Essentials to Consider before Installing Vinyl Panels for Screened Porch

Do you have a porch, hot but, or gazebo which you want to cover up with something which can save on your heating bills? Do you want to protect your porch from bad weather conditions and strong winds?  Want to block pollen and dust particles from getting into your open spaces? Well, you are the right place as here we are discussing the most cost-effective option of using clear vinyl panels to be installed at your porch and other desired spaces.

Usage of clear vinyl panels

To install clear screen porch windows, you may have to spend some big bucks. It will require proper framing to be fixed on to the walls to install glass windows. It can surely add more room to your house, but you need to shell out hundreds of pounds to get it done depending on the size and width of your porch area. The vinyl covering is the cheaper, but much effective alternative to the same.

Clear vinyl panels are a great option to extend the enjoyment past normal seasonal use. They shield outdoor furniture from rain, pollen, and chilly winter winds. The purpose of having a porch, patio, or outdoor living room is to experience the joys of nature. Adding a sunroom or permanently enclosing an existing screen porch separates the homeowner from the beautiful outdoors and fresh air. Roll up or take down clear vinyl panels to enjoy nature in the warmer months.

Many of the homeowners out there have already installed premium Avery Dennison vinyl on their porches. You can easily install, remove, or replace the vinyl screens as these are very thin. Usually, it is 20-gauge clear vinyl used as a screen, which is very think enough to fit the spline and channel. There is also 3o to 40-gauge vinyl which is thicker and may require a bigger channel to fix it.  Most of the people who live in the hot areas use vinyl screens at their porch during summertime, so that they can easily install them and remove when not needed. These are the places where people tend to use higher gauge vinyl which can be more endurable and can offer add-on insulation during wintertime.

Using wood frames to install vinyl panels

You can install clear vinyl panels for screened porch using wood frames also which can pop out and in. These are made of mouldings of varying sizes like 1″ x 2″ or ¾” etc. based on the total open space. Many people also may cut the wood to match to the size of the window opening, where some of them are bigger than that of the vinyl panels used.

Once the wooden pieces are cut appropriately, you can use wood glue or small screws to fix it in the form a frame. Vinyl can then be spread and stretched over the frame and stable it in place. This is ideal for the people who want to fix the vinyl throughout the year permanently. However, this permanent fixing is not ideal for those who want to remove the panels away during summer.

Moreover, wood frames in vinyl panels seek to offer the best. They have energy efficiency and the aesthetic appeal of wood inside the house. Their sturdy vinyl exterior, however, is weatherproof and requires minimal maintenance.

Using grommets

This is another method of installing vinyl enclosure to your porch. This is also very cheap and easy to accomplish. You may use grommets to be installed on the porch enclosures, which will also let an easy installation and storage when not in use.

The grommets can roll up when not in use. Some of the users may roll up the vinyl and tie it on the underside of the porch itself while not used. You may also fully remove it and store it at a dry space at the shed or garage.

Big suburb house with terrace and backyard

The clear vinyl panels are commonly available in 10, 20, 30, 40, 60, and 80 gauge thicknesses. Typically, there is not a single gauge that is the best, and it actually depends on your personal preferences.

10 Gauge Clear Vinyl

The 10 Gauge is the thinnest vinyl and for many people, it’s also the least expensive. Some porch window enclosure systems only work with 10-gauge vinyl. Other windows being installed with spline need thinner vinyl. It is a good option to create a cheap barrier but may not hold up as long as the thicker vinyl. 

20 Gauge Clear Vinyl

The 20 gauge clear vinyl should be used in the following situations. The first is when the vinyl is installed with a spline. The second is when you need a 72” wide product to cover a wider opening. Finally, when trying to save as much cash as you can. The least expensive option is always the 20 gauge 54″ clear vinyl. It is also the thinnest option and will probably degrade a little more quickly than the heavier 30 and 40-gauge choices. 

30 Gauge Clear Vinyl

In warmer climates where it does not get too cold, the 30 gauge transparent vinyl is frequently utilized. This item has a similar thickness to a credit card.

40 Gauge Clear Vinyl

The most popular vinyl for better insulation is 40 gauge clear vinyl. It is approximately twice as thick as 20 gauge clear vinyl, which is only about 1mm thick. This product is best for high wind and extremely cold environments. 

60/80 Gauge Clear Vinyl

This vinyl is thick and clear. Users seek a long-lasting product that keeps everything well-insulated. Whilst it may seem a bit excessive, some people prefer to utilize the thickest material that is readily accessible.