Screen rooms offer an ideal solution for extending your living space and enjoying the outdoors without being bothered by insects, weather, or debris. At Deck and Drive Solutions, we specialize in designing and installing custom screen rooms that integrate seamlessly with your existing deck or patio. With our automated screens and screen floors, you can optimize your outdoor experience for comfort, cleanliness, and protection.
Automated Screens
What Are Automated Screens?
Automated screens are electrically powered mesh barriers that are part of your screen room. They are designed for convenient one-touch operation, allowing you to quickly adjust the room’s level of exposure.
How They Work:
Each automated screen is connected to a motorized system mounted inside the frame of the screen room. The screen is controlled through a remote control, wall-mounted switch, or smart device app, allowing you to raise or lower the mesh screen at your convenience. The system utilizes a gear and pulley mechanism to deploy or retract the screen smoothly, providing precise coverage against sunlight, wind, or insects.
Screen Floors
What Are Screen Floors?
Screen floors are specialized flooring systems designed for screen rooms to provide a mesh surface that allows water drainage, prevents debris, and offers a stable footing.
How They Work:
Made from aluminum mesh or high-density polyethylene (HDPE), screen floors consist of tightly woven mesh panels mounted on a frame. Built with perforations that enable water to flow through, preventing puddles and ensuring the room remains dry.
The mesh design also allows for natural airflow while keeping debris and pests out of the room. The HDPE variant resists mold and moisture, ensuring durability even in humid environments. The mesh surface supports light to moderate foot traffic without compromising functionality.
Screen Rooms
What Are Screen Rooms?
Screen rooms are fully enclosed outdoor structures built around a deck or patio, made primarily of screen panels to block out insects and weather while maintaining visibility and airflow.
How They Work:
The sides of the structure are lined with screen panels, typically made from fiberglass or aluminum mesh, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors without the nuisance of pests. The frame can be designed to include automated screens, which provide the ability to control the openness of the structure at the touch of a button. The structure’s design ensures maximum airflow while still protecting you from sun, rain, and wind.
Materials, Durability, Maintenance, Seasonal Considerations, and Cost Range for Your Screen Room
| Category | Materials | Durability | Maintenance | Design Ideas | Seasonal Considerations | Cost Range |
| Screen Mesh | Fiberglass, Aluminum, Pet-Resistant Mesh | Fiberglass: 10-15 years, UV-resistant. Aluminum: 15-20 years, corrosion-resistant. Pet-Resistant Mesh: Suitable for use with pets for 8-10 years. | Fiberglass: Clean 6-12 months. Aluminum: Clean twice a year. Pet-Resistant Mesh: Clean every 3-4 months. | Retractable screens for shade control. Large mesh panels for unobstructed views. | Spring/Summer: Maximize airflow, manage sun. Fall/Winter: Use mesh for wind protection. | $$ – $$$ |
| Framing Materials | Aluminum, Vinyl-Coated Steel, Composite Materials | Aluminum: 15-25 years. Vinyl-Coated Steel: 30 years. Composite: 25+ years, highly weather-resistant. | Aluminum: Clean 1-2 times a year. Vinyl-Coated Steel: Clean twice a year. Composite: Clean once a year. | Minimalist aluminum for modern design. Wood-style composite for a traditional look. | Spring/Summer: Open airflow design. Fall/Winter: Add glass or solid panels for insulation. | $$$ – $$$$ |
| Screen Floors | Aluminum Mesh, High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) | Aluminum Mesh: 15 years. HDPE: 20+ years, resistant to mold and moisture. | Aluminum Mesh: Clean every 6 months. HDPE: Clean annually. | Custom-fit for integration. Open grid or solid mesh for durability. | Spring/Summer: Ensure proper drainage. Fall/Winter: Keep debris off, use mats for warmth. | $$ – $$$ |
| Lighting | LED Lights, Integrated Frame Lighting, Ambient Fixtures | LED: 25,000-50,000 hours (10-15 years). Integrated Lighting: 15-20 years. Ambient Lighting: 5-10 years. | LED: Minimal maintenance. Integrated Lighting: Inspect annually. Ambient Lighting: Clean annually. | Integrated LED lighting for sleek aesthetics. Ambient lighting for coziness. | Fall/Winter: Brighten for extended use. Spring/Summer: Adjust intensity for daylight. | $$ – $$$ |
| Ceiling Options | Polycarbonate Panels, Wood Beams, Aluminum Roofing | Polycarbonate: 10-20 years, UV-resistant. Wood Beams: 15-20 years, needs sealing. Aluminum Roofing: 40+ years. | Polycarbonate: Clean every 6 months. Wood Beams: Seal every 2-3 years. Aluminum Roofing: Inspect every 3-5 years. | Polycarbonate for light filtering. Wood Beams for traditional appeal. Aluminum Roofing for durability. | Spring/Summer: Use polycarbonate for cooling. Fall/Winter: Aluminum roofs for warmth. | $$ – $$$$ |
