Covered Decks and Screened Porches in Jacksonville
A roof gives shade and shelter from summer rain. Screens keep the mosquitoes out. Here is what changes when you add either to a deck.
Around Fleming Island, Avondale and nearby
Calls are recorded for quality assurance.
Open, covered or screened
- Open deck: no roof. Sun and rain reach the boards.
- Covered deck: a roof over part or all of the deck, with open sides.
- Screened porch: a roof and screen walls, so the space stays bug-free.
A roof changes the load on the posts and footings, and it ties the deck into the wind design of the house. Screens add framing for the panels and a door.
Roof and structure
The roof can be a separate structure, or an extension of the house roofline. Tying into the house roof means working with the existing shingles and flashing, which is where leaks start if it is done poorly.
Ask how the roof is attached, how it sheds water and what wind rating the connections are built to. Northeast Florida builders design for wind, so this is a standard question.
Floors, screens and fans
A covered floor stays drier, but it still sees blowing rain and humidity. Wood floors under a roof do better than open ones, and many people choose composite or tile for easy cleaning.
Screen panels come in different mesh sizes. Finer mesh blocks smaller insects, such as no-see-ums, but reduces airflow.
A ceiling fan and an electrical outlet or two are common additions. Electrical work has its own permit and is done by an electrician.
Permit
A roof or screen enclosure usually needs a permit as well. See the permits page.
Questions to ask
- Is the roof tied to the house roof or built on its own posts?
- What wind load are the posts and connections designed for?
- Which screen mesh is used, and how are the panels replaced if torn?
- Is electrical work included, and who pulls that permit?
- What is the floor made of, and how does it drain?
Covered deck and porch questions
Is a screened porch the same as a lanai?
Locally the two names are used for much the same thing: a roofed, screened outdoor room.
Can I add a roof to my existing deck?
Sometimes. The frame and footings must carry the extra load, and a builder has to check them first.
Ready when you are
Call now, or send the form. A local pro calls you back, usually the same business day.
Calls are recorded for quality assurance.