3/8 inches by 3/8 inches together with finishing nails.

Have a look at this

Step 5. Install the glazing material (screen)

This is the final stage of building your patio enclosure.

Mount the screens of your enclosure onto the frames.

For the glazing material, you can either use glass or polycarbonate sheet just as I explained earlier in this guide.

Once you are done fixing the screens, assess whether everything is working as expected.

If everything is in place, your patio enclosure is ready for use.

It’s such a simple process.

Patio Enclosure Cost – Know How Much it Costs to Own Patio Enclosure

The cost of a patio enclosure will vary from one region to the other.

In this section I will enlighten you on the general costs of patio enclosures.

But before that, let’s look at the key factors that affect the cost of a patio enclosure;

Size of the patio enclosure

Obviously, a bigger patio enclosure will cost more than a smaller one.

This is due to the fact that more materials and labour will be required when constructing a bigger enclosure as compared to a smaller one.

If you are working on a budget, then the advice would be for you to build an enclosure neither too big nor too small as this is a form of investment in your home and will enhance the resale value of your property.

Additional features

Introducing furniture, plants, lighting or extra windows will definitely increase the actual cost of building your patio enclosure.

For instance, adding a patio heater would cost you from as low as $100 whereas an outdoor fireplace would range from $6000.

Patio enclosure cost

Materials used

Some people choose to use specific materials owing to one reason or the other.

For instance, having pets would prompt you to purchase a specific type of screen which is resistant to animal claws.

Despite this material costing more than the ordinary ones, they are bound to last much longer.

So, how much does a patio Enclosure cost?

On average, a patio enclosure would cost you from as low as $500 to as high as $34,500+.

This is a general estimated price for different regions.

However, most of the homeowners have attested to averagely have spent $14000 to $16000 in building their patio enclosure.

A full enclosure would cost you more as compared to a partial enclosure and a sun room.

Roughly, you will spend $20000+ on installing a full enclosure while a partial enclosure and a sun room will cost you between $4500-$11,000 and $14000-$23000 respectively.

It’s also important for you to know that permits will shoot your budget cost.

Howe, not all enclosures will require this.

Full enclosures and custom sun rooms will attract a fee of around $920 for a permit.

With this information, you are now set to make a wise decision in purchasing your preferred type of patio enclosure.

Decoration Ideas for Swimming Pool Patio Enclosure

At times, you may wish to decorate your patio enclosures.

Here are a few things you should consider:

Lighting ideas for patio enclosure

Before embarking on lighting your enclosure you have to consider a few aspects;

Pool patio enclosure lighting ideas – Photo courtesy: NEBULA LIGHTING SYSTEM

· The types of lighting

There are several types of lighting that may actually compliment your outdoor space.

One of the most popular one is the CAST lighting which is proved to be affordable and at the same time lasts longer.

However, you can also install other types of lighting such as Philips and lemnis lighting.

· The purpose of your enclosure space

Different patio enclosure can be set for different functions.

If you are planning to use your enclosure space for relaxation either with friends or family in the evenings, it would be a great idea to use minimal lighting.

This will create a calm atmosphere.

Alternatively, if you intend to use your enclosure space to have drinks with friends, using colored light bulbs would achieve the desired theme.

· Introduce major lighting techniques

Having knowledge on some cool lighting tricks can do the magic for your enclosure space.

For instance, silhouetting which involves focusing a specific feature by placing a light bulb behind it so as to bring out an illuminated backdrop.

Another lighting trick that you can implement is pacing a spotlight at the bottom part of a specific feature that you want to highlight.

As you adjust the light, you are able to focus on the different aspects of the feature.

Patio enclosure furniture

A patio enclosure provides an excellent outdoor space for relaxation and resting.

Having furniture around your enclosure space will definitely add to your enjoyment.

The choice of the types of furniture you chose to introduce will depend on a few underlying factors.

Patio enclosure with furniture: INMOBILIARI

· Function of your enclosure

Patio enclosures can be used for different purposes.

However, if your plan is to use it for relaxing, then you will have to purchase at least one or two comfy seats and position them at a corner.

This would definitely guarantee you maximum relaxation.

Alternatively, if you wish to be using it for coffee and lightweight meals, then a coffee table coupled with simple fancy seats would be an ideal choice.

· Lay down priorities

In as much as you would wish to accommodate some more furniture in your patio enclosure, it may be impossible either due to the space available or your budget.

What you have to do is set your priorities.

By doing this, you will give first priority to the furniture which you are much interested in.

This in turn helps you save on space.

· Come up with a budget

This is a vital aspect as it will control you from overspending or under spending.

As you set your budget, it’s important for you to purchase quality furniture that will last much longer without wear and tear as opposed to cheap ones as they can lead to extra expenses in future.

· Decide on your theme

Coming up with the style and color of your patio enclosure is easy.

Some people choose to use the same theme they have in their houses while other settle on a whole new image.

For instance, you can choose to have your enclosure portray a natural theme.

This can be achieved by using rustic furniture as well as floor and introducing tropical plants.

You get what I’m saying, right?

Nevertheless, you can seek advice from professional interior design if at all you need extra help.

Painting patio enclosure

Painting your patio enclosure gives it a much more vibrant look.

The choice of your paint color will be an expression of your taste.

There are many colors to choose from and this might be quite challenging.

So, I would advise you to make a choice on a color that you feel is a reflection of yourself.

Here are a few color ideas and their meanings that you can choose from.

