May 19, 2023 | patio contractor, Patio Enclosures, Screen Enclosures
Florida is one of the most ecologically diverse states in the nation, and it has a well-deserved reputation for gorgeous scenery and delightful weather. However, those of us who live here know better. We know the sun can bake us alive, and the mosquitoes will eat us. LOL Therefore, we build patio enclosures to help protect us and make the most of our outdoor living spaces. Fortunately, an attractive climate opens the door to numerous intriguing possibilities when weighing patio roof ideas. Exploring your options can help you decide which of the many available patio roof designs best fits your unique needs.
Florida Favorites – Patio Roof Ideas
Insulated Roof Panels
Insulated aluminum roof panels are a smart pick when you want a fully enclosed patio enclosure. These insulated roof panels do a superior job of blocking the sun’s scorching rays, which keeps the space below cooler and more comfortable. They also protect the people relaxing below from harmful sun damage. Insulated panels are a great pick whether you want an open-air or a screened patio.
At Dulando Screen & Awning, we rely on Structall Snap-N-Lock Insulated Panels. These high-quality panels are available in numerous sizes and colors, which ensures that you have extensive design options. They work beautifully for almost any roof pitch or project, hold up well against Florida’s stormy weather, and deliver impressive durability, so you can enjoy your investment for years.
Screen Roofs
A screen roof won’t necessarily block out the sun or the rain like a solid roof, but it can keep bugs, debris, and many other annoyances at bay. That’s why screen roofs are often the type of patio extension found over pool and garden areas. If your priorities favor a screen topper, don’t overlook the quality of the screening material.
Dulando uses trusted Phifer screens for our products. With different screens for different needs, you can select the screening product that’s ideal for your purposes.
Pergolas
When it comes to distinctive patio roof designs, pergolas always seem to make the list. These backyard structures feature roofs with a strong grid pattern that resembles open weaving. They are a favorite among homeowners who want a backyard with an open concept.
Dulando offers custom pergolas crafted from PermaWood. This no-maintenance material mimics the look and feel of cedar, but it comes without the demands of wood. It never needs painting and resists pests, rust, rotting, warping, and splitting. With fewer worries about upkeep, you have more time to unwind.
Aluminum Awnings
When you want a clean look that provides generous shade for your patio without demanding a lot of maintenance in return, an aluminum awning is an effective solution. An aluminum awning can block direct and indirect heat, keeping the space beneath the covered patio and your home cooler.
Dulando specializes in creating custom aluminum awnings. These quality backyard patio covers enhance your property’s appearance while making outdoor spaces more pleasant.
Which Patio Roof is Best for You?
At Dulando, customer satisfaction is our top goal. To achieve it, we combine excellent customer service, exceptional design and craftsmanship, quality materials, and a commitment to doing the job correctly. Contact us today to schedule a free in-home design consultation to explore patio roof ideas for your project.
Dec 27, 2018 | patio contractor
Building a beautiful patio enclosure for your home starts with making the right choice when choosing a contractor. Orlando and the other coastal communities have local and national screen patio enclosure contractors. Selecting a local screen enclosure contractor, however, offers some benefits to you and your immediate community. Let’s explore some of the benefits of choosing a local patio enclosure contractor.
Money stays in the Local Economy
Hiring a local patio enclosure contractor puts your money directly into the pockets of the people in your community. If you choose to use a national chain, some of your money will be ferreted away to a faceless brand with headquarters far away from your neighborhood. Local patio enclosure contractors are also more likely to buy local products for your project, further boosting the economy of your community. Supporting a local company helps create more jobs in your area, potentially helping your neighbors earn a living.
Improved Accountability
In the patio construction industry, a solid reputation is essential. Quality local patio enclosure contractors strive to keep their customers happy by offering a personalized experience. Local contractors will remember your name and be willing to help you if something goes wrong with your enclosure in the future. A national chain, on the other hand, has more territory to cover and may be stretched too thin to accommodate all your needs.
Access to Local Building Codes
Local patio enclosure contractors understand local building codes and permitting laws. Local companies usually have years of experience dealing with the intricacies of the necessary paperwork to ensure that your project stays on schedule. If a delay arises with permitting, your local contractor team will be more keep on top of the project and the permitting department. These contractors also possess other helpful local knowledge, such as understanding how Florida’s weather poses to patio enclosures. The materials used for your patio are rated highest in this area for our climate.
