Screen Porch Windows

by Jim M.
(North Myrtle Beach, SC)

• You can either have full windows with screens that you leave up all year, much like you have in your home. This is a good option if you plan to convert your screen porch as another room to your home. An advantage is they would be insulated. A disadvantage would be cost.
  
  To cut costs, you could also install a knee-wall around the bottom portion and have windows in the top portion. This will provide a measure of safety as well. Make sure the glass is shatter-proof.



• Or, you can opt for storm windows that you insert into the openings during colder weather. Based on personal experience, you'll need storage space for the windows. No matter how hard I tried, I almost always broke a window when I either installed them or removed them.
  
  I really don't think this is the best option. Shatter proof windows apply here also. You would also need to provide some measure of safety to prevent someone from going through the glass.



• Another option is to install screen porch windows like EzeBreeze. These are custom made to fit almost any opening and have both screens and vinyl windows. An advantage of these windows is that they open far wider than standard windows and you don't have to store them in the summer months. Since they are vinyl and almost impervious to holes, you don't have to have shatter-proof windows. Based on your climate, these may work well as all-season windows.



• Also consider re-framing your existing porch (or adding framing) to accommodate standard size windows. This could cut overall costs considerably. Most people overlook this when converting to a four-season room. Wood is a lot less expensive than custom made glass windows.