Lanai Options....
 

I'd appreciate some Lanai "remodeling" opinions from the many among our participants who've enclosed (partially or otherwise) this important and beloved space.

We enjoy our Lanai in our new Cottage Hammock, but are exploring options to enclose it in such a way that allows maximum fresh air when we want it, yet protects our furniture from the elements when we're away or the weather is rough. Any way we go, I know it's going to be a compromise.

I'm particularly concerned about heat buildup when it would be enclosed by whatever slider options we'd choose. How would this be vented? Even with a roof vent (solar powered) we would still have to have fresh air intake somewhere or we'd be pulling a vacuum and possibly damage the vent fan.

Thanks in advance for any opinions!!

We have been THINKING about it too. I hate to close it up..the delights of the outdoors here are endless, but it is hot when it is hot and chilly too at times.

We have two neighbors that have enclosed theirs and I like the floor to ceiling sliders with no view obscured. One of them had sliders that track into themselves so that four units slide over themselves to be one...on all sides. They added a fancy screen system with a motor that comes down on a track when you open the doors in that manner...and an air conditioner for the area. It is VERY nice..but certainly does not appear to be inexpensive. It was done by a company called Top Sail...or Something..Sail.

Still THINKING..........

I have floor-to-ceiling sliders in Swimdawg North Sunroom. I have large slider windows in Swimdawg South. I was worried I wouldn't care for the large slider windows but to my surprise, I like them better. I'm not losing any of my beautiful view. I do have some landscaping around my Swimdawg South house and it was recommended that full-view sliders would only be a source of dirt on the bottom of the sliders because of the sprinkler system. I think sliders would be okay if you have a concrete patio outside as I do up north.

Personally, I would recommend the large windows over the sliding doors..... having both to compare. I did order motorized solar shades to help with the sometime blinding (but beautiful) sunsets.

My Florida Room/Sunroom (what is it called?) is my favorite room in my house. And now that it is enclosed, I will be able to use it year round. It's the best of both worlds. I still enjoy the fresh air and when it's too hot or too cool, I can easily close the windows and enjoy the a/c
or heat while still enjoying the view.

I still have room to add a birdcage...but after enjoying the enclosed lanai,
I am so happy with what I have.

And kudos to Brian Freitag of B&J Builders for his quality work enclosing my lanai.

We did floor to ceiling low eglass sliders on 3 sides of our lanai and a door and 2 windows on the 4th side. We already had a birdcage so that acts as our screens against bugs. Holds the warmth in and biting wind out in colder months and, when open, no hotter than without doors in the summer. We close the doors at night and when storms approach. Keeps the inside of the lanai clean. Full glass preserves the openness and view. Just had it done last December by Whites's Aluminum and happy so far.

Here are a couple of pix showing sliders open and closed.

Mostly testing picture upload from iPad.

Quote "I'd appreciate some Lanai "remodeling" opinions from the many among our participants who've enclosed (partially or otherwise) this important and beloved space."

We have a small designer that was orinally built with a 9' x 20'.
If you have a lot with a view, what we did might be of interest for you. We spent some time looking at what features that we wanted with our Lanai. After sitting down with a architect that contracts for T&D we got it. Its now 15' x 40'+ and has 20' unobstructed views. It made it into a wonderful outdoor room. I can send you some pictures via email of what we had T&D do for us. Send me a P.M. with your email address and I will send you a few pictures.

Wow. That is really breathtaking, 07!

I'm also looking for company that does sliding door enclosures for my screened room to keep rain out. Appreciate any recommendation.

We just had Custom Windows of Leesburg enclose our lanai. Had it done in May. Boy, just in time for these rain storms. We are thrilled. 4 panels of glass slide over into one. Full length glass door with deadbolt lock and handle lock. Their ad is in the paper every day and usually is the bottom half of a page. If you go to their showroom off of 441 (10 mins from here) they give you a coupon for $100 off. Open M-F til 4pm. 466A, right on 441 to Leesburg, take left at Hess gas station, bldg. on right. So far, it's been comfortable with glass closed, fans on in the lanai turned up and in the house turned down. Pushes AC out but we DO NOT have an expanded lanai.

Lanai options
 

Has anyone enlarged their lanai, and had the actual roof expanded, then enclosed it all?