Sofia Martinez
Covering your porch door in plastic is a great way to enjoy your porch all year round. It can help to protect you from insects, pollen, strong winds, rain, and snow. You can purchase clear vinyl sheeting or plastic to cover your porch, and there are a few different methods you can use to install it. One method is to cut the sheeting to size, bind the edges with cloth, and secure it to the frame with screws or staples. Another method is to build a frame that fits inside the porch door frame and stretch the vinyl or plastic over it, securing it with staples or nails. You can also use masking tape to seal any seams and protect against the elements.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Clear vinyl sheeting, 4-mil translucent plastic, 10 Gauge vinyl, 20 Gauge vinyl, 30 Gauge vinyl, masking tape, plastic sheets |
| Benefits | Protection from insects, pollen, strong winds, inclement weather, temperature control |
| Installation | Measure and cut plastic sheet to size, staple or nail to frame, stretch vinyl or plastic over frames, seal seams with tape |
| Removal | Pull staples from frame with pliers |
| Maintenance | Replace turnbuttons, thicker vinyl lasts longer |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right plastic
When choosing the right plastic to cover your porch door, there are several factors to consider, including the thickness of the plastic, the type of vinyl, and the installation process.
Firstly, it is important to select the appropriate thickness of plastic for your specific needs. A common option is the 10-gauge vinyl, which is thinner and cheaper. This thickness is suitable for creating a temporary barrier and can be used with some porch window enclosure systems and windows installed with spline. However, it is important to note that thinner vinyls may not be as durable and can dry out and crack over time due to sun exposure. On the other hand, thicker options, such as the 20-gauge or 30-gauge vinyl, offer increased durability and are recommended for larger openings or when installing with spline.
Another factor to consider is the type of vinyl. Clear vinyl sheeting is a popular choice as it provides a transparent barrier without obscuring the view. It is often used in porch enclosure systems and can be installed by cutting the sheeting to cover the screen and frame, binding the edges, and securing it with snaps or staples. Additionally, clear vinyl panels that roll up and down are available, offering protection from wind, rain, and colder temperatures while still providing a clear view.
Alternatively, you may consider using translucent plastic, which is less expensive but will blur the view. It is important to measure the height and width of each screen section accurately and add a few inches to each measurement to ensure a proper fit.
When installing plastic to cover your porch door, you have the option to staple or nail strips of lath over the edges of the plastic to hold it in place. Another method is to build frames that fit inside the framework of the porch and stretch the plastic over these frames, securing it with staples, bent nails, or button latches.
It is worth noting that some companies offer porch enclosure systems, such as Screen Block and Porch Enclosure Systems (PES), which provide clear PVC film or vinyl panels to enclose your porch during colder months. These systems often include tracks and zippers to block off pollen and dust, and they can be easily removed for seasonal or temporary use.
In summary, choosing the right plastic for covering your porch door involves selecting the appropriate thickness, type of vinyl (clear or translucent), and installation method. Consider your specific needs, durability, and functionality when making your decision.
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Cutting the plastic to size
Cutting the plastic sheeting to size is a crucial step in ensuring a snug fit for your porch door cover. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Measure the Screen Sections
Begin by measuring the height and width of each screen section on your porch door. It's important to be precise with these measurements, as they will form the basis for cutting your plastic sheeting to size.
Add a Buffer
After taking your measurements, you'll need to add a buffer to each dimension. This buffer will ensure that the plastic sheet fully covers each section with some extra material to secure it in place. The recommended buffer size varies; some sources suggest adding 4 inches to both the height and width, while others recommend 2 inches. This extra material will be folded or wrapped around the edges of the screen sections.
Cut the Plastic Sheeting
Using the measurements you've taken, carefully cut the plastic sheeting to size. Ensure that your cuts are straight and accurate to achieve a neat finish. You may use a sharp utility knife or scissors for this task, depending on the thickness of the plastic sheeting. Take your time with this step, as uneven or inaccurate cuts may result in an ill-fitting cover.
Test Fit the Plastic
Before securing the plastic sheeting in place, it's a good idea to test fit your cuts. Hold the plastic sheet up to the corresponding screen section to ensure it covers the entire area with enough excess to staple or nail in place. If any adjustments are needed, it's better to trim the plastic than to start over with a new sheet.
Trim as Needed
If you find that your plastic sheeting is slightly oversized, you can carefully trim the excess material. It's better to make small cuts and test fit the sheet repeatedly until you achieve the perfect fit. This step ensures that your plastic cover is tailored to your specific porch door dimensions.
By following these steps, you'll be able to cut the plastic sheeting to the correct size for each screen section on your porch door. Accurate measurements and careful cutting are key to achieving a snug and secure fit.
