Gazebos offer the perfect blend of outdoor enjoyment and comfort, which is often ruined by mosquitos and other pests. Fortunately, the pesky swarms of flying bloodsuckers and other insects can be prevented by simply screening in your gazebo.
In this guide, we’ll cover screened-in gazebos, the benefits they offer, and the different types of screens that exist. Read on to learn more.What Are Screened-In Gazebos?
What Are Screened-In Gazebos?
Gazebos are standalone structures consisting of pillars supporting a closed roof, unlike pergolas. They provide a nice outdoor living area for relaxation and enjoyment. The sides are partially closed or completely opened, allowing plenty of airflow, while the solid, closed roof offers protection from the sun, rain, and even snow.
These are typically garden structures that are typically built on their own floor systems raised above the ground level and often feature a sitting area or even an outdoor kitchen. However, while they’re great at providing shade and shelter for lounging, the open sides also don’t prevent mosquitoes or other insects from pestering you and your guests.
That’s why people opt for screened-in gazebos, which are just backyard gazebos with screens (made of aluminum, fiberglass, or polyester mesh) attached to the sides. This keeps insects and pests from entering while still allowing you to enjoy the fresh air and outdoor views. It’s important to note that this also includes screen doors.
You can opt for a screened-in gazebo during planning and construction, or you can have your existing gazebo equipped with mosquito netting against its side walls to achieve the same effect. The latter option is particularly tempting for homeowners who like to DIY their own home improvement projects, but we’d still recommend getting professional help for the best results.
Benefits of Having Screened-In Gazebos
Gazebos offer plenty of benefits on their own; adding screens to the mix only extends those benefits further. Here is the list of main advantages of screened-in gazebos:
Bug-Free
The primary benefit of screened-in gazebos, apart from those provided by hardtop gazebos, is the ability to enjoy the outdoors without being pestered by insects. The screened enclosure provides a barrier against unwanted pests year-round.
Privacy
While they’re often see-through from the inside, the screens (especially darker in color) provide additional privacy from the prying eyes of anyone nearby, granting you a sense of privacy without compromising the aesthetics of your outdoor living space.
Protection from Elements
While traditional roof gazebos offer shade and shelter, screened-in gazebo tents enhance this functionality further by blocking out a sizable amount of UV rays during the day. Additionally, the screens are easy to customize and install, regardless of whether you have a square or octagon gazebo. The installation process might differ when it comes to materials, as wooden gazebos attach screens differently compared to vinyl gazebos, but the function remains the same.
Different Types of Screens
The screens are usually made of durable and rust-resistant materials that are specifically designed to withstand outdoor elements, while still providing good visibility and airflow. They’re great at keeping insects like mosquitoes and flies away from your outdoor structure, making your party tent more enjoyable.
Mesh made of polyester and fiberglass are most common, as they’re durable, flexible, and resistant to corrosion, and the former often features a UV-resistant coating. Aluminum mesh isn’t as prominent, but it’s good for areas with harsher weather.
Both types are attached to the gazebo using different methods, from heavy-duty Velcro to high-quality zippers and magnetic strips. The latter is mostly used on steel-frame gazebos. Some options are permanent or friction-fitted with an aluminum frame, depending on the design of your gazebo.
Why to Choose Atlantic Outdoors
While some screened-in gazebo kits come with a set of clear instructions that are easy to follow, hiring professional help can save you plenty of time and money. If you’re looking for someone to build a screened-in gazebo or screen an existing one, Atlantic Outdoors offers affordable and reliable services to homeowners. We also provide financing options so you can build a custom outdoor area without any budgetary constraints.
