Author: Curtisdover

  • Pool Enclosure Screen Types Explained: What Does 18×14, 20×20 Actually Mean?

    When shopping for a pool enclosure or re-screen in Southwest Florida, you’ll hear terms like “18×14 mesh” and “20×20 mesh” thrown around. But what do those numbers actually mean, and how do you choose the right screen for your home? Here’s a straightforward explanation from our 20+ years of experience.

    What the Numbers Mean

    Screen mesh sizes are described by two numbers that refer to the number of threads per square inch in each direction. An 18×14 mesh has 18 threads running in one direction and 14 threads running in the other direction per square inch. A 20×20 mesh has 20 threads in both directions per square inch.

    More threads per inch = finer mesh = smaller openings. This is why 20×20 mesh blocks smaller insects that 18×14 lets through.

    Standard Fiberglass (18×14)

    The most common residential screen. 18 threads by 14 threads per square inch creates openings small enough to block mosquitoes, flies, and most common insects. It offers good visibility, decent airflow, and is the most affordable option. Typical lifespan in Southwest Florida’s UV environment: 7–12 years before it becomes brittle.

    Our Standard: HD Screen by Super Screen

    At Structural Aluminum & Screening, our standard screen for all installations isn’t generic off-the-shelf mesh. We use HD Screen by Super Screen, a name-brand product that carries a 5-year manufacturer warranty. It’s a significant step up from basic fiberglass in terms of durability, UV resistance, and overall longevity — without a huge price premium. When we say “standard mesh,” this is what goes on your enclosure.

    No-See-Um Screen (20×20)

    If you live near the coast — Marco Island, Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel, Siesta Key, Anna Maria Island — you know about no-see-ums. These tiny biting midges pass right through standard 18×14 mesh. The 20×20 mesh (20 threads in each direction) creates openings small enough to block them. The tradeoff: slightly reduced airflow and visibility compared to 18×14, and higher cost. But if you’re near the water, it’s worth every penny.

    Super Screen (Premium Poly Mesh)

    This is our premium option: name-brand Super Screen with a 10-year manufacturer warranty. It’s a vinyl-coated polyester mesh (not fiberglass) that offers significantly better visibility — you almost forget the screen is there. It’s also substantially more resistant to tears, UV degradation, and wind damage. Super Screen costs more upfront but lasts dramatically longer than standard fiberglass, making it a better long-term value for homeowners who plan to stay in their home.

    Pet-Resistant Screen

    If you have dogs or cats, standard screen doesn’t stand a chance against claws and leaning. Pet-resistant screen uses heavier vinyl-coated polyester that withstands normal pet contact without tearing. It’s not indestructible, but it’s dramatically more durable than any fiberglass option.

    Florida Glass (Acrylic Panels)

    Not technically a screen — these are clear acrylic panels that replace screen sections entirely. They block wind, rain, and cold while maintaining visibility. Popular for converting screen rooms into semi-enclosed living spaces.

    Which Screen Should You Choose?

    For most Southwest Florida homeowners: our standard HD Screen by Super Screen gives you excellent quality and a manufacturer warranty at a fair price. If you’re coastal, add 20×20 No-See-Um where needed. If you want the longest-lasting, best-looking option, Super Screen with its 10-year warranty is the move. Have pets? Pet-resistant screen for the lower panels at minimum.

    Not sure what’s right for your situation? Contact us or call (239) 264-5914 — we’ll walk through the options based on your location, lifestyle, and budget.

    Related

    Pool enclosure services · Re-screen and repair services · Pool enclosure cost guide

  • Hurricane Season Prep: How to Protect Your Pool Enclosure and Outdoor Structures

    Living in Southwest Florida means hurricane season is a fact of life. Whether you’re in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, Sarasota, or Bradenton, preparing your pool enclosure and outdoor aluminum structures before a storm hits can mean the difference between minor repairs and a total rebuild. Here’s how we help homeowners create a customized plan to give their structures the best chance of surviving.

