[Boudicca]

I want to enclose the lanai with sliders which can be open in good weather, and closed when its wet. 9.0' wide sliders can be purchased through the major DIY stores. Our lanai is 9' deep, one slider would fit the existing screen frame. The only issue I recognize, is, are the existing aluminum frames sturdy enough to support a patio sliding door?

[784caroline]

We enclosed our lanai with 60" glass sliders over 20" transom windows. With 2 glass sliders Factory moulded over a 20" transom, let me tell you these units are very heavy. We had some contractors come in and wanted to install them on existing alunimun frames while others including the one we selected told us the windows may be able to withstand 120mph winds but they are only as good as the framing holding them in place. Dont believe someone that tells you we will install them to meet existing county standards...that person most likely does not know what he or she is talking about. They should be able to explain to you...to your satisfication....that the framing is as good as the window unit(s) you are instaling. Acrylic windows are not as heavy and require lighter framing but they are only rated for approx 70mph winds and REMEMBER....we do live in florida.

[ladydoc]

Originally Posted by shrandell

I want to enclose the lanai with sliders which can be open in good weather, and closed when its wet. 9.0' wide sliders can be purchased through the major DIY stores. Our lanai is 9' deep, one slider would fit the existing screen frame. The only issue I recognize, is, are the existing aluminum frames sturdy enough to support a patio sliding door?

I think I read somewhere that if you enclose with glass it is considered another room and impacts your property tax but this is not the case with acrylic. Is this true?

[mac9]

Ladydoc, We had our lanai extended and enclosed with glass sliding doors last spring. According to the building inspector that came here, we were told that adding an HVAC system to the lanai would be considered a house extension. By not having the system extended to the lanai, there has been no changes to our taxes. Our current system is more than adequate to handle the extra room. Any questions, feel free to PM me.

[Boudicca]

OMG, I had NO idea there were so many issues to enclosing the lanai. Thank you for your excellent input. We only wanted to close in two walls, and leave the lanai/birdcage open. Most of our storms blow through those two walls we'd like to close. Don't know how that would impact home value/taxes.

[784caroline]

LadyDoc

I highly suggest you be open minded to the Glass vs Acrylic issue for there are alot more factors to consider than property taxes. BTW you are already paying taxes for an screened in porch but it is only assessed at 45% of its value wheras a true room glass enclosed with heat/ac is 100%.

Cost wise glass vs acrylic depending on the type of glass and contractor you use will be very close . What glass does give you is better insulation and sound proofing, and better wind resistance. How each looks is in the eye of the beholder but over time acrylic will scratch and possibly yellow(think of hyour golf cart windshield) and eventually may have to be replaced. If "Sustatined" winds (not gusts)in excess of 70MPH are predicted for this area, acrylic windows should be removed. With glass you can also get a "LOW E " fetaure which is especially important if you have a western exposure at all during the summer months.

Just some things to think about.

[ladydoc]

Originally Posted by mac9

Ladydoc, We had our lanai extended and enclosed with glass sliding doors last spring. According to the building inspector that came here, we were told that adding an HVAC system to the lanai would be considered a house extension. By not having the system extended to the lanai, there has been no changes to our taxes. Our current system is more than adequate to handle the extra room. Any questions, feel free to PM me.

Great advice; thanks so much!

[HelenLCSW]

Mac9 --or anyone --
Any recommendations --glass sliding door installers? --thanks for all the helpful info--

[Mark1130]

There is a product from PGT that is called Eze - Breeze that you should look into for your porch.

It is light weight and can be installed with your existing aluminum structure. What you describe is that you want protection from rains and such but does not have to be a Four Season room." This product is designed for what you are describing.

http://www.pgtindustries.com/Pages/Main.aspx?PageID=105

I sell these all the time here in NW Florida for people that have screened in porches but do not want to go tot he expense of sliding glass doors or windows that have to meet hurricane codes.

I hope this helps.

[mac9]

Helen, we used T&D to enclose our lanai as we had a lot of other work done, including extending the lanai and adding a golf cart garage. The glass doors are low E with argon and able to withstand a category 3. We also brought the level up to the living room floor. We are very pleased with the work that they did and do recommend them. Any other questions, feel free to PM me.

[Ohiogirl]

Has anyone used this to enclose their lanai? You still get about 70% of screening when these are fully open (they stack at the bottom). Friends of ours in Wisconsin ordered them for their screened porch. They gave me a brochure but I've misplaced it. I think they are fairly new - their handyman told them about it and they found a dealer in Northern Wisconsin to see them and order from.

I'm still in Ohio and haven't really searched yet to find out if they're available to look at here or in Florida, but I liked the pictures and like that you don't lose half of the screen when they're open, only about 30-40 inches on the bottom (at least that's what it looked like).

[784caroline]

Have not used this but BE AWARE...products that are available up north may not be available or suitable for Florida. Windows from the same manufacturer that you use in PA or Ohio are different than the one used here in Florida. Its called Hurricanes......and Florida products need to meet certain minimum wind standards.

They are available at 2 places in Leesburg. Since we just used Ro-Mac Lumber to replace our plain interior doors with 6-panel doors I'm going to call them on Monday. 787-4545. Will post the cost for our Amarillo 9x15 lanai.

[mbikowski]

784Caroline

Can you give me the contractor you used for the glass enclosure. My wife and I are moving to TV in February and would like to eventually enclose the lanai with glass? We would appreciate any help.

Michael and Vera

[784caroline]

mbikowski

Just sent you a PM .....check your notifications.