Welcome to Our FAQ Section
Homeowners in Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, and greater Charlotte County ask us these questions every week. We’ve put everything in one place to make your project easier — whether you’re rescreening, repairing, or planning a brand-new cage or porch enclosure.
We also assist homeowners in Englewood and North Port, and this page reflects real Florida conditions, hurricane codes, and current permit rules. If you’d like a free estimate, just reach out — we’re always happy to help.
The average cost of a screen enclosure in Florida ranges from $12,000–$25,000+, depending on size, roof style, engineering requirements, and the type of screen you choose.
Florida weather is harsh — sun, humidity, salt air, storms — so choosing the right screen matters.
Here’s the breakdown:
Fiberglass Screen (Most common)
Affordable
Flexible and clean looking
Great for most homeowners
What most original enclosures come with
Polyester Screen (premium)
5–7× stronger
Holds color better
More resistant to stretching and ripping
Higher upfront cost but lasts longer
Florida Glass (Privacy + barrier material)
Florida Glass is a laminated privacy screen made by Phifer. It looks like regular screen, but has a solid, opaque backing.
Great for:
Privacy from neighbors
Keeping out rain spray
Blocking small debris
Bottom panels of pool cages
Areas where you don’t want visibility
Not meant for:
Full enclosures
Ventilation (it’s not breathable)
Other options:
No-see-um screen – keeps out tiny insects (great near woods or water)
Pet screen – tough, scratch-resistant
Privacy screen – reduces visibility and harsh sun
We install all types and are happy to help you choose what fits your home best.
Your screens will usually show signs when they’re nearing the end of their lifespan:
Faded or shiny appearance
Brittle or chalky texture
Small rips or fraying
Sagging panels
More bugs getting inside
Panels that move in the wind
If your screen looks gray instead of charcoal, or feels dry and stiff, it’s time for a rescreen.
Yes — in most cases, a permit is required .
This includes:
Building a new pool cage
Replacing the roof structure
Modifying beams or footers
Attaching a new enclosure to the home
A permit may be required depending on your local building department and how they classify the space. Some areas allow screening an existing covered porch with no permit, while others require one even for simple screening. Because the rules vary, we always check the requirements for your specific address before starting any work.
Yes. Screen enclosures must be installed by a licensed aluminum specialty contractor. This type of work involves structural attachment, hurricane-rated fasteners, and engineering requirements, so it can’t legally be done by a handyman. This is because installing or modifying a screen enclosure involves bringing it up to current building codes, which includes aspects like structural integrity, wind load requirements, and safety features.
It really depends on the size of the project and whether permitting or engineering is required. A full enclosure build can take 2–4 weeks, while smaller projects or rescreens can be finished in as little as one day. A number of factors come into play, including design, materials, and weather.
Yes. If the frame is still in good condition, many issues can be repaired — like damaged panels, loose doors, or rusted fasteners. We always try our best to repair what can be fixed before suggesting a full rebuild. When the screen material is aging out or multiple areas are failing, a full rescreen or structural upgrade may be the better long-term option.
Every enclosure is a little different, and we’re always happy to help — from simple repairs to full rescreens and permit guidance. We proudly serve Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, and surrounding Charlotte County areas, including Englewood and North Port.