The Slide Guide to Screened Enclosures & Pool Cages

A wonderful thing about living in The Sunshine State is the ability to spend time outside year-round. Screened enclosures and pool cages are a practical and effective safety barrier for keeping out airborne debris, insects, intruders, and other uninvited people, or even the occasional gator.

Whether your enclosure is a freestanding unit or an extension of your home, here’s a quick guide to maintaining and securing your screened enclosure.

What is the value of a screened enclosure?

Homeowners love how screened enclosures keep their outdoor living space and pools clean and bug-free. Pool enclosures with locks also provide increased safety by keeping children and pets out of the pool area when not accompanied by an adult.

Financially, it can increase your home’s value and make it more desirable to potential buyers should you decide to sell it in the future.

The cost of an enclosure varies depending on its size, type, and choice of construction materials. Prices for typical Florida screened enclosures are between $6,000 and $12,000, or $5 to $15 per square foot. Retractable roof models can cost significantly more—up to $200 per square foot.

Essential Maintenance and Storm Preparation Tips

Pool enclosures can last 5-25 years, depending on the quality of the structure and materials used. Like any part of a home, enclosures need maintenance. Trimming back shrubs, trees, and other plantings is an effective way to extend the lifespan of your enclosure.

Most screened enclosures are built to withstand Florida storms; however, even the sturdiest enclosures can become less wind-resistant from wear and exposure to the elements. Cleaning screens with a soft scrub brush and soapy water lets the breeze pass through more easily, relieving stress from high winds. Inspecting and repairing the enclosure's fasteners, cables, footings, and anchors can add years to its useful life.

Not sure what to look for when inspecting your enclosure? Speak with a contractor or other expert for help with this task.

Insuring Your Enclosure

If you have a screened enclosure, you’ll want to take a close look at your insurance coverage. Many companies’ standard homeowners insurance covers only the frame, but not the screens; others don’t offer any coverage.

Slide’s standard homeowner policy covers your enclosure’s frame and screens for losses due to everyday events, like screen tears or punctures that aren’t caused by a hurricane. You can also add an optional Screened Enclosure Hurricane coverage endorsement. Both options cover the replacement cost set by your insurance agent, minus any deductibles. If you upgrade your enclosure, be sure to let your agent know so they can update the replacement cost amount.

Screened enclosures are a terrific way to get more use and enjoyment out of your outdoor living spaces. Slide can help by offering customizable coverage options to fit your needs. Talk to your agent if you have questions about your homeowners insurance.