Use Your Outdoor Space Year-Round

Screen porch and outdoor living space construction in Buford

A screen porch gives you a covered area where you can sit outside in Buford without dealing with mosquitoes, pollen, or direct sun. If you already have a deck or patio, adding a screened enclosure extends the usable season by keeping bugs out while still letting air flow through. If you are starting from scratch, the project includes building the frame, installing the roof, and fitting screens into panels that can be replaced if they tear or sag over time.

Modern Structure designs screen porches that integrate with your existing deck or attach directly to the house. The framing is built with pressure-treated lumber or engineered posts, and the roof can match your home's shingles or use a separate metal panel system. Screens are tensioned into aluminum or wood frames, and doors are fitted with self-closing hinges to keep insects from entering when someone walks through. You can add ceiling fans, recessed lighting, or electrical outlets if you plan to use the space after dark.

If you want to add a screened porch or enclosed outdoor area in Buford, contact Modern Structure to discuss layout options and roof styles.

What goes into building a functional enclosure

The crew starts by setting posts and building a roof frame that ties into the house or stands independently on piers. In Buford, where afternoon rain is common during summer, the roof pitch is designed to shed water away from the screen panels. Gutters are added to direct runoff, and the flooring is sloped slightly if drainage is a concern.

Once the screens are installed, you will notice cooler temperatures in the shade, no bug bites while sitting outside, and a clear view of the yard without glare from windows. The space stays dry during light rain, and the screens block most airborne pollen that would otherwise settle on furniture.

Screen panels are framed separately and mounted to the posts with removable fasteners, so individual sections can be taken down for cleaning or replacement. If the porch includes a knee wall, it is usually built to counter height with the screen starting above it. Modern Structure does not install HVAC or insulation in screen porches, but the design can accommodate ceiling fans wired to an exterior switch. If you want to convert the space into a three-season room later, the framing is built to support future glass panel upgrades.

Common concerns before starting a project

Homeowners in Buford often want to know how screen porches handle rain, what maintenance is required, and whether the structure needs a separate foundation.

What keeps a screen porch from getting wet during rain?
The roof covers the entire enclosed area, and gutters channel water away from the screens. Light mist or wind-blown rain may enter, but the floor stays mostly dry if the overhang is wide enough.
How do you maintain the screens over time?
You rinse them with a hose once or twice a year to remove pollen and dust. If a panel tears, it can be removed and replaced without rebuilding the frame.
Why add a knee wall instead of full-height screens?
Knee walls provide structure for furniture placement and reduce the amount of screen exposed to impact. They also improve privacy if the porch faces a neighbor's yard.
What type of screen material is used?
Modern Structure uses fiberglass or aluminum mesh depending on durability needs. Fiberglass is lighter and more common, while aluminum resists denting from pets or objects.
When does a screen porch require a building permit?
Most enclosed additions in Buford require a permit, especially if the roof attaches to the house. Modern Structure coordinates the application and inspection process.

If you want to extend your outdoor season without dealing with insects or weather, Modern Structure can design a screen porch that fits your existing deck or patio layout. Get in touch to schedule a consultation and review framing and roofing options that match your home.