• Purple- Purple symbolizes spirituality, royalty and is a good color for relaxation.
• Yellow- It symbolizes happiness, playfulness and would be a great idea if your enclosure is located in a darker area.
• Sky blue- It is a color that portrays peace and serenity. It would perfectly match with green surroundings.
• Orange- It is a youthful color, symbolizing creativeness
• Green- This color is associated with wealth, nature and vitality

I will not mention all the colors since we have hundreds of them.

The bottom line here is for you to choose a color considering its meaning or rather what it portrays.

We have three type of paints that you can use; Oil based paint, water based paint, spray paint

Among the three I would recommend you to use the oil based one owing to the following reasons;

• It is smooth in application
• Helps prevent smearing and smudging
• Has the best adhesion to metal as well as dirty surfaces.

Having explained all these, it’s now easier for you to settle on the color and type of paint to use.

Landscaping around patio enclosure

Good landscaping techniques will transform your surroundings to a whole new breathtaking atmosphere.

At some point, it’s important to survey your overall landscaping and decide on what changes to make.

Patio enclosure landscaping – Photo courtesy: STATEWIDEREMODELING

Get rid of any dead plants and replace them with greener plants and colorful flowers that best match your theme.

Even though some plants don’t thrive in certain environments, you can approach your local plant nursery where you will get wise advice on the best plants to use.

Besides that, you may choose to introduce a small waterfall to act as a focal point of your surrounding garden.

All this combined together with your patio enclosure decor will ultimately transform your landscape into one relaxing space that you would always want to experience no matter how far you will be from home.

FAQs on Patio Pool Enclosure

Do you have any questions about patio enclosures?

Well, this section focuses on some of the doubts you could be having.

Let’s dive right in:

1) How much does it cost to build a patio enclosure?

Generally, building a patio enclosure would cost you from as low as $500 to as much as $34,500.

Averagely most homeowners spend $17000 to build a pool enclosure.

2) Can you extend my existing enclosure?

Yes! It can be extended by adding to the already existing structure

3) Do you need a permit for a patio enclosure?

Yes, you will need one. Contact your city or county to know what charges your sun room will attract in your local area.

4) How much does a patio permit cost?

It will cost your around $920 depending on your locality.

5) What is a patio?

A patio refers to an outdoor space next to your house that is used for recreation and dining.

6) What is a patio enclosure?

It refers to a roofed structure that is built attached to your house for the purposes of providing extra outdoor space for recreation or dining.

7) What is the name of a cover over a patio?

It is known as pergola.

8) What type of wood is used for patio covers?

The most commonly used wood is redwood, oak, cedar and cypress.

9) What is the difference between a porch and a patio?

A patio is constructed at the ground level whereas a porch is raised a few inches from the ground.

10) What is the best material for a patio cover?

The best materials to use for your patio cover are wood, vinyl and aluminum

11) What is the best stone to use of an outdoor patio?

The best stones to use for an outdoor patio include; pea gravel, brownstone, blue stone, limestone

12) How do I heat my patio enclosure?

You can achieve this using a patio heater.

13) Can I put a television in my patio?

Yes. Most of the people use patio enclosure for relaxation and choose to include a television for maximum enjoyment.

14) Will the patio enclosure increase the value of my home?

Absolutely, building an enclosure will increase the value of your property making it out stand when selling it in future.

15) What furniture best fits a patio enclosure?

You are free to place any type of furniture according to your choice and preferences.

Some people might choose to use sofas while others go for simple but classy seats and a coffee table.

16) Will my patio be custom designed for my home?

Yes!

The constructors will survey your current home and advice you on the several possible ways in which your patio enclosure can be designed to fit in.

17) Can the enclosure be used all year round?

Yes!

An energy-efficient technology is normally installed so that your patio will be warm in winter and cool during summer.

18) How much space do I need to build a patio enclosure?

It doesn’t require any specific amount of space.

You can have it at any size according to your preferences.

19) Will the enclosure protect me from harmful UV rays from the sun?

Yes!

Patio enclosures are built using polycarbonate sheets which block the harmful UV radiations.

20) Can leaves and bugs get inside the enclosure?

No, the patio enclosure is well secured with a locking mechanism making it difficult for anything to enter.

All you have to do is ensuring that the doors are kept closed.

21) Can I install the patio enclosure by myself?

Yes!

As long as you are a handy person, then installing such a structure will be quite an easy task.

Excelite Patio Enclosure

Having dominated the market for years, Excelite has now invested in the manufacture of different types of enclosures. Not only pool but also patio enclosures.

And that is not all, you are guaranteed better prices as compared to other manufactures.

This is due to the fact that all the raw materials that we use are made internally.

Our highly skilled professionals produce high quality patio enclosures a reason as to why we have gained better control ability over other manufacturers.

In addition to that, we have qualified dealers worldwide who offer after sale services such as installation of the enclosures.

Aside that, each of our patio enclosures come with a warranty not less than 15 years.

We are also convenient in a manner that you are able to get your order from the comfort of your home through our door to door service.

All you need to do is make an order by depositing 30% of the total payment.

This is facilitated by PayPal and Alibaba Trade Assurance.

Alternatively, you can purchase our products from sites such as Amazon and EBay.

Excelite remains to be the leading manufacturer and supplier of all types of enclosures in Asia.

Conclusion

Having read this guide, you are in a better position not only make a wise buying decision for your patio enclosure but also build one on your own.

It’s also clear that a patio enclosure will absolutely add value as well as beauty around your home garden without interfering with the overall design of your house.

These coupled with several other benefits leaves you with a number of reasons as to why you should purchase one.

With this knowledge, you are now ready to easily make purchases of a patio enclosure from your desired manufacturer.