Technical Standards
Structural calculations must align with ASCE 7-22 wind-load requirements. Enclosures must utilize internal gust-bracing and heavy-duty 2"x3" or 2"x4" roof beams.
Coastal Durability
Selection of "Ultra-Screen" or polyester-coated mesh to resist UV tearing. All base-plate fasteners must be 304 or 316 stainless steel to prevent salt-air galvanic corrosion.
Maintenance Protocol
Annual inspection of "K-Braces" and door-closer tension. Cleaning with non-abrasive detergents to preserve the Kynar-500 aluminum finish from oxidation.
Screen & Lanai Enclosures
Precision-engineered aluminum structures designed to withstand coastal pressure and intense UV exposure.
In South Florida, a lanai is an extension of the building envelope. However, because it is an open-air structure, it is subject to extreme dynamic wind loading. A properly engineered enclosure uses its frame geometry to distribute wind energy into the concrete foundation rather than resisting it through the screen alone.
Enclosure Engineering Standards
- Structural Gutter Systems: Large-span enclosures require heavy-duty box gutters that act as the primary structural tie between the home and the screen cage.
- Nylo-Tec Fasteners: Traditional steel screws rust and snap. We specify Nylo-Tec or similar glass-filled nylon head fasteners that are salt-proof and match the frame finish.
- Clearview Architecture: Utilizing oversized structural beams to eliminate vertical "clutter" and provide unobstructed views of the Palm Beach landscape without sacrificing HVHZ rating.
- Pet-Resistant Mesh: High-tensile polyester mesh is 3x stronger than standard fiberglass, resisting tears from paws and the impact of flying debris during summer squalls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my white enclosure turning "chalky"?
This is oxidation. In coastal zones, UV rays break down standard paint finishes. High-performance enclosures use Kynar or powder coatings which are significantly more resistant to the salt-fog environment.
Can my screen cage survive a Category 3 hurricane?
Current Florida Building Code requires enclosures to be engineered for 170MPH+ gusts. However, older cages often lack the internal bracing and stainless-steel anchors necessary for modern safety standards.
What is "No-See-Um" mesh?
It is a dense 20x20 weave designed specifically to keep out tiny biting gnats (ceratopogonids) common in Florida’s coastal and marshy areas. It also provides slightly better UV shade than standard mesh.