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Picture Window Pool Screen

What Are The Advantages Of A Picture Window Pool Screen?

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If you live in SW Florida, you know how important it is to have a functional and beautiful lanai. A lanai is an extension of your home that provides additional living space where you can relax, entertain guests, and enjoy the beautiful weather. One essential feature of any lanai is the pool screen, which keeps out unwanted insects and debris while allowing fresh air to circulate. If you’re in the market for a new pool screen, you might want to consider a picture window pool screen. Here are some advantages of this type of pool screen.

  1. Unobstructed Views The most significant advantage of a picture window pool screen is that it provides unobstructed views of your surroundings. Traditional pool screens have vertical supports that can block your view and make your lanai feel enclosed. Picture window screens have no vertical supports, which means that your view is unimpeded. This feature is particularly beneficial if you have a beautiful view that you want to enjoy while sitting in your lanai.

  2. Increased Airflow Because picture window pool screens have no vertical supports, they allow for increased airflow. This feature is particularly beneficial during hot and humid months when you want to maximize ventilation. Increased airflow also helps to reduce the buildup of moisture, which can cause mold and mildew to grow.

  3. Improved Aesthetics Picture window pool screens are also aesthetically pleasing. They give your lanai a modern and streamlined look that traditional pool screens can’t match. The absence of vertical supports also makes your lanai feel more spacious and open, which can be particularly beneficial if you have a smaller lanai.

  4. Better Durability Picture window pool screens are made with durable materials that can withstand harsh weather conditions. They’re also less prone to damage than traditional pool screens, which means that you’ll spend less time and money repairing and replacing your screen.

If you’re in the market for a new pool screen, you might want to consider a picture window pool screen. It provides unobstructed views, increased airflow, improved aesthetics, and better durability. 3G Home Exteriors has installed 100’s of picture window pools screens in Marco Island, Naples, Ft. Myers, Cape Coral and all surrounding areas.   Contact 3G Home Exteriors in SW Florida to learn more about picture window pool screens and to schedule an installation.

SW Florida Lanai Builder

What Is A Lanai?

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The lanai is as important to southerners’ quality of life as the front porch is to northerners and the patio is to southwestern residents. Each one offers a much-needed haven to refuel, think, and unwind. However, because of how similar their roles are, people frequently mistake one for the other.

A lanai can be compared to an extended porch at the back of the house. Porches, on the other hand, are more frequently enclosed, whereas lanais typically only have roofs. If not, at least one wall is exposed to the outdoors to fully benefit from ocean breezes. A covered area at the front or back of a house is called a porch. However, patios typically feature exposed paved flooring that lead to the backyard. Along with grills, picnic tables, and hot tubs.

Verandas and lanais share certain similarities as well as some evident differences, especially as verandas can be found on second or higher floors and often wrap around the structure. The fact that lanais are not just for relaxing at the end of the day or reading the newspaper on Sunday morning may be the most significant distinction, though. The lanai wants to be your outdoor living space.

Lanais are very common in tropical regions, notably in SW Florida and any of the southern states that border the Gulf of Mexico or the Pacific, thanks to its open floor layout.  Ceiling fans are used since humidity is frequently a problem in order to maintain the flow of those offshore breezes.

A Lanai Or A Patio?

A lanai is recommended as a good substitute for a patio by the house specialists at 3G Home Exteriors.  Because SW Florida summers can be so stifling, a lanai’s roof offers calming relief from the noontime sun. It’s also true that lanais frequently include detachable window panes or screens to keep insects and pests out, despite having three sides that are exposed to the air (the fourth being the home’s entry).

The lanai is considered to be more of a transitional zone between indoor and outdoor living than the patio or porch. In the summer, lanais provide shaded play areas for kids, and they are also a great place to sit or have dinner. In temperate climates, space heaters are a common addition to keep a lanai in use almost all year long.

Is Your Home In Need Of A Lanai?

