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What a screen refresh actually means
A refresh is mostly about the mesh and the seals — not the structure. Most lanais just need fresh screen, new spline and a door sweep that closes tight. Heavier work like framing, footings or anything electrical belongs to a licensed pro, not a planner.
Choosing mesh
Tighter weave, fewer bugs, a little less breeze
Mesh is a trade-off. Open weaves move more air; tight weaves and no-see-um mesh block more bugs but soften the breeze. Pet households usually add a heavier strand on the lower panels where animals lean and scratch.
Repair vs re-screen
Patch the small stuff, re-screen the tired stuff
One torn corner is a patch. Several stretched, sagging or sun-faded panels usually mean it's time to re-screen a whole side. The planner gives you a checklist so the brief you hand to a contractor is realistic.
Four things every coastal lanai balances
Sea breeze
Exposed, windward porches benefit from a pro reviewing framing for gusts.
Bugs
No-see-um pressure near water points to a finer weave.
Privacy
Guest- or street-facing sides may want layered shade panels.
Pets
Add pet-resistant strand low, where paws push.
Words you'll see in your plan
- Lanai
- A roofed, screened porch or patio — common across Florida homes.
- Spline
- The flexible cord that locks screen mesh into the frame channel.
- No-see-um mesh
- Extra-fine weave that blocks tiny biting midges.
- Pet-resistant screen
- Heavier strand woven to resist paws and claws.
- Pool cage
- A large screened enclosure over a pool or deck.