By Dave and Mary

Use Porch Windows

To Create an Amazing Porch Enclosure

Porch windows can transform your front porch or other space into added living space with minimal effort.

Whether you do-it-yourself or hire someone, you can add real value to your home and extend your outdoor enjoyment.

Porch windows can range from standard replacements to unique products that look like glass but really are not.

Add screen options and convert your porch into a screened porch or even a three season porch.


screen porch windows by DIY Eze Breeze

Add beauty and versatility with porch windows like these by our fine sponsors, DIY Eze Breeze

When considering windows for your porch, selecting the right type is important. To do that, you need to determine how your new space will be used.

Do you want a space in which to enjoy a great view or are you going to use it for entertaining where a little more privacy is needed?


Porch Window Considerations

Curb Appeal

Placing attracting windows on your home can add to its curb appeal and intrinsic value. For a cohesive look, they should blend in with your home's other windows.


screen porch windows on home by DIY Eze Breeze
Aesthetically pleasing porch windows
Windows are one of the first things we see on a home and although functionality and cost are important, be sure they add to the overall value of your home.

You can always add the same trim or color to the window frames to bring them in line with your existing windows. First impressions are important.

Add decorative touches like grids, stained glass, or contrasting painted window frames. We call it the "wow" factor!


Porch Window Design Features

Windows with screens? Panel Windows? Sliding Windows? Solid Windows? Glass? Polyvinyl?

These are just a few design features you need to determine to ensure you maximize your investment and enjoyment.


back porch enclosed with eze breeze windows by DIY Eze Breeze
Porch panel windows with screens and transom above door


Window Materials

You'll probably have to choose from traditional glass to other materials like polyvinyl. Mary and I have had glass windows in our porch enclosure.

At the time, they were very functional but costly overall and we had to store them during the summer months (see our story).


Glass Options
  • No matter the glass option you choose, opt for a high quality material that inhibits harmful rays (Low-E/Argon glazing) to optimize your outdoor time.
  • You will have the option of choosing between double-hung, casement, and picture windows, all of which have specific pros and cons. In almost every case; however, you will probably need to have them installed by a professional contractor.



  • glass picture window porch enclosure
    Picture window porch enclosure
  • With the glass option, you can also purchase them with "between the glass" blinds or shades depending on your budget.



Polyvinyl Porch Windows

Polyvinyl windows are ideal for porch enclosures as they made from a memory material (retains its shape when pressure is applied), lightweight, safe, and can be installed yourself. All you need are framed openings.


eze breeze porch windows on home's porch enclosure
Create a wonderful porch enclosure with polyvinyl windows
They come in either four-panel or sliding to offer solutions to almost any framing issue. You can choose from among several different frame and window colors to match your home easily.

See our screen window section for more information and options.


graphic showing differenc between glass and DIY Eze Breeze windows
Examine the pros and cons of your window options


Maintenance

Choose windows that are easy to clean and maintain. Some manufacturers coat their windows with a dirt repelling application that makes the easier to clean.

This is especially important if you live in a dust prone area; these are windows everyone will see.

Make sure they are easily accessible, that is, can you clean them installed or do you have to remove panels to clean.

Check to ensure how they need to be maintained. Will they need repainting, periodic caulking, etc.?


Window Replacement

Based on your porch's structure, you may be able to use replacement windows available through a variety of window suppliers. This can also be a DIY project if you have the right skills, or an easy one for a local contractor.

Depending on structural issues, this may be a less expensive alternative. Windows usually come with screens so that makes it fairly easy to convert your porch into a porch enclosure.

The downside is that it may not be feasible to have a porch enclosure with full windows from floor to ceiling. Normally, you would build a knee wall (solid bottom portion) on which the windows would be framed.


back deck converted to porch enclosure with DIY Eze Breeze windows
Deck converted to a porch enclosure with porch windows


More Options to Explore

Screen Porch Kits: This can be an excellent option. Many screen porch kits or "wall only kits" have all of the materials needed to convert your porch into a screened porch or three season porch.


NanaWall®: For the discriminating porch lover, consider a Nanawall® system. Not for every porch but they are pretty cool.


Nanawall
Exquisite NanaWall®
For more options on screening in your porch, deck, or patio be sure to see our entire Screened Porch Design section.

If remodeling or want to know how to build a porch, be sure to review our porch anatomy section also.


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Mary and Dave, Founders of Front Porch Ideas and More
Hi! We're Mary and Dave, lifelong DIYers, high school sweethearts, and we both love porches. You've come to the right place for thousands of porch ideas.

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Mary and Dave, Founders of Front Porch Ideas and More
Hi! We're Mary and Dave, lifelong DIYers, high school sweethearts, and we both love porches. You've come to the right place for thousands of porch ideas.
--- Our Sponsors ---
The Porch Store

Use the PCA Visualizer to design your screen door

Shop for Porch Parts at Vintage Woodworks.

--- End Sponsors ---
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At no extra cost to you, we earn a commission by referring you to some products on merchant sites. See our disclosure policy.
We, Front Porch Ideas and More, confirm, as stated on our privacy policy, that we do not sell personal information.

All content here is solely for presenting ideas. We recommend consulting with a licensed, experienced contractor before you begin your project.
We make no guarantees of accuracy or completeness of information on our site or any links to other websites contained here.


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