If you ask the exterior professionals at 3G, they’ll tell you there are many reasons to add a lanai to your home if it doesn’t currently have one.  A lanai enhances curb appeal and provides next-level comfort for entertaining and unwinding visitors. Lanais can also increase the value of your home by cozily extending the living space outside, especially if you live near water.

A lanai will also give you extra privacy while framing the nicest view you can have from your house. Your furnishings will be less vulnerable to rain and wind if they are covered by a lanai (although the places where lanais are most popular are also the most hurricane-endangered).

Contact the pool enclosure experts at 3G Home Exteriors to get a free consolation on if a Lanai is right for your home.

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Lanai Options For Your Home

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Lanais are a common feature in Florida homes to shield residents from insects and the outdoors. A lanai should be practical in addition to having a beautiful design that improves the appearance of the house as a whole. However, a lot of individuals struggle to design their lanai such that it blends in with the rest of the inside.

To that end, we’ve put together a collection of fantastic lanai designs to make it easier for Floridians to locate their ideal match.

What are some fantastic lanai design ideas?

A homeowner should typically design their lanai to suit their tastes. However, if nothing occurs to you, at least one of the following ideas ought to work:

Pool Lanais With A Fence

Bugs swarming close to people’s swimming pools is one of Florida’s most annoying problems. By encircling the pool with a screen, bugs may be kept out of the home most effectively. Sun protection is increased with a UV-blocking screen. The densest screens will logically block the most sunlight.

There are three primary possibilities for the frame when installing a screen: brown, white, and black. Although white is bright and spotless, cleaning it can be difficult. Although black appears to be smooth, sunlight can eventually cause it to fade.

The nearby trees should also be taken into account because their leaves will appear on the screen. Pine should be avoided since the needles can clog the grid.

Caribbean Lanais

People have the impression of living in an oasis when they are on a tropical lanai. The wood used for the roof, decking, and general construction should be given priority. Among the alternatives that are most in demand are:

  • Cambara
  • African oak
  • Tigerwood
  • Cumaru
  • Ipe

The next stage is to add plants once the structure has been constructed. Choose vibrant and lush species, ideally those with fan-shaped leaves or eye-catching flowers. An atmosphere of the tropics will result from this kind of vegetation. Finish the space off with cozy teak, wicker, or rattan furnishings.

Exterior Spaces

It’s a great concept to create a lanai out of an outdoor area. The garden, for instance, might be converted into a lounge, second living room, kitchen, or spa. If the outdoor area is particularly vast, the lanai could have multiple zones.

Building different terrace levels for the decking is a terrific place to start. A sizable area for chairs and a long table may also be present. This setup is perfect for taking food from the outdoor kitchen to the deck. Additionally, a day bed on another level of the lanai may be used for afternoon naps.

Pick The Best Match

It can be challenging to design a lanai, but all it takes is a little imagination. These three instances could serve as a great place to start. Once you’ve chosen the lanai style, furnish it with chic furnishings to create the ideal space for unwinding.  If you are in Naples, Marco Island, Fort Myers, or one of the surrounding areas call 3G Home Exteriors to assist with your lanai design.  3G also rebuilds lanais and offers pool cage rescreen and pool cage painting.  Contact us today to get a free quote.

Lanai Maintenance

Lanai Screen Cleaning For Sparkling Views

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With these simple instructions for eliminating dirt, dust, pollen, and mold, you can spruce up your pool cage screen.

How to clean your pool lanai screens with basic tools and home remedies

With a screened in pool, you can enjoy the outdoors without having to deal with the pesky insects, drizzling rain, or crunching leaves. Pool screens serve as a filter to keep insects, pollen, and lawn debris out but with time they can collect a lot of buildup. To get the most enjoyment out of your pool—and to avoid caked-on filth or mold that can be challenging to remove—screens must be kept clean. The first step in learning how to clean lanai screens is to use your vacuum, but if your screens are very grimy, you might also need to use the garden hose and some soapy water. Plan to thoroughly clean your pool cage screens at the start and end of the outdoor season (usually in the spring and fall), as well as when necessary. While you’re at it, you might as well clean the rest of your outside area.