Greater Flexibility
National brands typically have rules and policies set by their corporate headquarters. When it comes time to work on your patio enclosure, a national contracting company will often have to adhere to those policies These rules and regulations may not be as flexible to our local conditions. You may also have to endure added time and expense while your contractor petitions for approval to depart from corporate policies. A local company, however, isn’t burdened with external bureaucracy; if they need to come up with a solution to work with your unique conditions, they won’t need to seek approval from someone else.
Since 1968, Dulando Screen & Awning, Inc. has served the local communities of Orlando, Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach and the surrounding coastal areas. Our services include many types of patio enclosures and pool enclosures. Contact us today at 407-862-6060 to set up an appointment with one of our design consultants and learn more about the cozy screened enclosures we can build for your home.
Oct 18, 2018 | Aluminum Screen Enclosure, patio contractor, Sunroom
At Dulando Screen & Awning, we’re firmly committed to excellence. That’s why we combine expert design services and meticulous craftsmanship with top-quality materials like Structall’s Snap-N-Lock Insulated Panels. What makes these aluminum roof panels a fantastic choice when you want to cover a patio, screened enclosure or sunroom? Here are the top reasons why we use Structall for our aluminum roof panels.
Benefits of Aluminum Roof Panels
Durability
Aluminum patio roof panels won’t wilt when the going gets tough. This hardy material doesn’t rust or rot. Unlike wood, it’s not vulnerable to termites or other similar pests. What about the wind? When things get gusty, Structall aluminum patio covers stay strong. When building a patio screen enclosure, these roof panels can withstand high wind loads when properly installed. Snap-N-Lock panels also feature a clever design that includes a patented joint design. When the roof panels snap together, an internal sealant creates a sturdy, waterproof seal. Tucking the sealant inside protects it from damaging ultraviolet rays, reducing deterioration. The result is a long-lasting roof that you can rely on for years to come.
Easy to Maintain
Free time is a valuable commodity in today’s busy world. Would you rather spend yours tackling a to-do list of maintenance chores or enjoying fun activities? It takes a lot of work to keep wood in good shape. Aluminum is different. Patio and screen room roof panels made from aluminum need almost no special care. Year after year, they’ll continue to look amazing without making any extra work for you.
Energy Efficient
Florida is famous for its steamy sunshine. Although warm, luminous days are great in theory, the reality can sometimes be harsh. Mixing unrelenting sun with high humidity can make unprotected outdoor spaces brutally hot and sticky. Fortunately, Structall’s insulated aluminum roof panels excel at creating a sheltered space. The panels’ rolled aluminum exteriors surround energy-efficient foam cores to repel heat energy. A roof crafted from these panels shields the area beneath it, so your patio, screen room or sunroom stays cooler with less effort and expense.
Environmentally Friendly
What makes an aluminum roof panel an environmentally-friendly choice? For starters, aluminum is recyclable, so it’s an eco-friendly material. It’s also a low-maintenance one. That means you won’t need to repeatedly apply toxic chemicals to protect it from pests or to seal it against the elements. As mentioned above, there is already an internal sealant. Once the aluminum roof panels snap and lock in place, you are protected.
Customizable
When you want a roof for your patio that reflects your sense of style and melds with your existing structures, Structall’s aluminum roof panels are a perfect choice.
- Do you have a unique floor plan?
- Are you hoping to incorporate special features like sunroofs, ceiling fans or lighting fixtures?
- Structall’s panels can get the job done.
These versatile Snap-N-Lock panels can be used to achieve a variety of roof pitches. They’re available in a wide range of weather-resistant finishes, or you can cover them with shingles or siding. With so many possibilities, it’s easy to achieve the look that you want.
Aluminum roof panels from Structall are an excellent choice for building a roof on many types of screen enclosures and covered patios or aluminum carports.
In addition to their many aesthetic and practical advantages, they’re also surprisingly affordable. To learn more about these aluminum roofing panels or to schedule a free in-home design consultation, contact Dulando Screen & Awning at 407-862-6060 today.
Apr 24, 2018 | patio contractor, Screen Enclosures
You’ve daydreamed long enough. It’s time to put your plan of having a screen enclosure into action. Whether you’re handy or not, you still have one question. Do you do buy a screen porch system or hire a screen porch contractor? Keep these 10 points in mind before you make a final decision regarding the type of screen enclosure to add to your home.
