Florida’s Climate is Tough on Screens
Living in Florida has its perks—sunshine, breezy afternoons, and time spent outdoors. But all that sun, rain, wind, and salty air can take a toll on your lanai screens. If you’re a homeowner in Naples, Marco Island, Bonita Springs, Estero, Cape Coral, or Fort Myers, you might be wondering:
How often should you rescreen your lanai?
The answer depends on several factors, including the type of screen material, weather exposure, and whether your home is near the coast. Let’s break it down.
Average Lifespan of Lanai Screens in Florida
In general, lanai screens in Florida last:
- Fiberglass Screens: 5–7 years
- Polyester Super Screens: 10–15 years
- Pet Screens or Florida Glass: 7–12 years
- 20×20 No-See-Um Screens: 6–8 years
These are averages. If your screens are facing direct sun, wind, or salty air (common in Marco Island and Cape Coral), they might wear out even faster.
6 Signs It’s Time to Rescreen
You shouldn’t always wait until screens are visibly falling apart. Here are warning signs:
- Holes or Tears – Even small holes invite bugs.
- Discoloration – Screens that turn gray or chalky are often UV damaged.
- Loose Screens – If your screens sag or flap in the wind, the spline or frame may need attention.
- Pests Getting In – No-See-Ums or mosquitoes getting through? Your mesh may be too loose or compromised.
- Rusty or Corroded Frames – Especially in coastal zones like Bonita Springs and Estero, salt air eats away at metal.
- Loss of Privacy or Shade – Older Florida Glass becomes brittle and loses effectiveness over time.
Why Florida Homes Need More Frequent Rescreening
Florida’s climate is uniquely tough on screened enclosures:
- High UV Exposure: Sunlight weakens fiberglass over time, making it brittle.
- Humidity & Rain: Moisture leads to mold, mildew, and accelerated wear.
- Windstorms & Hurricanes: Flying debris or high winds cause tears and loosen panels.
- Salty Air: Coastal homes in Marco Island or Cape Coral see faster corrosion.
If your lanai is exposed year-round with little shade, expect to rescreen more often than someone with a covered or protected enclosure.
Screen Type Matters
If you want screens that last longer:
- Polyester Super Screen is worth the investment. It resists tears, UV damage, and even pets.
- Florida Glass (vinyl laminated screen) offers privacy but typically needs replacing every 7–10 years.
- Pet Screen is a must for homeowners with dogs who lean, jump, or scratch at the screens.
These premium options help reduce how often you’ll need to rescreen, saving you time and money in the long run.
Tips to Extend Screen Life
Even in Florida’s tough climate, these steps help maximize screen life:
- Wash screens gently every few months using a hose or soft brush—no pressure washers.
- Trim trees and bushes away from the cage to avoid scratches or punctures.
- Fix small tears right away before they spread.
- Schedule inspections after storms, especially if your home took any wind or debris impact.
Serving Naples and Beyond
At Best Rescreen Company, we’ve been helping homeowners in Naples, Marco Island, Bonita Springs, Estero, Cape Coral, and Fort Myers maintain safe and attractive outdoor enclosures for years.
We offer:
- Free estimates
- Full lanai and pool cage rescreening
- Durable screen options like Super Screen, Florida Glass, and No-See-Um mesh
- Expert repairs and frame maintenance
If your screens are over 5–7 years old, or you’ve noticed any of the warning signs above, it’s time to schedule an inspection. In Florida’s unforgiving climate, waiting too long can lead to pest problems, safety concerns, and higher costs.
Call the Pros at Best Rescreen Company
📍 5660 Strand Ct Unit A244, Naples, FL 34110
📞 (239) 344-7774
🌐 www.bestrescreenco.com
Don’t wait until your screens fall apart—call us today for a free estimate and keep your lanai looking and working like new.