Every time you clean your pool screens, you might not need to go through each step outlined in this article, depending on how dirty they are. Cleaning up dirt, dust, and other small particles with a vacuum should be sufficient, but cleaning pollen, mold, and other grime off porch screens is best done with soapy water and a brush.

Everything you require:

  • vacuum accessories for crevice tools and upholstery brushes
  • ladder or step stool
  • lawn hose
  • brush with a soft bristle
  • a pail of hot water
  • gentle dish soap
  • alcohol-based white vinegar (optional)
  • aerosol can (optional)

 1. Vacum the screens

Start vacuuming from the outside of your pool screens if you can do so without risk. Otherwise, start at the top of your lanai screens and work your way down to remove debris using a vacuum with an upholstery brush attachment. To access the highest places, use a step stool or ladder if necessary. To vacuum the screens’ corners and edges, switch to the crevice tool attachment.

2.  Use a hose to wet the screens

Move any furniture or rugs that you don’t want to get wet away from the screens before beginning this step. Use a hose to rinse dirt off each screen panel inside the porch. As you move across and down, aim the spray outward. However, be careful not to tear holes in the screen while using a pressure washer to clean a screen porch. To prevent damage, use the lowest pressure setting and step back from the screen by a few feet.

3. Use soapy water to scrub

After vacuuming and hosing down the screens, use soapy water to spot-clean any spots that are still dirty or stained, or to completely wipe the entire surface. Warm water should be added to a bucket along with a few drops of mild dish soap. Scrub the inside of the screen with a soft-bristled brush dipped in the solution.

4: Clean the porch screens of mold

Pool screens are prone to mold and mildew growth, which frequently takes the form of a green, powdery substance, in moist or shaded places. Use a spray bottle to combine equal parts of distilled white vinegar and water to remove mold from porch screens. Use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the screens after misting them with the solution.

5.  Rinse the lanai screens 

After cleaning the pool screens, use your hose to remove any remaining cleaning solution. Remain inside the lanai and spray outside once again. Prior to bringing back the furniture to your patio, let the screens dry.

Sometimes your screens need more than a little cleaning. If that is the case, contact the lanai experts at 3G Home Exterior today.  We serve SW Florida including Naples, Bonita Springs, Marco Island, Ft Myers and all the surrounding areas.

 

 

Pool cage damage

Get Your Lanai Hurricane Ready

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Tips To Prepare Your Lania For Strong Storms

When you live in beautiful, sunny Florida, you also live with hurricanes. Although there is no way to make a hurricane not strike, planning for one can make a world of difference. Preparation is key when it comes to successfully navigating hurricane season and keeping your lanai intact after a storm. Check out these tips on how to get your lanai prepared for a hurricane and keep it looking its best.

Check for holes and make any necessary repairs :

If a hurricane or strong storm is in the forecast, carve out a moment or two to examine your lanai for any holes, rips or tears. Bad weather can cause any existing tears, even small ones, to get much larger or cause the lanai to rip completely. Spending the extra time to repair any existing damage, can save you from much larger, more time consuming issues, once the storm passes.

Make sure all doors are locked and secure:

In the frenzy that accompanies a big storm, many people often forget to make sure their lanai doors are not only closed, but locked. Safely securing doors is essential when it comes to limiting damage to your lanai and even additional property. Strong winds can easily pull a door off. Not only does this mean your lanai will have to be repaired but potentially anything the door can strike such as windows or your car.

Bring in all patio furniture and any other loose odds and ends in your yard

Big storms bring big winds and any loose items become a hazard to your lanai, your home and yourself. If you have patio furniture, garbage cans, or pool accessories, make sure they are properly stored inside. Your garage is a great place to put these items if possible. This ensures your lanai screens will be protected from any flying objects.

