Do I have to choose between a screened porch and a porch that also includes vinyl windows?

Whether you have an existing screened porch or are thinking about adding a porch, you might want to consider a porch that includes both screens and vinyl windows. You don’t have to choose.

There are a couple popular brands that make 4-track window systems for screened porches. These include WeatherMaster by Sunspace, Eze-Breeze by PGT and some smaller brands such as EzePorch. At Archadeck of Chicagoland, we have been installing screened porch window systems for years on both new porches and retrofitting existing porches.

Beautiful cedar screened porch with outdoor fireplace by Archadeck of Chicagoland

If you’re just getting started with your research on whether to consider an open porch, screened porch, 3-season room, 4-season room, or sunroom; you certainly have your work cut out for you. A good starting question would be whether you are looking for protection from dust, pollen, precipitation, and some temperature protection. All of these protections are afforded to you when you have an enclosed system whether it’s with vinyl windows or in a full window sunroom.

Here is how the window systems work. The vinyl windows work on a track system with 4-tracks. This provides the ability to open three tracks to expose 75% screen or to only open one track exposing 25% of the screen. If you take a look at either of the videos above, you can see 2 different porches with installed vinyl window systems. You’ll note the extreme clarity of the vinyl. It’s durability rivals it’s clarity.

As mentioned above, when determining which porch option is best for your home, among the key considerations are what you want to keep out of the room. For example, if you want to have full exposure to all of the elements and want to be able to walk freely from your porch to your yard, an open porch or covered porch is the best option.

Adding screens to your porch encloses your porch to a degree. This provides protection from flying insects and from some flying particles such as dust or pollen. Depending on the screens and strength of a rain shower, it will also provide some protection from the rain allowing you to enjoy the sound of the rain undercover. You will not receive sun protection from screens but you will receive sun protection from the roof itself. The degree of sun protection from roof cover depends on the strength of the sun to that area of your yard which is influenced by your home’s orientation and the degree of shade your porch achieves due to trees and other structures.

For those of us who struggle with airborne allergens such as dust or pollen, being able to turn screened windows to clear vinyl windows with the ease of opening or closing a window, you will love having a track window system. If the transition to lower temperatures forces you indoors, a vinyl window system can provide a reprieve for you. Depending on the transition to your house and whether you have a space heater and ceiling fan, you may be able to enjoy your porch quite a bit longer in the cooler months.

As you can see, there are a number of benefits of selecting Eze-Breeze or SunSpace windows for your porch. If you have an existing porch and would like us to retrofit your windows, give us a call for a free consultation. We look forward to your call.

If you are ready to discuss options for adding a screened porch with windows, Archadeck of Chicagoland is here for you! Design options are customizable and virtually endless! Sign up for a free design consultation or call Archadeck of Chicagoland at (847) 250-4100 to speak with a design consultant and begin creating your new dream space.