What to Consider in a Screen Porch
1. Standard Sizes Don’t Always Fit
Patios, lanais and porches come in all shapes and sizes. Typically, screen porch systems and patio kits are available in standard dimensions. Their fixed measurements can complicate a DIY job and leave you scrambling to fill in gaps. Even if the measurements are close to what you want or need.
2. Kits Don’t Provide Spare Parts
When installing a screen porch system, if you crack it, bend it or break it, you’ll have to improvise. Most kits come with everything you need to build your own screen enclosure, but they don’t include spare parts. Even we carry extra parts. Things happen.
3. Quality Materials Make a Big Difference
An aluminum screen porch framing system has to hold up to heavy rains and high winds. If you are entertaining buying a screen patio kit from the home improvement center, make sure to understand the quality of materials. The cost of a patio enclosure kit might seem lower, but the quality of materials might be lower also. Read more about choosing quality materials for a screen enclosure installation.
4. Existing Problems Make the Job Harder
Screen porch systems are best suited for a “perfect scenario.” What if your existing patio is not exactly level? It’s not easy to work with a patio that needs leveling or a patio roof that needs repairs. A screen porch contractor handles all types of structural challenges.
5. Anchoring Takes Construction Know-How
Before you bring home a screen porch system, ask yourself this question: Do you know how to anchor aluminum framing to brick, stucco or vinyl siding? YouTube can only take you so far. If you have any doubts, it’s best to hire a professional.
6. Running Electricity Requires a License.
Most homeowners want to enjoy their new screen patio enclosure at all hours of the day and night. This probably means new electrical outlets and additional lighting will be necessary. Running electrical wiring isn’t recommended as a DIY project. A screen contractor always networks with local tradesmen and brings in trusted, licensed electricians.
7. Building Codes Require Navigation
Local and state building codes apply to screened in patio projects, so be ready to obtain proper permits and follow the rules. This kind of compliance is routine for professionals who specialize in screen porch installations. When you choose Dulando to build your new patio enclosure, we’ll take care of all the permits and paperwork. We will even help you get approval from your HOA.
8. Contractors Offer Design Services
If your plans include a screened-in porch customized to complement your home’s exterior, talk to a patio contractor. The best in the business offers design consulting services and enjoy working with your ideas. Not all homeowners want a cookie-cutter patio enclosure. We’ve had the pleasure of building some amazing screened-in patios with beautiful and customized features.
9. Your Time Is Valuable
A screened-in patio or porch project takes time, tools and muscle. A patio contractor gets the job done quickly and efficiently with teams who handle every detail from fabrication to finishing.
10. Professional Work Comes With Guarantees
When you hire a reputable screen porch contractor, craftsmanship and materials come with guarantees and warranties. You enjoy the security that comes from dealing with industry professionals who stand behind their work.
If you decide to put your daydreams in expert hands, Dulando Screen & Awning is at your service with almost 50 years of experience. We’re proud of our reputation as the region’s leading screen porch contractor, and our quotes are always free. Just give us a call at 407-862-6060.
Feb 14, 2018 | patio contractor, Screen Enclosures
Before you commit to working with a screen enclosure contractor, you’ll want to schedule an in-home meeting. The purpose of the meeting is for the contractor to measure your space and offer suggestions as to types of screen and possibly roof structures. However, this is a great time to ask those difficult questions to find out what sets your screen enclosure contractor apart from the others in the Orlando, Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach and surrounding areas.
During the meeting, there are a few questions you should ask the screen enclosure contractor before agreeing to work together. The answers to these questions will help you evaluate the quality of the contractor, how they measure up to the competition and ensure that you’ll be happy with your screened patio enclosure.
1. What is the History of Your Screen Enclosure Contractor?
Learning about the history of your patio contractor will help you determine if you’ve picked a team worth your investment. Established companies with years of experience have withstood the test of time and are more likely to follow best practices to ensure that your project will be completed to your satisfaction within your established time frame and budget.
2. What is the Typical Payment Schedule?
Before signing any paperwork, it’s important to understand how the company structures the payment schedule for your screen porch enclosure. Many screen enclosure companies schedule payments based on completed milestones, but you’ll want to discuss this fully with any prospective company to avoid any surprises. No one likes surprises unless it involves cake.
