Our city life came with a trade-off: limited outdoor space. We were fortunate to have a second-floor roof deck, a precious slice of open air in a concrete landscape. It offered sunshine and a surprising degree of privacy, a haven compared to the typical Juliet balcony.
But this little paradise had its problems. A relentless invasion of bugs, fueled by a neighbor’s apparent fondness for spotted lanternflies, made enjoying the space a constant battle. Even worse, our cats saw the deck not as a relaxing retreat, but as a launchpad for neighborhood explorations – a terrifying prospect from two stories up.
The solution, we realized, was to enclose the deck. I envisioned a simple frame extending the existing railings, topped with a screen. The challenge wasn’t building the frame, but finding a way to create a “roof” that could withstand the harsh New Jersey winters, and the weight of heavy snow.
Stapling screen directly to the frame felt flimsy and temporary. It wouldn’t survive a significant snowfall. I needed something robust, yet easily removable for seasonal changes and potential repairs. That’s when I discovered a screened-in porch kit – a surprisingly elegant solution to a frustrating problem.
The system was brilliantly simple. An aluminum base attached to the perimeter, the screen stretched tautly over it, and then secured with a vinyl cap, hammered gently into place. No staples, no permanent damage, and the ability to easily remove or replace sections of screen as needed.
The aluminum base was easily cut to size with a hacksaw, and the vinyl caps yielded to a utility knife. This allowed for a truly customized fit, even around corners and seams. The kit offered a range of colors, allowing us to blend the enclosure seamlessly with the existing deck structure.
Installation was surprisingly straightforward. Measuring, cutting the bases to length (or into manageable sections for easier handling), and securing them with the included screws went quickly. The real key was the screen itself. I opted for a durable, high-visibility mesh from Phifer, known for its strength and clarity.
Working from the top down, I secured the screen to the upper base, then stretched it tautly and secured the bottom and sides with the vinyl caps. It required some effort to maintain tension, especially across the larger roof sections, but the result was a remarkably tight and clear enclosure.
The finished product transformed the deck. It was a sanctuary, free from buzzing insects and the constant worry of escaping cats. Sunlight still streamed through the screen, creating a bright and inviting space for relaxation and grilling.
The benefits were immediate and profound. The deck became a truly usable space, extending our living area without sacrificing the feeling of being outdoors. The occasional stray insect still wanders in, but the plague of lanternflies is thankfully a thing of the past.
Our cats, initially perplexed, quickly adapted. They now spend hours lounging on the deck, happily climbing the screen like furry acrobats. It’s a source of endless amusement, and a huge relief knowing they’re safely contained.
And when winter arrives, removing the screen is a simple ten-minute task. No more worrying about snow loads or structural damage. The Screeneze kit has proven remarkably durable, withstanding years of harsh weather and remaining in excellent condition.
If you’re looking to reclaim your outdoor space, screening it in is a game-changer. This kit offers a simple, effective, and surprisingly elegant solution, transforming a neglected deck into a cherished extension of your home.
