Wood or Vinyl Railings :  What is Best for a Screened Porch ?

Posted in: Screen Porch in Northern Virginia, Screen Porch, Screen Porch Tips, Screen Porch Questions, Deck Screens, Screen Porch Screens, Screen Porch in Maryland, Screen-Porch Design Tips

James Moylan

Tuesday, April 14, 2020

Wood vs Vinyl Railings for Maryland & Virginia Screened Porches

Vinyl railings outperform wood for screened porches in Maryland and Virginia climates due to superior durability and minimal maintenance. Montgomery County MD and Fairfax County VA homeowners face intense humidity and temperature swings that cause wood to warp, crack, and rot. Building codes require railings on porches over 30 inches high, making material selection critical for long-term performance and safety compliance.

Tips to Keep Bugs Out of Your Screened Porch

Posted in: Screen Porch in Northern Virginia, Screen Porch, Bug Problems, Screen Porch Tips, Screen Porch Questions, Deck Screens, Screen Porch Screens, Deck Tips, Deck Design, Screen Porch in Maryland, Screen-Porch Design Tips, deck builders, Deck Care

James Moylan

Monday, April 13, 2020

Keep Bugs Out of Screened Porches in MD & VA

Tips to Keep Bugs Out of Your Screened Porch

A well-maintained screened porch keeps bugs out year-round. Homeowners in Montgomery County, MD and Fairfax County, VA often struggle with pest infiltration due to installation gaps, damaged screening, and poor seals. Design Builders shows you exactly where problems hide and how to fix them so you can enjoy your outdoor space without compromise.

Transparent Porch Screen Fabrics: Block Out the Bugs, Keep The View

Posted in: Screen Porch in Northern Virginia, Screen Porch, Screen Porch Tips, Screen Porch Questions, Deck Screens, Screen Porch Screens, Screen Porch in Maryland, Screen-Porch Design Tips, retractable screen porch, screen porch products, Screened Porch in Virginia

James Moylan

Friday, April 10, 2020

Transparent Porch Screens for Bug Protection in Maryland

Why Install Transparent Screens On Your Screen Porch

Transparent porch screens effectively keep bugs out while maintaining clear outdoor views. These specialized fiberglass screen materials offer superior insect protection without visual obstruction, making them ideal for Montgomery County MD and Fairfax County VA homeowners. Unlike traditional mesh screens, transparent screening preserves your porch's open feel while creating a comfortable, bug-free outdoor living space.

Thinking of Building a Screened Porch on an Existing Deck ?

Posted in: Screen Porch in Northern Virginia, Decks in Maryland, Screen Porch, Decks and Patios, Screen Porch Tips, Screen Porch Questions, Decks in Virginia, Deck Contratcors, Deck Building Tips, Deck Tips, Deck Design, Screen Porch in Maryland

James Moylan

Monday, April 06, 2020

hardwood screened-in porch design in Maryland

Building a screened porch on an existing deck is rarely advisable—and often impossible. Most decks in Montgomery County, MD and Fairfax County, VA lack the structural capacity to support an enclosed room's weight and wind loads. Homeowners pursuing this approach typically face costly reinforcement, code violations, or starting over entirely. A purpose-built screened porch protects your investment.

Every remodel has pros and cons, and this idea is no different.  Design Builders breaks down putting a new screened porch on an existing deck. 

Adding a Skylight to Your Screened-In Porch

Posted in: Screen Porch, Screen Porch Tips, Screen Porch Questions, Screen-Porch Design Tips

James Moylan

Wednesday, April 01, 2020

Skylight Cost for Maryland & Virginia Screened Porches

How practical is it to add a skylight to an existing porch ?

Adding a skylight to your screened porch costs between $1,500–$5,000+ installed, depending on size, materials, and complexity. Homeowners in Montgomery County, MD and Fairfax County, VA should budget for professional installation to avoid costly leaks and structural issues. Proper skylight placement maximizes natural light and energy savings while protecting your outdoor living investment.