3. May I See Previous Work Similar to My Project?
Past performance is no guarantee of future results, but seeing examples of past projects will give you a firm understanding of the quality of a company’s work. Any reputable company will be happy to show off past examples of their work so that you can better envision the finished project at your own home. You can also ask for references for an unbiased review of the company’s workmanship and best practices. Their website is a good place to start. Most screen enclosure companies love putting photos of their finished work online. Ask if you can talk to any customers in your area.
4. What Guarantees Do You Offer on Your Work?
Screen enclosures are made from durable and long-lasting components, but sometimes manufacturing defects can cause an enclosure to age or even fail prematurely. A reputable screen enclosure contractor will include guarantees on both the materials and the workmanship of your completed enclosure. Only hire a contractor who isn’t afraid to stand behind their work with a guarantee to protect your investment.
5. What is the Projected Timeline?
Discussing the timeline for your project is an important part of the consultation process. Any number of factors can affect the final timeline, including the contractor’s current workload. Other factors can also impact your timeline, such as permitting for the project or weather conditions. Depending on the time of year, weather conditions may be a huge factor in the timeline. Discussing your timeline requirements can help you decide which enclosure company to hire.
BONUS: Questions Your Contactor May Ask You
During the consultation, your screen enclosure contractor will have a few questions for you as well. Your enclosure style preferences are likely to be a topic of conversation, and most contractors will also ask about why you want an enclosure for your home. They’ll also want to physically inspect the location of the screen porch enclosure so that they can take measurements and evaluate the suitability of the site.
Additional Reading: Types of Phifer Screens for Your Pool or Patio Enclosure
A quality screen enclosure will last for 10 to 20 years depending on types of materials you choose as well as the screen enclosure contractor. It’s important to be thorough in your questioning when hiring the best screen enclosure contractor for your project.
Starting your relationship with a detailed in-home meeting is one of the best ways to ensure that you hire the right screen enclosure contractor. At Dulando Screen & Awning, we’ve been in business for almost 50 years and have built screened patio enclosures for thousands of homeowners. Contact us today at 407-862-6060 to schedule your in-home consultation with one of our design consultants.
Jun 2, 2017 | patio contractor, Patio Enclosures
Before you and your family can start enjoying your new patio screen enclosure, you’ll need to go through a few steps. One of the first steps is a schedule a consultation meeting with your patio contractor. Knowing what to expect during a patio enclosure consultation will give you time to prepare and think about any questions you want to ask.
Why is the Consultation Important?
The patio enclosure consultation is an essential meeting that will help you and your contractor hammer out the details of your patio enclosure. During the meeting, you’ll discuss essential topics that will help the contractor build the enclosure for your home. This includes discussing the design and features that you want and taking measurements to give you a price quote. The contractor will also take note of the design of your home and landscaping so that your screen enclosure can blend in with its surroundings.
Length of the Consultation
The consultation meeting for your screen patio enclosure will probably between a half an hour up to an hour. If your project is larger or more complex than the average enclosure, it may take longer. Be sure to set enough time aside for your schedule to avoid cutting the consultation short. Give them enough time to show you different screen options and architectural options for your new screened in patio.
Describing Your Ideal Screen Porch
You don’t need to have any particular experience to help your contractor envision your idea for your patio enclosure. During the consultation, the contractor will likely ask you questions about what you want in your enclosure and how your family plans to use it. For example, if privacy is a major concern, the contractor can recommend the specific screen to give your family extra privacy. Feel free to look through our gallery of patio screen enclosures for design ideas.
What Questions Should I Ask?
The patio enclosure consultation provides an excellent opportunity for you to ask questions about your contractor and the build-out process. Basic questions about the history of your patio contractor can help you feel confident in your choice of a builder. You can start by asking about the history of the company, including how long the company has been in business and if they hold applicable licenses. This is also a good time to ask to see pictures of the contractor’s previous work on other screen patio enclosures and to discuss the contractor’s previous experience.
Discussing the Finances
The consultation process also includes time to discuss the financial questions about the project. After walking through your property, your contractor should be able to give you a rough cost estimate. Further discussion about design and material choices can alter the estimate as well, helping you make the best choice for your budget. You and the contractor can also discuss the terms of payment, including how you can pay and if there will be a payment schedule.
A consultation with your patio builder is the initial step towards an enclosure that fits both the design of your home and the lifestyle of your family. At Dulando Screen & Awning, we want to work with you to create a patio that will be an enjoyable part of your home for years. Contact us today at 407-862-6060 to learn more about the outdoor screen enclosures we offer.