    Pre-Season Inspection: What We Look For

    Before hurricane season starts (June 1), we recommend a professional inspection of your enclosure. What we check: loose or corroded fasteners and connections, screen panels that are deteriorating or pulling away from the frame, roof-to-wall tie connections, foundation anchoring condition, door hardware and latching mechanisms, and any previous repair work that may not have been done to code.

    Weak points that go unaddressed become failure points in a storm. A $200 repair in May can prevent a $15,000 rebuild in October.

    Customized Storm Preparation Plans

    Not every enclosure is the same, and not every storm threat is the same. We work with homeowners to develop a preparation plan based on their specific structure. For older enclosures built before current code requirements, we identify which connections and members are most vulnerable and prioritize reinforcement. For newer hurricane-rated structures, the prep is simpler — mostly inspection and maintenance.

    Key elements of a storm prep plan include: identifying which screen panels to remove if a major hurricane is approaching (removing screen reduces wind load on the frame dramatically), securing loose items inside the enclosure, ensuring all doors are properly latched, and knowing when professional help is needed versus what you can handle yourself.

    Roll-Down Screens and Shutters

    For homeowners who want maximum protection, we install roll-down hurricane screens and shutters. These systems deploy quickly when a storm approaches and provide engineered wind protection for your outdoor living spaces. They’re especially popular for enclosed lanais, pergolas, and patio areas where you want everyday openness but storm-ready protection on demand.

    After the Storm: What to Do

    If your enclosure sustains damage, document everything with photos and video before touching anything — this is critical for insurance claims. Don’t attempt structural repairs yourself. And remember: post-storm rebuilds must meet current building code, which is more stringent than when most original structures were built. That means your rebuild will actually be stronger.

    Get Your Enclosure Storm-Ready

    Don’t wait until a storm is in the forecast. Call (239) 264-5914 or contact us online to schedule a pre-season inspection. We’ll assess your structure, identify vulnerabilities, and recommend specific steps to maximize your enclosure’s storm survival chances.

    Related

    Hurricane-rated systems and roll-down screens · What to do after storm damage · Pool enclosure services

  • Do I Need a Permit for a Pool Enclosure in Lee, Collier, or Sarasota County?

    Short answer: yes. Here’s what you need to know about permits in Southwest Florida.

    Permits Are Required

    Lee County, Collier County, Charlotte County, Sarasota County, and Manatee County all require building permits for pool enclosures, screen rooms, pergolas, and most aluminum structures. This includes sealed engineer drawings proving the structure meets wind load requirements.

    Without a Permit

    Code enforcement can require teardown. Insurance may not cover an unpermitted structure. Unpermitted work kills home sales during inspections. And liability exposure is serious if someone is injured.

    We Handle It

    Sealed engineer drawings, permit application, building department coordination, and inspection scheduling — all included. Contact us or call (239) 264-5914.

  • Choosing the Right Screen Type for Your Pool Enclosure

    The screen you choose affects visibility, ventilation, bug protection, durability, and cost. Here’s a guide.

    Standard Fiberglass (18×14)

    Most common and economical. Good visibility, adequate airflow, blocks mosquitoes. Lasts 7–12 years in Florida’s UV.

    No-See-Um (20×20)

    Finer mesh blocks tiny biting midges that pass through standard screen. Essential near the coast. Slightly reduced airflow.

    Super Screen

    Premium vinyl-coated polyester. Better visibility, higher tear resistance, better UV resistance, improved wind performance. Costs more but lasts substantially longer.

    Pet-Resistant

    Much more durable against normal pet contact, scratching, and leaning. Worth it if you have dogs or cats.

    Need help choosing? Ask our team or call (239) 264-5914.

  • 5 Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Aluminum Contractor

    Not all aluminum contractors are equal. Before signing, ask these five questions.

    1. Licensed and Insured?

    Ask to see documentation. Unlicensed means no permits, no inspections, no recourse if something goes wrong.

    2. Does the Quote Include Engineering and Permits?

    Some quote the structure only and add engineering/permit fees later. Get clarity on everything included.

    3. What Gauge Aluminum?

    Heavier gauge = stronger. Budget contractors use minimum-code thickness with no safety margin. For Florida storms, you want above-minimum.

    4. Who Does Installation?

    In-house crews deliver more consistent quality than subcontracted labor.