Tend to any hanging branches or limbs

When a storm rolls in, overhanging branches or tree limbs can equal a disaster. Prior to the storm, survey your yard and have any branches hanging over your lanai removed. This is important to avoid damaged screens or even worse, a dented roof or structural damage. It’s recommended to have your trees regularly maintained to avoid such problems from arising.

Call 3G For Any Lania Related Repairs

We hope these tips help you prepare for the next Florida storm and keep your lanai looking its best. However, if your lanai does suffer any damage from a storm give 3G Home Exteriors a call for needed repairs. From ripped screens to broken frames, our experienced team can get the job done.

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How To Tell When Your Lanai Needs to be Repaired or Replaced

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A lanai provides a beautiful way to enjoy the outdoors without having to deal with things like pesky bugs or unwanted elements. However, when it’s damaged, it can greatly impact your overall experience. Keeping your lanai in good condition is important, but for many owners it can be hard to determine what needs to be repaired versus what needs to be replaced. If you find yourself with a damaged lanai, keep reading to help you decide what option is best for you.

When to have your lanai enclosure repaired

One good thing about lanai screens is that they are strong and durable, but they aren’t invincible. If you notice any small damage to your screens it’s important to fix them sooner rather than later to avoid future problems down the road. The following issues can typically be repaired:

Small rips and tears: These can usually be repaired but it’s important to catch them before the tear becomes large. Such damage may be caused by an accidental tear or animals chewing the screens. Aside from preventing the rip from spreading, patching the tear will also prevent bugs or animals from getting in. Keep in mind if the tear is near the edge of the frame, however, you may have a larger issue at hand.

Chipping paint: If you are noticing paint flaking off your lanai cage, it may be time for a fresh coat. Typically you should be repainting it every 10-15 years. This is an easy fix that doesn’t involve a total replacement.

When to have your lanai replaced 

Although many issues with your lanai can be repaired, some will require replacement to address the issue. If you are experiencing any of the problems below, replacement may be the most economical option.

Widespread algae growth: You can typically wash small amounts of algae off your lanai but if you’re dealing with excessive algae growth, a replacement may be in your future. Since algae loves to grow in warm moist conditions pool lanais can become covered.

Damage to the hardware: If you begin to notice missing screws or that your bolts are rusting over, this can be an indicator it’s time to replace it. Damaged hardware can impact the security of a lanai and potentially cause it to blow away if there is a severe storm or intense weather. It’s best not to take the risk.

Large rips and tears: if your screens are beginning to have large, visible tears, they likely need to be replaced. Although you can try to patch them, more often than not, they will become damaged again. Plus, when you have large rips it’s often an indication there are smaller ones you haven’t noticed yet.

Age or outdated screens: Age can take a toll on screens. Also certain materials used in the past may not withstand the elements as well as a newer screen. If your lanai is older, it may be worth looking into investing in a newer one.

If you’re interested in updating or repairing your existing pool enclosure to your home, contact 3G Home Exteriors today for a free quote! With over 400 Five Star reviews, experts from our family-owned company will help you figure out the best option for you, your family and your budget!

 

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How To Keep your Pool Lanai Looking Brand New

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Tips To Keep Your Pool Enclosure In Great Shape

Although the term Lanai is a Hawaiian word, you don’t have to fly to the big island to find one. Lanais are popular features for SW Florida residents who are looking to provide some shelter to their yard or pool. Lanais are covered porches that use screens instead of glass for the walls. They are a beautiful and practical way to keep unwanted guests like bugs and wildlife out, without having to sacrifice feeling like you’re outdoors.  However, like anything with a screen, the harsh Florida weather can have lanais that can end up looking discolored and worn over time. The key to keeping your lanai looking beautiful is simply proper maintenance. In this article, we will discuss what causes unsightly coloring and how you can remove it so your lanai and screens are back to their former glory.

What Discolors Lanais?

If you notice the screens of your lanai have taken on an unwanted green or blackish hue, there are a couple possible causes for the discoloration.

