Sofia Martinez
Covering porch screens with plastic is a great way to enjoy your porch all year round. In the summer, a screened-in porch provides a breezy, protected outdoor area, but in the winter, it can let in cold wind, snow, sleet, and freezing rain. By covering the screens with plastic, you can create a barrier against the elements and enjoy your porch even when it's cold outside. There are several ways to do this, including using clear vinyl sheeting, plastic sheets, or a product like Winterview Clear PVC Film, which is designed to be used with existing screening systems.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Enjoying a screened-in porch year-round, avoiding insects, protecting against cold wind, snow, sleet and freezing rain |
| Materials | Clear vinyl sheeting, 4-mil translucent plastic, acrylic/plexiglass panels, tempered glass panels, Winterview clear PVC film, vinyl film, glass panels |
| Installation Process | Measure height and width of screen sections, cut plastic sheet to size, staple or nail strips of lath over edges, stretch vinyl/plastic over frames, hold with bent nails or latches, seal seams with tape |
| Benefits | Cost-effective, ability to enjoy porch during winter, protection from insects and inclement weather |
| Considerations | Thickness of plastic (thicker is better), alternative options such as acrylic or glass panels, ease of removal in spring |
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What You'll Learn
Clear vinyl sheeting vs. translucent plastic
Clear vinyl sheeting is a popular choice for enclosing a porch with plastic. It is transparent, allowing for an unobstructed view, and can be hung either vertically or horizontally. Vinyl sheeting can be purchased in various thicknesses, with 10-gauge being the thinnest and cheapest option, and thicker varieties providing greater durability. Clear vinyl sheeting can be installed using a variety of methods, including stapling, nailing, or using a pulley system.
Translucent plastic, on the other hand, is a less expensive option for covering porch screens. While it does blur the view, it still allows for some visibility. Like clear vinyl sheeting, translucent plastic can be installed by stapling or nailing it to the screen frames. It is available in different thicknesses, with 4-mil being a common option.
One advantage of using clear vinyl sheeting over translucent plastic is its durability. Thicker vinyl sheeting can last longer and may be less prone to drying out and cracking over time. Additionally, clear vinyl sheeting can provide a clearer view, making it a better option for those who want to fully enjoy the surrounding nature.
However, translucent plastic has its benefits too. It is more affordable, making it a cost-effective solution for those on a budget. Additionally, translucent plastic can still provide a level of protection from insects and inclement weather, such as snow, sleet, and rain.
Both clear vinyl sheeting and translucent plastic can be effective options for covering porch screens. The decision between the two ultimately depends on factors such as budget, desired visibility, and durability requirements.
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Stapling plastic to screen frames
Covering porch screens with plastic is a great way to enjoy your porch year-round, protecting it from inclement weather and insects. Here is a step-by-step guide on stapling plastic to screen frames:
First, purchase clear plastic sheets or rolls, ensuring they are thick enough for durability. Measure the height and width of each screen section, adding 2-4 inches to each measurement to allow for proper coverage. Cut the plastic sheet accordingly.
Now, hold the plastic sheet over the matching screen section, centering it vertically and horizontally. Allow the extra plastic to extend beyond the edges. Staple the top left corner of the plastic to the frame, approximately 1/2 inch from the inside edge. Move to the top right corner and pull the plastic tight, ensuring no more than 2 inches extend past the inside edge. Secure with another staple.
Repeat this process for the bottom of the screen section, pulling the left side of the plastic tight and stapling, then move to the right side. Ensure the plastic remains taut as you work.
Finally, staple the sides of the plastic to the frame. Depending on your porch layout, you may need to overlap sheets by about 3 inches where they meet, rather than stapling them to a side frame. Pull the staples out with pliers when you want to remove the plastic.
This method provides a simple and effective way to enjoy your porch in all seasons.
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Building interior frames
Firstly, you will need to measure the height and width of each screen section. It is recommended to add 4 inches to the height and width of each measurement to get the right size of the plastic sheet for each section.
