Outdoor rooms have become hugely popular additions for Jacksonville homeowners. But when it comes to enclosing your patio or pool deck, you have two main structure options—screen enclosures or glass enclosures. Both expand your home’s livable space, allow year-round enjoyment of the outdoors, provide protection from weather and insects, and boost resale value. But screens and glass have key differences in benefits, costs, visual appeal, and maintenance. 

Read on for an in-depth comparison of patio screen enclosures vs glass enclosures to decide which is better suited for your home.

The Benefits of Screen Enclosures

• From screened-in pools to outdoor kitchens and dining rooms, screen enclosures provide bug-free, filtered sunlight perfect for outdoor living. Benefits of screen enclosures include:
• Better Views – Screens give clear outward visibility allowing you to better enjoy garden and landscape views. Glass enclosures have a more limited see-through perspective.
• Natural Light and Airflow – Screen mesh allows refreshing breezes and natural light to filter through while keeping out bugs. Glass rooms can feel closed-in.
• Lower Costs – Open-framed screen enclosures cost 50-75% less than sunrooms to install. Replacement screen panels are inexpensive too.
• Easy Maintenance – Screen rooms basically just need occasional screen repairs and exterior cleaning. Glass enclosures require much more thorough cleaning and glass replacement over time.
• Customizable – Screen framing offers more DIY customization options and flexibility for different roofing styles from basic lean-to designs to open-beam vaulted ceilings.
• Adds Home Value – By adding useable outdoor living space, screen enclosures boost Jacksonville home values around 10-15% on average–a great return on investment.

The Benefits of Glass Enclosures

• Protection from Rain and Cold– Solid glass walls and retractable roof panels give more control over outdoor elements like rain, heat, and cold.
• Added Privacy – Clear glass gives outward views but blocks visual access from the outside for increased privacy.
• Interior Comforts – With climate control, lighting, and digital screens, glass enclosures feel like fully-integrated indoor spaces where you can comfortably relax outdoors year-round.
• High-End Styling – Frameless glass panels and crisp architectural lines give glass enclosures an upscale, contemporary aesthetic compared to more casual screen rooms.

Which Adds More Home Value? Screen vs. Glass

One of the biggest considerations for Jacksonville homeowners choosing between screen enclosures vs glass enclosures is which option will give them the best return on investment when they go to sell their home. 

There are several factors to weigh with regard to added resale value:

• Overall Cost – Because screen rooms cost significantly less to install than sunrooms, they allow homeowners to recoup a higher percentage of their project investment.
• Added Space – Both screens and glass effectively increase living area. But lower-cost screen rooms provide more functional square footage value per dollar spent.
• Energy Efficiency – Insulated glass enclosures can reduce monthly energy bills more than screened rooms. But screen enclosures are still considered energy-efficient additions.
• Customization –screens offer more flexibility for DIY projects and custom designs preferred by buyers.
• Lifestyle Appeal – Outdoor enthusiast buyers gravitate toward the indoor-outdoor living experience provided by open-air screen rooms rather than all-glass spaces. Considering their comparable functionality mixed with dramatic cost savings, most real estate analysts recommend screen enclosures over glass patios for the best boost in home valuation. Added equity gained from screen rooms offers a higher payoff when selling.

Ongoing Maintenance Considerations

Another key factor when weighing screen enclosures vs glass enclosures is their long-term maintenance costs. What on-going upkeep is required for each type of structure?

 

Screen Enclosures – Require little routine maintenance beyond occasional screen repairs, seal replacements around frames to prevent water intrusion, and exterior cleaning. Screens are easy for homeowners to replace affordably.

Glass Enclosures – Require much more vigilant cleaning between glass panels to avoid dirt buildup. Window seals and exterior finishes also need re-application every 2-3 years to prevent leaks. And since glass panels are expensive, professional repairs are recommended.

Key Considerations for Your Jacksonville Home

When weighing the decision between installing a screen enclosure or glass enclosure for your backyard, pool area, patio, or deck, be sure to consider:

• Local Climate – Jacksonville’s hot, humid summers make screened enclosures ideal for maximizing breezes and avoiding a greenhouse effect.
• Design Styling – Do you prefer a contemporary glass structure or more relaxed, casual screened room vibe? Either can suit Florida homes’ architectural style.
• Usage – Will the space be used year-round or mainly spring through fall? Fully-glassed sunrooms allow more winter and rainy day enjoyment.
• Views – Evaluate existing views/sightlines and visibility preferences before selecting clear glass walls or filtered screen panels.
• The choice ultimately comes down to lifestyle priorities and budget. 

Maximize Your Outdoor Living With Lifetime Enclosures

Work with Jacksonville’s premier enclosed outdoor living specialists at Lifetime Enclosures to receive a free quote on architecturally stunning and ruggedly durable screen or glass enclosures, meticulously crafted to your unique needs and home style. Call today to schedule your no-obligation design consultation and estimate.