Complete Guide to Patio Enclosure Maintenance
Call it a sunroom, solarium, screen room, lanai, or Florida room–a screen or glass patio enclosure transforms your outdoor living space into a protected, bug-free, comfortable retreat. But when you search for patio enclosures in Cleveland, you want to know how to make your investment stand the test of time. Whether you opt for a three-season room that can be comfortably enjoyed during the spring, summer, and fall, or a fully insulated, climate-controlled enclosure that can be used comfortably year round, it takes regular maintenance to ensure that your patio enclosure has the longest lifespan possible.
As Cleveland home improvement specialists, the team at Fairview Home Improvement is happy to share what homeowners need to keep in mind when installing patio enclosures in Cleveland properties. Here’s what matters when it comes to necessary maintenance.
What Is A Patio Enclosure?
If you’re already on the hunt for patio enclosures in Cleveland, you likely know what you’re looking for. But let’s just get the term defined anyway.
A patio enclosure is a hybrid living space built around and on top of a patio or deck. The space is completely enclosed, typically with one end meeting up with a side of your home, allowing for easy access from indoors. Patio enclosures are covered with a roof and enclosed with screens, vinyl, or glass panels. When inside a patio enclosure, you are protected from insects and the elements, but are able to feel as if you are outdoors. Patio enclosures for Cleveland properties extend the usable square footage of area homes, ideal for unpredictable seasonal shifts in weather.
Vital Maintenance for Patio Enclosures in Cleveland
From additional functional space to a protected indoor environment, there are so many good reasons to consider a patio enclosure for your home. It truly is the best of both worlds. But how can you keep it looking and functioning ideally for as long as possible? With just a little effort, you can help to preserve your patio enclosure, keeping it in top shape all year long. Here’s what to do.
Clean The Screens
Screens are there to keep things out of your living space, while allowing air to flow. That means that substances like dust, pollen, debris and cobwebs can quickly build up on the screen’s surface. This can lead to screens looking dull, dirty and obscuring your view. A quick vacuuming or sweeping away with a soft-bristle brush is all it takes to remove any debris or dust that is present, prior to wiping with a soft cloth or sponge and mild, non-abrasive cleanser. Work from the top down to avoid dirty streaking. When screens are kept clean you’ll enjoy better views and prevent mold and mildew from taking hold. While you’re doing this task, it’s a good idea to check doors and windows for any compromised seals or weatherstripping.
Clearing Tracks and Gutters
Screened patio enclosures typically utilize a system of tracks and gutters to divert rainwater, moving it away from the structure. Natural debris like pollen, leaves, twigs, and dirt can clog these areas, resulting in a potential for water buildup and damage. Clear, clean gutters allow water to flow freely and move away from the structure. This starts on the roof–a clean roof that is regularly cleared of debris prevents gutters from clogging.
Inspect for Wear
Our Joyce Manufacturing patio enclosures for Cleveland homes are made of vinyl, which is extremely durable and hard wearing. Fasteners are covered, and the vinyl frame is guaranteed not to chalk or otherwise discolor, corrode or deteriorate during the lifetime of the patio enclosure. So you shouldn’t notice much wear and tear that requires action on your part, unless there was a serious and direct impact of some kind. That said, it’s still a good idea to take a close look at the entirety of your patio from time to time, especially after any severe weather event. More than anything else, the screens are what demand close inspection and may require occasional repair or renovation.
Checking for Insects
Insects love to get into our living spaces. Since patio enclosures are already mostly outdoor, the risk is greater. That said, our Joyce Manufacturing patio enclosures are welded, not fastened, so they eliminate the opportunity for outside elements to get inside. There shouldn’t be any small gaps that could allow insects to get inside. Windows and doors may be the only possible entry points, so stay vigilant and check them regularly.
General Upkeep
Just like the rest of your home, your patio enclosure may need a little routine maintenance now and then. Moving parts should be cleaned and lubricated. Floors, walls and other surfaces should be vacuumed and kept clean and dry to prevent a buildup of dirt, dust, and moisture that could lead to mold or mildew. Always wipe surfaces from top to bottom to avoid streaks and dirt transfer. In areas with cold, snowy winters, it may be a good idea to remove heavy snow loads from the patio enclosure roof. And always be mindful of surrounding landscaping to ensure that trees, shrubs, vines and other plants do not scrape against the vinyl or screens or grow so close that they trap moisture and encourage mold and mildew.
Yearly Wash
Apart from regular screen cleaning, the exterior of your patio enclosure can also benefit from an annual wash down. Use a mild, non-abrasive cleaner and a soft cloth–scrubbing should not be necessary. If you choose any color other than white, the vinyl material is infused with UV inhibitors, ensuring that the color remains true for years to come.
Given the proper maintenance and care, our Joyce Manufacturing patio enclosures can function well for several decades. And remember that manufacturer warranties are also in place to ensure that your investment will last well into the future. The overall lifespan of patio enclosures in Cleveland will ultimately depend on factors like material, quality of the construction, maintenance, and your unique local weather conditions. For more information on patio covers and patio enclosures for Cleveland properties, check out our handy FAQ page.
Patio Enclosures for Cleveland Homes
At Fairview Home Improvement, we exclusively offer Joyce Manufacturing patio enclosures, which are manufactured using vinyl for the best durability and resistance to Ohio’s temperamental weather. They are clean, streamlined and modern and offer all the comforts you're used to indoors. Tempered glass is used to build the windows and doors for ultimate safety, and gutters and downspouts are installed to manage rainwater. Patio enclosures in Cleveland are truly an ideal extension of your indoor living spaces.
Depending on which model you select for your home, options will vary. The Cleveland home improvement specialists at Fairview Home Improvement will help you to determine the best selection for your needs and preferences. Choose from several neutral shades, various types of glass, window and door styles and more. We also take into account your home's specific style and architecture to ensure that your new patio enclosure fits right in with its surroundings. Check out our portfolio to get an idea of what’s possible, and then contact us to start planning!