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Stapling the plastic in place
Once you've purchased your plastic sheeting, you'll want to get started by measuring the height and width of each screen section. Add 4 inches to the height and width of each measurement to get the proper size plastic sheet for each section. Cut the plastic sheet to size.
Now you're ready to start stapling. Starting at the top left corner, staple the plastic sheeting to the frame approximately 1/2 inch from the inside edge. Move to the top right-hand corner, pulling the plastic tight and ensuring no more than 2 inches of plastic extends past the inside edge of the frame. Staple the sheeting to the frame in the same way as before.
Move to the bottom of the screen section and pull the left side of the plastic tight against the screen. Again, make sure no more than 2 inches of material extends past the inside edge of the frame, and staple the bottom left corner approximately 1/2 inch from the inside edge of the frame. Repeat the process on the right side of the screen.
If there is extra sheeting on the left-hand side of the screen, fold it so that the outside edge is flush with the inside edge of the frame. Repeat the stapling process, stapling through both thicknesses.
Now, pull the plastic down to the bottom of the opening, ensuring that an inch of plastic overlaps the frame. Hold the plastic tight against the frame and staple the sheet to the bottom of the opening every 2 to 3 inches. Repeat this process on the sides of the plastic, stapling every 2 to 3 inches.
Continue this process until all the screens on the porch are covered. Depending on the layout of your porch, some sheets may need to overlap rather than be stapled to a side frame. If this is the case, overlap the plastic sheets by 3 inches where they meet.
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Using vinyl as an alternative
Clear vinyl sheeting is a popular alternative to plastic for covering porch doors. It is strong and durable and can last for years. Vinyl is a good option if you want to protect your porch from rain, wind, snow, pollen, and strong winds. It can also be used to keep insects out.
Vinyl comes in rolls and is lined with protective paper. Before installing it, you should take measurements of your door and cut the vinyl accordingly. It is ideal to have a large table to lay the vinyl out on, but this may not always be possible due to the size of the vinyl. You should always test the vinyl first, especially if you will be putting a lot of strain on it.
The thickness of the vinyl you choose will depend on your specific needs and the type of window you have. The 10-gauge vinyl is the thinnest and cheapest option, but it may not last as long as thicker vinyls. The sun will dry out the plasticizers inside the plastic over time, causing it to crack. Thicker vinyls, such as the 20-gauge and 40-gauge, are more durable but may not fit in smaller window frames.
To install the vinyl, you can staple or nail strips of lath over the edges of the vinyl sheeting to hold it in place. Another method is to build frames that fit inside the framework of the screen porch and stretch the vinyl over the frames, stapling it in place. You can also use hex head roof screws to attach the vinyl sheeting.
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Removing the plastic
Firstly, gather the necessary tools, including a pair of needle-nose pliers. Needle-nose pliers are ideal for gripping and removing the staples without causing damage to the screen frames. Ensure you have a safe and sturdy surface to work on, and wear protective gear such as gloves and eye protection.
Start by locating all the staples along the edges of the plastic sheeting. Grasp each staple firmly with the needle-nose pliers as close to the screen frame as possible. Gently pull the staples out of the frame with a steady motion, being careful not to stretch or tear the plastic sheet. Work your way around the entire perimeter of the door, removing all the staples that hold the plastic in place.
Once all the staples are removed, carefully lift and separate the plastic sheet from the door frame. Take your time with this step to avoid accidentally pulling out any screen material or causing damage to the frame. Completely remove the plastic sheet and set it aside for disposal or storage.
After removing the plastic, inspect the door frame and screen for any remaining staples or residue. Use the needle-nose pliers to extract any stubborn staples that might have been missed during the initial removal process. You can also use a soft brush or cloth to wipe down the frame and screen, ensuring no debris or residue is left behind.
Finally, dispose of the removed staples and plastic sheet responsibly. Consider recycling the plastic if possible, and store any leftover staples in a secure container to prevent injuries. Your porch door will now be free of the plastic covering, and you can enjoy the natural breeze and view during warmer seasons.
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Frequently asked questions
Covering your porch door with plastic can help you enjoy your porch all year round. It blocks out the weather, pollen, strong winds, insects, and snow.
You can use clear vinyl sheeting or plastic. Clear vinyl sheeting is transparent and will not obscure your view. Translucent plastic is less expensive but will blur your view. Thicker plastic is better and will last longer.
First, measure the height and width of each screen section. Add 2-4 inches to the height and width of each measurement to get the proper size plastic sheet. Cut the plastic sheet accordingly. Then, pull the plastic tight against the frame and staple the sheet to the bottom and sides of the frame every 2 to 3 inches. Repeat this process until all the screens on the porch are covered.
Yes, an alternative method is to build frames that fit inside the framework of the screen porch. Stretch the vinyl or plastic material over these frames and staple it in place. Hold the screen covers in place with bent nails, full-turn, or half-turn button latches.
