If you've lived in North Louisiana for even one summer, you already know: the mosquitoes, gnats, and humidity can make your beautiful new patio completely unusable from May through September. You spent $30,000 on an outdoor living space, and you're inside watching TV because the bugs are unbearable.
A screen enclosure solves this. It's not a luxury add-on in Louisiana — it's the difference between an outdoor living space you use 12 months a year and one you use 6 months a year.
The Louisiana Bug Problem
Shreveport-Bossier's warm, wet climate creates ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes (April-October), gnats (year-round), and no-see-ums (especially near lakes and bayous). Citronella candles and bug spray help, but they don't let you enjoy a meal outdoors without swatting every 30 seconds.
A properly built screen enclosure uses 18x14 mesh fiberglass screening that blocks 95%+ of flying insects while still allowing airflow. You can eat, cook, and relax outdoors without a single bite.
Three Types of Enclosures
Traditional Screen Enclosure
Aluminum frame with permanent screened walls and a solid or screened roof. This is the classic "Florida room" style. Best for pool enclosures and large patios. $12,000-$30,000 depending on size.
Retractable Motorized Screens
Universal Screens MotionScreens with Somfy motors that lower at the push of a button. Open-air when you want breeze, enclosed when bugs come out. Zipper-track system seals tight. 7 frame colors, multiple mesh options. $8,000-$25,000 depending on number of screens.
Eze-Breeze 3-Season Room
Vinyl-pane windows that slide up to convert from enclosed to open-air. Provides more weather protection than screens alone. Not fully insulated like a sunroom, but blocks wind and rain. $15,000-$35,000.
Beyond Bugs: Other Benefits
- UV protection: Screening blocks 50-75% of UV rays depending on mesh type. Your patio furniture, cushions, and skin last longer.
- Debris control: No more sweeping leaves, pine needles, and pollen off your patio every morning. The screen catches it.
- Pet safety: Dogs and cats can enjoy the patio without escaping or encountering wildlife.
- Extended season: A screened enclosure traps enough warmth on cool evenings to extend your outdoor season by 2-3 months.
- Resale value: Screened enclosures are one of the highest-ROI outdoor improvements in the South, typically returning 70-80% of cost at resale.
Retractable vs. Permanent: Which Is Right?
Permanent screen enclosures make sense for pool areas and large patios where you want constant protection. They're more affordable for large areas and provide a defined architectural structure.
Retractable screens are ideal for covered patios, pergolas, and pavilions where you want the option of open-air. They're particularly popular for outdoor kitchens — lower the screens when cooking in the evening, raise them for open-air dining when the breeze is good.
Many of our clients combine both: a permanent screen enclosure around the pool and retractable screens on the kitchen/dining area.
Our Screen Products
We're proud dealers for Universal Screens / US Motions, the industry leader in motorized retractable screening. Their MotionScreens feature Somfy tubular motors (the gold standard), zipper-track sealing technology, and a 10-year frame warranty / 5-year motor warranty / lifetime screen warranty.
For traditional enclosures, we use heavy-gauge aluminum framing with custom-engineered screen panels designed to withstand Louisiana wind loads. Every enclosure is permitted and inspected.
READY TO ENJOY YOUR PATIO BUG-FREE?
Imagine bug-free evenings under the stars. In 25 minutess, we'll show you screen options designed for your specific patio — and what your evenings could feel like.
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