18 Questions Answered · Brevard County, FL

Screen Enclosure FAQ for Brevard County, Florida

Plain-English answers from a contractor working in Brevard County every week.

How much does a pool cage cost in Brevard?

$3,000-30,000 depending on size and design. Small lanai screen: $3-7K. Standard mansard or hip-roof pool cage: $10-20K. Large custom with super-screen and bronze frame: $20-30K+.

Hurricane code requirements?

Brevard pool cages must meet Florida Building Code wind-load requirements - typically 130-150 mph design wind speed depending on exposure. Frames must be aluminum (hurricane-rated tier) with stainless fasteners. Mesh attachment uses approved spline systems.

What mesh size is best?

#18x14 is standard - blocks most insects. #20x20 (super-screen) for fine bugs and reduced UV. #40 (no-see-um) for sand fleas/midges - mostly coastal homes within a mile of beach.

How long do screens last in Florida?

Standard fiberglass screen: 5-8 years before sun degradation. Polyester screen (super-screen): 10-15 years. Stainless or aluminum mesh: 20+ years. Brevard sun and salt air accelerate degradation.

Aluminum frame colors?

White, bronze (most popular in Brevard), and bronze with sandstone trim. Some manufacturers offer colors like black or custom matching. Bronze handles UV best - stays uniform color longest.

How long to build a screen enclosure?

Small lanai (200 sqft): 2-3 days. Standard pool cage (600-1,000 sqft): 4-7 days. Large custom: 1-2 weeks. Weather can extend in rainy season.

Permits required?

Yes for any new screen enclosure or pool cage. Brevard County requires building permit, sometimes engineering for larger structures. We handle permits.

Repair vs replace after hurricane damage?

Depends on extent. Single panel damage: repair $200-600 per panel. 20%+ structural damage: usually full replacement makes more sense. We evaluate and quote both options.

Do you do screen room additions (not just pool cages)?

Yes. Adding a screen room to an existing patio slab: $5-15K depending on size and roof style. Popular for back-porch living space without bugs.

Roof options?

Three styles common in Brevard: mansard (slanted-then-vertical, traditional pool cage look), hip (low-slope hip roof, modern aesthetic), and dome (curved for hurricane wind load). Plus solid-roof options if you want a real lanai roof instead of screen.

Insulated panels in the cage roof?

Available - "kick plate" panels at the base, sometimes solid roof sections combined with screen. Adds $20-60/sqft over standard screen but allows usable shaded space and protects from direct rain.

Storm panels for hurricanes?

Some homeowners add removable storm panels that bolt over screen sections during named storms. $400-1,200 per panel. Most opt for just the engineered hurricane-rated frame and replace screens if damaged.

Can you screen an existing concrete patio?

Yes - very common project. Adding screen walls to an existing covered patio: $4-12K depending on size. Adds outdoor living space without bugs.

Pool cage with a tile roof patio inside?

Yes. The pool cage and any attached covered patio (under the screen roof) integrate. Some clients do all-screen, some do hybrid with a solid-roof section over the pool deck dining area.

How do screens hold up to pets?

Standard fiberglass tears easily under cat claws or dog scratches. Pet-resistant screen (stronger weave, vinyl-coated polyester): 5-7x stronger, $0.50-1.50 more per sqft material. Worth it if you have pets.

Cleaning and maintenance?

Pressure wash 1-2x per year. Inspect for tears annually. Re-spline (replace rubber that holds the screen) every 10-15 years. Frame rinse with fresh water if you're within a mile of the coast (salt buildup).

Can the cage attach to my house?

Yes. Most pool cages attach to the existing house wall or eave. Proper flashing and waterproofing at the attachment point is critical to prevent leaks.

Warranty?

Frame: 10-25 years (manufacturer). Screen: 10-15 years on premium polyester. ELSO workmanship: 2 years on installation including all fasteners, splines, and attachment to existing structures.

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