Next, cut the plastic sheeting to cover the screen and the frame. You can use either clear vinyl sheeting or 4-mil translucent plastic. Clear vinyl sheeting is transparent and will not obscure your view, whereas translucent plastic is cheaper but will blur your view.
Now, you can start building the interior frames. Stretch the vinyl or plastic material over the frames and staple it in place. Make sure the plastic is pulled tight and that no more than 2 inches of plastic extends past the inside edge of the frame. Staple the top left corner of the plastic to the frame, approximately 1/2 inch from the inside edge. Repeat this process for the top right corner, bottom left corner, and bottom right corner, ensuring the plastic is pulled tight before stapling.
Finally, hold the screen covers in place with bent nails, full-turn or half-turn button latches. You can also staple or nail strips of lath over the edges of the plastic to help secure it.
Your interior frames are now complete, providing a comfortable and protected space on your porch.
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Removing screen coverings
Removing plastic coverings from porch screens is a straightforward process. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Tools Required:
Needle-nose pliers
Steps to Remove the Coverings:
- Using the needle-nose pliers, carefully grip one of the staples and pull it out of the screen frame.
- Repeat this process for all staples along the edges of the screen.
- If you have used vinyl or plastic sheeting stretched over a separate frame, you will need to remove the bent nails, full-turn, or half-turn button latches holding the frame in place. Use the needle-nose pliers to remove these fasteners.
- Once all fasteners are removed, carefully lift and set aside the plastic sheeting or vinyl frame.
- Check the screen for any remaining staples or fasteners and remove them with the pliers.
- Dispose of or recycle the plastic coverings and staples/fasteners appropriately.
By following these steps, you can efficiently remove the plastic coverings from your porch screens, preparing the area for a change in seasons or simply restoring the open-air feel of your porch during milder weather.
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Winterizing with PVC film
Winterizing your porch with PVC film is a cost-effective way to enjoy your outdoor space during the colder months. The process involves covering your porch screens with clear vinyl sheeting or PVC film, which blocks out the cold air and inclement weather while still allowing you to enjoy the outdoors. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Step 1: Measure and Cut the PVC Film
Measure the height and width of each screen section on your porch. It is recommended to add 2-4 inches to each measurement to ensure that the PVC film properly covers the screen and the frame. This extra material will be used to secure the film in place.
Step 2: Secure the Top Corners
Hold the cut piece of PVC film over the matching screen section, centering it vertically and horizontally. Secure the top left corner of the film to the frame, approximately 1/2 inch from the inside edge. Pull the film tight, ensuring that no more than 2 inches of material extends past the inside edge of the frame. Secure the top right corner in the same manner.
Step 3: Secure the Bottom Corners
Move to the bottom of the screen section. Pull the left side of the PVC film tight against the screen and staple it in place, ensuring that it is no more than 2 inches from the inside edge of the frame. Repeat this process on the right side.
Step 4: Staple the Sides
Staple the sides of the PVC film to the frame. Depending on the layout of your porch, you may need to overlap the sheets by about 3 inches where they meet. Hold the film tight against the frame and staple it every 2 to 3 inches.
Step 5: Seal the Seams (Optional)
If you live in an area with heavy snowfall or rainfall, you may want to seal the seams of the PVC film with masking tape to ensure that no water gets through.
Step 6: Removal (For Seasonal Use)
If you plan on removing the PVC film during the warmer months, you can simply pull out the staples from the screen frames using needle-nose pliers. The film can then be stored away for future use.
Winterizing your porch with PVC film is a straightforward process that will allow you to enjoy your outdoor space throughout the winter, protected from the cold and harsh weather conditions.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use clear vinyl sheeting, 4-mil translucent plastic, or Winterview clear PVC film.
Measure 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.
Centre the plastic vertically and horizontally, allowing the extra to extend beyond the edge of the screen. Staple the top left corner to the frame approximately 1/2 inch from the inside edge. Pull the plastic tight and staple the top right corner, bottom left corner, and bottom right corner in the same way.
Covering porch screens with plastic allows you to enjoy your porch in the winter months by protecting it from cold wind, snow, sleet, and freezing rain. It also prevents insects from entering your porch.