    5. Local References?

    Check Google reviews and ask for recent local project references. Questions? Contact us — we answer all five happily. (239) 264-5914.

  • Do I Need a Permit for a Pool Enclosure in Lee County or Collier County?

    Short answer: yes. Here’s what you need to know about permits for pool enclosures and aluminum structures in Southwest Florida.

    Permits Are Required — Here’s Why

    In Lee County, Collier County, and Charlotte County, building permits are required for new pool enclosures, screen rooms, pergolas, patio covers, and most aluminum structures. This isn’t bureaucratic red tape — it’s how the local building department ensures your structure is safe, properly engineered for Florida’s wind loads, and built to current building code.

    The permit process typically requires sealed engineer drawings that prove the structure meets wind load requirements for your specific location, a site plan showing the structure’s placement on your property, compliance with setback requirements (minimum distances from property lines), and inspections at key phases of construction.

    What Happens Without a Permit?

    Building without a permit creates real problems. Code enforcement can require you to tear down the structure. Your homeowner’s insurance may not cover damage to an unpermitted structure. When you sell your home, unpermitted work shows up during inspections and can kill deals or require expensive remediation. And if an unpermitted structure fails and causes injury, you face serious liability.

    We Handle Permits for You

    At SAS Aluminum, permitting is included in our process. We provide sealed engineer drawings, submit the permit application, coordinate with the building department, and schedule inspections. You don’t have to deal with any of it. It’s one of the advantages of working with a professional contractor who knows the local permitting process inside and out.

    Questions about permits for your project? Contact us or call (239) 264-5914.

  • Choosing the Right Screen for Your Pool Enclosure in Florida

    The screen you choose for your pool enclosure affects visibility, ventilation, insect protection, durability, and cost. Here’s a guide to making the right choice for your Florida home.

    Standard Fiberglass (18×14)

    The most common and economical option. Standard 18×14 fiberglass mesh provides good visibility, adequate airflow, and keeps out most common insects including mosquitoes and flies. It’s the default choice for most pool enclosures and works well for the majority of homeowners. Typical lifespan in Florida’s UV environment is 7-12 years before screens become brittle and need replacement.

    No-See-Um Screen (20×20)

    If you’re near the coast or in areas with heavy no-see-um (biting midge) populations, the finer 20×20 mesh is worth considering. The tighter weave blocks these tiny insects that pass right through standard screen. Trade-off: slightly reduced airflow and visibility, and the finer mesh can feel a bit more enclosed. For many waterfront homeowners, it’s an essential upgrade.

    Super Screen

    Super Screen is a premium vinyl-coated polyester screen that offers significantly better visibility than fiberglass, higher tear resistance, better UV resistance (longer lifespan), and improved wind load performance. It costs more than standard fiberglass but lasts substantially longer and looks better throughout its life. For homeowners who want the best visibility and durability, Super Screen is an excellent investment.

    Pet-Resistant Screen

    If you have dogs or cats that push against screens, pet-resistant screen is much more durable than standard fiberglass. It won’t solve the problem of a determined dog running full speed at the screen, but it handles normal pet contact, scratching, and leaning much better.

    Need help choosing? Ask our team — we can recommend the best screen type for your specific situation. Call (239) 264-5914.

  • 5 Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Aluminum Contractor in Southwest Florida

    Not all aluminum contractors are equal. Before signing anything, here are five questions that separate the professionals from the rest.

    1. Are You Licensed and Insured?

    This seems obvious, but you’d be surprised how many unlicensed operators work in Southwest Florida. A proper contractor should have a state or county contractor’s license, general liability insurance, and workers’ compensation coverage. Ask to see documentation — don’t just take their word for it. An unlicensed contractor means no permit, no inspection, and no recourse if something goes wrong.

    2. Does Your Quote Include Engineering and Permits?

    In most of Southwest Florida, aluminum structures require sealed engineer drawings and a building permit. Some contractors quote the structure only and add engineering and permit fees later. Get clarity upfront on exactly what’s included in the price — engineering, permits, inspections, and final cleanup should all be part of a professional quote.

