Enclosing the Lani-Good move or not?

[zummy]

We are considering putting windows in place of the screens in our lani, I'm concerned whether or not it will make the room to hot. Anyone have some opinions to share. Also, glass or plexiglass window recommended. Thanks for your help.:undecided::undecided:

[nONIE]

.If your on a golf course definitely plexiglass. We know of quite a few people whose lanai windows were broken by golfballs.

[SteveZ]

.If your on a golf course definitely plexiglass. We know of quite a few people whose lanai windows were broken by golfballs.
There are older threads on this subject that you may want to research. Also, the type of enclosure also has property tax implications.

[graciegirl]

I think a lot of people consider enclosing the lanai in the heat of summer. We did think about it last year but I love sitting out the rest of the year and catching the breeze.

[starflyte1]

I prefer to have the lanai screened, but not enclosed with anything else. We are looking for a place to buy and if the lanai is enclosed, I look to see what it would take to remove the enclosure.

However, there are many others who feel the exact opposite as I do. Looking at resales in TV, I would say it appears to be a very popular option, to enclose the lanai.

[katezbox]

We enclosed ours. We are in TV year round and want to be able to use it year round. Our home is a Bridgeport so even with an extended lanai, the lanai doesn't "stick out" as much as on some homes so we don't get as much cross ventilation.

We did add vents and returns to extend the AC out there.

k

[BobKat1]

We looked at a couple of Bridgeports and noticed that some of them in pictures only (maybe one of the models) had a medium sized bird cage bumped out off of the lanai. I wonder if this helps any with cross ventilation since you could sit a little further out in the breeze?

[BETHPAGE BLACK]

Just had my lanai done with acrylic sliders..nice and breezy when opened up nice and clean when closed and it is raining..or sprinklers are on..Nice big paddle fan and good to go....I couldn't stand the filth from the open lanai..everytime it rained the floor got so filthy......

[Barefoot]

We glassed in our lanai and added a birdcage. One wall of our lanai can be opened up to the birdcage. We back on a golf course and our lanai and cage face north.

We love it and spend most of our time in the birdcage. Money well spent.

[garsha]

I bought a resale that had converted the lanai into a Florida room with glass windows and a/c. It is nice but it basically makes my house bigger. Don't really need that. It has a birdcage but I really think I would like the covered screen area so you could still enjoy the outdoors when it is raining. We end up watching the storms from the garage.

I do think they would be unusable in the summer if you had them glassed in and no a/c. Way too hot!!!

[F16 1UB]

We "Glassed" ours in. Still get plenty of breeze when the windows are open. If you do decide to enclose the lanai and live in Sumter County, their building code requires an outside light near the door entrance.

[trumbull]

Do you need to upgrade the a/c system if you enclose the lanai and want to run the air into this new area, will it impact the rest of the house.

[NJblue]

Before moving to TV we thought that we would like to enclose the lanai, but after having been here for a bit, I doubt that we will go that route. I really enjoy the full, open-air feeling of having just screens (the houses that we visited with enclosed lanai made them feel too much like "just another room".

Our lanai faces south which seems to be a perfect orientation - in the summer the sun passes directly overhead so there is very little sun-caused heat build-up during the middle of the day. Conversely, in the winter when you may be looking for a little extra solar heat, the sun is low in the southern sky and provides a lot of brightness and warmth.

[katezbox]

Do you need to upgrade the a/c system if you enclose the lanai and want to run the air into this new area, will it impact the rest of the house.

It depends on the size of your home/lanai. I would call Munn's AC for a recommendation.

[swrinfla]

While I really haven't even considered closing in my lanai, I'll make this observation!

Most of the enclosed lanais that I see as I travel about TV back to a major street and, therefore, are enclosed for quietness, I assume.

My own back lanai opens to a quiet space between neighbors. I wouldn't even consider closing it in, as it is my favorite place to enjoy my morning coffee and newspaper, at least on those mornings when the temperature is comfortable and outside stresses are minimal!

SWR

:beer3:

[katezbox]

We looked at a couple of Bridgeports and noticed that some of them in pictures only (maybe one of the models) had a medium sized bird cage bumped out off of the lanai. I wonder if this helps any with cross ventilation since you could sit a little further out in the breeze?

BK1,

I think it would help. We can't go straight back with a cage - but do have room to one side. We are keeping a cage as an option - first want to see if in the fall and spring how it feels with the windows opened.

SWR,

We have a very private yard - we enclosed so we can use it year round. As 16 says, with the windows slid open you do get lots of fresh air.

[Ooper]

Do you need to upgrade the a/c system if you enclose the lanai and want to run the air into this new area, will it impact the rest of the house.

Yes, of course it will impact the rest of the house and will probably need either upgrading or an addition system installed. But as to how much will depend on many variables including the size of the lanai, size of the A/C, orientation of the lanai (facing north, south, etc.) and how much glass. As mentioned previously, have an A/C technician look it over and get some quotes.