  1. The first possible cause is algae. Algae thrives in moist places so it makes sense that a pool screen would be a common place for it to occur. When algae spores are released into the air, they often make their home on your lanai. If you are noticing black or grey streaks on your screens, you’re likely dealing with algae.
  2. The second thing that might be causing your screen discoloration is mold. Similar to algae, mold loves warm and moist environments. The moisture from your pool encourages mold growth and often leaves you with a green substance on your screens.

Fixes To Your Lanai Screens

No matter how beautiful your pool or yard is, if your lanai is covered in algae or mold it won’t look inviting. Although this is never a wanted scenario, there are a few simple fixes to get your screens looking new again.

  1. Soap and Water: Some soap, water and a lot of elbow grease can do the trick! Although this may be the simplest of the cleaning methods, it is an effective route. You’ll want to clean the screens with a soft bristle brush and ensure you’re cleaning both sides. This gentle method has the lowest amount of risk when it comes to damaging the screen and is a great option if you have the time.
  2. Vinegar and Water: You can step up your cleaning game by adding some vinegar when scrubbing the screens. You’ll want to mix the vinegar with water to dilute it. For this method a sponge will work as a cleaning tool. Make sure that you allow the solution to dry rather than washing it all off. This can prevent future mold or algae growth.
  3. Power Washing: If you’re in a time crunch, power washing is the fastest way to clean mold and algae off your screens. Keep in mind that you’ll want to use the lowest setting possible when starting to avoid any damage to your screen. This method also may require you to do some touch ups and spot treatments so keep that in mind.

3G Home Exteriors Serving Lee And Collier County Specializing In Pool Cage Rehabs

Although no lanai owner wants to find their screens turning color, the good news is it’s a problem that can be easily remedied. The above cleaning solutions should get your screens looking brand new so you can start enjoying them again!  If you need to replace the screen, remember to contact 3G Home Exteriors for all your Lanai or Pool Enclosure projects at (239) 994-5900.

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What to Know When Considering a Picture View Window Screen For Your Pool Enclosure

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Does your pool have a breathtaking view? If so, a picture view window screen from 3G Home Exteriors in Southwest Florida may be the best option for you! When it comes to screen enclosures, a picture view means there is a large portion of the enclosure that is unobstructed from cables or beams leaving you with a “picture perfect” view.

If you are thinking about adding a seamless view to your pool, here’s what you should know when trying to determine if it’s the right choice for you:

1. You don’t need to get a whole new screen enclosure to enjoy a picture view pool screen. Picture views can be installed on new or existing enclosures. This makes them perfect for pool owners who are looking to update their current setup.

2. Picture view screens aren’t just pretty to look at. For many pool owners they are a smart financial decision. With their sleek design, they often enhance curb appeal and potentially the resale value of your home.

3. You’ll enjoy the breeze even more with a picture view. Since a larger portion of these enclosures don’t have beams or cables, you will experience better ventilation around your pool. This makes them idea; for pool owners who want to feel the warm breeze on a summer night and get that outdoor feeling without eliminating a screen.

4. Just because there are fewer beams doesn’t mean there will be more bugs. These enclosures still have screens with very small gaps to prevent bugs and unwanted pests from bothering you. These screens are also strong enough to withstand other natural and manmade projectiles giving owners peace of mind.

5. Many pool owners often complain that their current enclosure feels cage-like due to beams and bars. With a picture view screen this is never the case! The open and airy feel these screens provide eliminates this issue and is one of the many reasons they are so popular.

6. Picture view window screens come in a variety of different styles to match your specific tastes and needs. When it comes to these window screens, you can make part of a wall, a whole wall or even the entire enclosure a picture view screen. This customizable option makes them great for any budget and any view!

If you’re looking to enhance your view without sacrificing the protection screens provide, a picture view pool screen is your solution! If you’re interested in upgrading your existing pool screen or adding a brand new picture view enclosure to your home, contact 3G Home Exteriors today for a free quote! With over 400 Five Star reviews, experts from our family-owned company will help you figure out the best option for you, your family and your budget!

Call (239) 994-5900