The following tips for taking down a screen room will help you avoid some unnecessary work. Although this isn't a comprehensive, step-by-step guide, most of what you need to do is intuitive. Screen rooms are very common in Florida because mosquitoes are so ubiquitous. And, when you add to these annoying pests wasps and the colloquial named "no-see ums," it's little wonder why screen rooms are more of a necessity. However, over time, the materials deteriorate and rip. Along with it, the aluminum corrodes or wood rots, creating an unsightly space and one that's eventually unsafe.
Tips for Taking Down a Screen Room
Like many things needing to be disposed, such as what to do with old lawn equipment, you'll soon discover some of the materials difficult to discard for a variety of reasons. Fortunately, most of the materials used to construct a screen room can easily be discarded, just not all of them. Before you begin to cut and rip out the screens, think seriously about replacing any torn or worn materials. It's not expensive and will keep your patio or deck mosquito free, for the most part.
You can make the most of your backyard by converting your deck to a screened-in porch, which turns mosquitoes, heat waves, and downpours into non-events. Plus, the thwack of a screen door is still the soundtrack for summer. Converting won’t be easy — unless you’ve got top-notch handyman skills, you’ll have to hire a pro. And it won’t be cheap — converting a 14-foot-by-14-foot deck into a porch will cost $10,000-$12,000. But it’s worth the time and money. Screened-in porches add value to your home. Reginald Carter, a Jacksonville, Fla., appraiser, says the return on investment is about 70% if you stay in your home for at least five years after installing the porch. --House Logic.com
If you're doing a bit of exterior remodeling and removing a hot tub along with the screen room, it's best to just have a junk hauling service do the whole job for you. This way, you won't have to go through the trouble of dismantling the spa and loading all the heavy components. This solution is especially helpful if you are doing a complete outdoor entertainment space makeover since everything will be done at one time. However, if you're just tearing down part of a deck or patio, here are some helpful tips for taking down a screen room:
- Empty out the space completely. The first order of business is to clear the space out totally. Remove any decor, furniture, and whatever else is inside the screen room. You need as much room as possible to work freely. Place the furniture and decor under a covered area or in the garage before proceeding.
- Cut the screen material out. Put on a pair of leather gloves and use a utility knife to cut the screen away from the structure. The gloves will protect your hands from the sharp edges of the screen material and will also protect your hands from the aluminum or wood framing.
- Assess the condition of the roof. Next, assess the condition of the roof. If it's in good condition, you can just leave the structure in-place but if it's in bad condition, you'll need to take it down because it presents and safety hazard.
- Decide to rescreen or demolish the space. Now is the time to proceed with taking the entire structure down or to re-screen it. Replacement screen is not expensive and this will continue to be a protected space from mosquitoes and other insects.
When you've dismantled the whole structure, pick up the phone and call 800-433-1094 or visit AAA Rousse Services. We'll send our crew out to take care of all the debris, plus, haul away junk garbage you have on-site.