| Flooring Options | Composite Decking, Concrete, Tile | Composite Decking: 25-30 years. Concrete: 50+ years. Tile: 20+ years with proper care. | Composite Decking: Clean annually. Concrete: Seal every 3-5 years. Tile: Seal grout every 2-3 years. | Composite Decking for low-maintenance. Concrete/Tiles for custom designs. | Spring/Summer: Easy to clean and moisture-resistant. Fall/Winter: Add mats for comfort. | $$ – $$$$ |
| Wall Options | Full Screen, Sliding Glass, Mesh with Curtains | Sliding Glass: 20-25 years. Full Mesh Walls: 15-20 years. Mesh with Curtains: 5-10 years. | Full Mesh Walls: Low maintenance. Sliding Glass: Clean every 3-6 months. Curtains: Wash regularly. | Full-screen walls for airflow. Sliding glass for enclosure. Mesh with curtains for privacy. | Spring/Summer: Open mesh for ventilation. Fall/Winter: Use glass or curtains for insulation. | $$ – $$$$ |
| Heating/Cooling | Electric Heaters, Ceiling Fans, Misting Systems | Electric Heaters: 5-10 years. Ceiling Fans: 15-20 years. Misting Systems: 7-10 years with maintenance. | Ceiling Fans: Clean annually. Electric Heaters: Inspect yearly. Misting Systems: Check periodically. | Ceiling fans for circulation. Electric heaters for warmth. Misting systems for cooling. | Fall/Winter: Use heaters for warmth. Spring/Summer: Use fans for cooling and misting systems for heat. | $$ – $$$$ |
| Privacy Options | Custom Curtains, Privacy Screens, Plants | Curtains: 5-8 years. Privacy Screens: 10-15 years. Plants: Long-lasting with care. | Curtains: Clean every 6 months. Privacy Screens: Check stability annually. Plants: Water, trim, and replace. | Custom curtains for flexible privacy. Privacy screens for year-round coverage. Plants for natural privacy. | Spring/Summer: Less privacy needed. Fall/Winter: Add screens or curtains for seclusion. | $$ – $$$ |
Cost Range Overview:
- $: Budget-friendly options like fiberglass mesh, aluminum framing, concrete/tile floors, and standard lighting.
- $$: Mid-range materials, such as premium mesh (e.g., pet-resistant mesh), composite decking, polycarbonate panels, and integrated lighting systems.
- $$$: High-end features, including retractable screens, custom wood framing, full glass enclosures, and advanced heating/cooling systems.
- $$$$: Premium solutions like composite framing, custom-designed wood beams, and fully integrated climate-control and privacy systems.
Screen Rooms, Local Regulations, and Our Service Areas
Understanding Local Regulations for Screen Enclosures
Local regulations can vary by neighborhood or municipality, so it’s essential to ensure your new structure meets the applicable zoning requirements. These regulations often cover the size, placement, and materials of outdoor structures, such as screen enclosures. Here are the key factors to keep in mind:
- Setbacks: Zoning laws may specify the minimum distance your structure must be from property lines, which can impact the placement of footings and foundations.
- Height and Size: Larger structures may require additional permits or stronger support to ensure stability. Exceeding specific size or height limits could trigger stricter requirements.
- Materials and Aesthetics: Some neighborhoods impose aesthetic guidelines to ensure new structures blend with the environment. These may dictate framing materials and screen types, impacting both design and durability.
For more information on local regulations and their potential impact on your project, please contact us, and we will guide you through the permitting process.
Areas We Serve
Deck and Drive Solutions provides expert installation and design services for screen enclosures throughout the Des Moines Metro Area, including Des Moines, Ankeny, Clive, Johnston, Urbandale, West Des Moines, Waukee, Polk City, Norwalk, and Cumming.
Warranties and Guarantees
We offer comprehensive warranties on all screen enclosures. You can be confident that your structure will remain strong and reliable for years to come.
- 10-Year Structural Warranty: We guarantee that your structure will remain stable for 10 years, ensuring long-term durability.
- 5-Year Craftsmanship Warranty: If any issues arise due to our craftsmanship, we will address them at no additional cost.
- Manufacturer Warranties: As certified contractors for leading screen enclosure materials, we offer additional manufacturer warranties for the products used in your project.
For more information, visit our Warranties and Guarantees page.
Start Your Screen Enclosure Project Today
A screen enclosure provides a durable solution for enjoying the outdoors without worrying about insects, weather, or debris. With our expert design and installation, you’ll gain a comfortable, usable space that complements your home and lifestyle.
Get Your Free Estimate
Contact Deck and Drive Solutions today for a free estimate. Our team will work closely with you to create a customized solution that meets your specific needs and fits your budget. Let’s get started on your project!