    3. What Gauge Aluminum Do You Use?

    Heavier-gauge aluminum means a stronger, more durable structure. Ask about the wall thickness of the main framing members. Budget contractors often use thinner aluminum that meets minimum code but offers little safety margin. For Florida’s storm environment, you want a contractor who builds above the minimum.

    4. Who Does the Actual Installation?

    Some companies sell the job then subcontract the installation to whoever is available. Ask whether the company uses its own installation crews or subcontracts. In-house crews typically deliver more consistent quality because they’re trained to the company’s standards and accountable to the company’s reputation.

    5. Can You Provide Local References?

    A reputable contractor should have no problem providing references from recent projects in your area. Better yet, check Google reviews, ask on local community Facebook groups, and drive by completed projects if possible. The quality of finished work is the best indicator of what you’ll get.

    Have questions about your aluminum project? Contact SAS Aluminum — we’re happy to answer all five of these questions and more. Call (239) 264-5914.

  • Aluminum vs. Wood Pergolas: Which Is Better for Florida?

    Thinking about adding a pergola to your Southwest Florida home? The material choice matters more here than almost anywhere else. Here’s an honest comparison.

    The Case for Wood

    Wood pergolas have a natural aesthetic that many homeowners find appealing. Cedar and pressure-treated pine are the most common choices. Initial cost is often lower than aluminum, and many DIY plans are available for handy homeowners. The warm, organic look of wood fits certain architectural styles beautifully.

    The Reality of Wood in Florida

    Here’s where the romance fades. Southwest Florida’s combination of humidity, rain, UV exposure, and termite pressure is brutal on wood. Even pressure-treated lumber starts showing signs of wear within 2-3 years — warping, checking (cracking), gray discoloration, and in some cases, rot. Cedar holds up somewhat better but still requires regular maintenance. Annual staining, sealing, or painting is necessary to maintain appearance and structural integrity. And termites in Florida are relentless — even treated wood can be compromised over time.

    Why Aluminum Wins in Florida

    Aluminum pergolas cost more upfront but cost less over the life of the structure. No maintenance means no annual staining or sealing costs. No rot, warping, or termite damage means no repair costs. Aluminum can be powder-coated in virtually any color, including finishes that mimic wood grain. And critically for Florida, aluminum pergolas can be engineered to meet wind load requirements that would require massive — and visually unappealing — wood members to achieve.

    Considering a pergola? Get a free estimate from SAS Aluminum or call (239) 264-5914.

  • Pool Cage Damaged by a Hurricane? Here’s What to Do Next

    If your pool enclosure was damaged during a hurricane or tropical storm, you’re not alone. Here’s a step-by-step guide for Southwest Florida homeowners dealing with storm-damaged aluminum structures.

    Step 1: Document Everything

    Before touching anything, take photos and video of all damage from multiple angles. Document the overall structure, close-ups of specific damage points, any damage to your pool, deck, or home caused by the enclosure failure, and the general condition of surrounding structures. This documentation is critical for insurance claims.

    Step 2: Contact Your Insurance Company

    File your claim as soon as possible. Most homeowner policies cover storm damage to screen enclosures, but the specifics vary. Your insurance adjuster will want to see the damage documentation and will typically provide an estimate for repair or replacement. Important: your insurance company’s estimate may not reflect actual market costs for quality reconstruction, especially if building codes have been updated since your enclosure was originally built.

    Step 3: Get Professional Estimates

    Get estimates from licensed contractors — not just handymen or storm-chasers. Look for established local companies with aluminum-specific experience. Ask about their approach to current building code requirements, because post-storm rebuilds typically must meet current code, which may be more stringent than when the original structure was built. This can actually be a positive — your rebuilt enclosure will be stronger than the one that failed.

    Step 4: Rebuild Right

    This is your opportunity to upgrade. Consider hurricane-rated construction, better screen materials, improved roof design, and addressing any issues you had with the original enclosure. A proper rebuild with engineered drawings and current-code construction means your new enclosure should survive the next storm.

    Need help with hurricane damage repair? Contact SAS Aluminum for a free assessment or call (239) 264-5914.