screen under decking? - Fine Homebuilding (2024)

FAQs

Should you put screen under deck boards? ›

The underside of a deck can provide a nice shady area for a variety of crawling creatures to make their home. If you're concerned about bugs coming up from the gaps between floorboards, you may want to place a screen under the deck floor.

A screened porch is typically constructed by adding screens to an already covered outdoor porch, but a two-story deck with an under-deck ceiling also works great for a screened porch project!

In short, the answer is yes, but in what ways do they add value, and how much return should you expect from your investment? The ROI of a screen porch varies based on many different factors, but on average the return on a screen porch is 84%. The most important factor that affects return is the size.

One of the primary advantages of a screened-in porch is the ability to enjoy the outdoors while being protected from insects and other pests. The higher cost of PetScreen increases the value of the way you use your porch and adds real value by providing many years of service without damage to your screens.

Allowing for proper air ventilation will ensure that moisture can evaporate evenly and consistently. Why should you even bother planning for how air moves under a deck? Decking “breathes” on all sides. Both the surface area and the underside of the decking MUST be exposed to the same levels of humidity.

In general, gravel is the best material to use under a raised deck. While a little more expensive than some other options, it provides the most benefits. It's not flammable, doesn't retain water, and is less likely to attract plants, insects, and small creatures.

The least expensive way to screen in a porch is to staple fiberglass screen to wood frames. The frames are then mounted to the porch.

Build a bug-resistant, aluminum-framed screened porch to avoid bugs getting into your space in the first place. If you already have an existing wooden deck or porch, install a layer of screening underneath it to stop bugs from crawling up from below.

The most common cover-up is to skirt your deck with lattice, the traditional grid or diamond pattern that is associated with under-deck skirting. It's as classic as it is conventional, as there are multiple materials you can install. Or, consider an alternative to lattice, such as metal, cedar, or other faux materials.

What are the disadvantages of a screened-in porch? ›

Cons. Screening in your porch is more expensive than leaving it open, as this option calls for additional building time and more materials. You should also consider its visual impact. Although the mesh doesn't completely obstruct your view, you won't have a wide, clear perspective of your surroundings.

While there's no definitive figure for how much value a screened-in porch adds to your home, you can definitely expect some returns. Anything between 5 to 8% returns is expected once you build a screen-in porch. These returns may fluctuate to the higher end if you live in an area that stays warm all year.

Fiberglass. By far the most common type of screen used for porches, fiberglass mesh is inexpensive and offers good visibility due to minimal glare from sunlight. Fiberglass screen won't crease like metal screening, and its flexibility makes it the easiest type to work with.

All in all, you're looking at a total timeline of 15-25 weeks, or 4-6 months, as long as everything goes according to plan.

Clear Screens

Another simple and more solid way to keep rain out of your screened porch is to have removable screens that you can attach to the tops, sides, and bottoms of your screen windows with hooks, velcro, or magnets. These screens can be a durable, clear plastic or a waterproof fabric.

Yes. Gravel helps support the weight of the deck and prevents shifting or sinking into the ground. It also allows for drainage, which can help prevent rot in wood decks caused by standing water.

A waterproofing system allows you to use the space below your deck without worrying about water damage or getting your feet wet. Under deck waterproofing involves installing panels on the underside of your deck to collect and channel water away. This prevents water from seeping through the decking.

With that in mind, animals who make their home under the deck could make mischief and take a lot of your time and money in repairs. Debris like old leaves and wind blown trash that accumulates can be unsightly and smell bad. To prevent these issues, you'll need to enclose the area under your deck.

As used by professional landscapers the Weed Control Fabric Membrane ensures no unwanted vegetation or weeds can surface. Used under the decking substructure the Weed Control Fabric keeps your deck area clear of weeds over the years.