When we arrived at this customer’s home in the Arbor Run section of Oak Ridge, we were a little at a loss as to what project they could have in mind. The home is gorgeous and they already had an expansive second story deck and shaded paver patio. What more could they want? Our clients conceived a seemingly small improvement that would give their home a terrific upgrade without spending a whole lot of money. They asked us to screen in the area underneath the existing deck to give themselves a nontraditional kind of screened porch. It may very well be the only one of its kind in the area.
We created one wall with a sweeping white arch across the top and a door and windows beneath. It has clean, elegant lines and lets in the maximum amount of light possible. The arch mimics the one on the rear of the home on the upper level, achieving design harmony– it looks like it was part of the original construction. There are smaller screens in the floor-to-ceiling window areas flanking each side.
This project was made possible by the fact that the deck on the upper level was built with a flooring system that keeps the area underneath dry. This kind of below decking ceiling system may also be retrofitted, but it is easier and less expensive to include it in original construction. Water diverters under the floor catch rain and send it to gutters and downspouts.
The Screen-Eze® system that we used was ideal for this project. The screens are durable enough that they can cover up to 150 square feet, which is up to 3 times the normal area that can reliably be covered. It has a 10-year warranty and is famous for its ability to stretch and bounce back into shape rather than tear. This makes it the perfect screening solution for families with young children or pets. Bouncing off is always preferable to breaking through when it comes to screens.
Now the family has lots more usable, dry, bug-free space to enjoy. It’s a room that bridges the gap between inside and outside. It includes protection from the sun, the rain, and the insects that can make outdoor living a bit of a trial sometimes, but still provides plenty of opportunity to enjoy the fresh air and view of the backyard. Best of all, they are now making wonderful use of a space that was largely wasted before.
If you are interested in learning about how our quality built structures can transform the look of your home, contact Archadeck of The Piedmont Triad. Call us today for a free consultation (336) 664 – 1332, piedmonttriad@archadeck.net.
