[Boudicca]

Are acrylic windows removable panes inserted over the screens during the "winter" leaving the screen in place? Don't understand what they are. We want to buy a courtyard villa with residential lanai, I guess the lanai becomes a year round one with the addition of acrylics? Appreciate an answer as I am intrigued.

[redwitch]

Simple answer is they are windows. You can add screens to them, but I believe the screening presently in place would be removed, windows and screens (if desired) added. Some windows are permanent, just like glass windows in a house, some are removable. Just depends on what you want, I guess.

I've lived in both all screen and acrylic window lanais. You can usually sit outside during the winter with just screens but it helps to be bundled up. It is more of an issue during the summer -- the lanai can get very hot and humid with just screens but is usually bearable. Acrylic windows (closed in the summer) with ceiling fans and the door from inside open to allow AC to go into the lanai is more comfortable. The other advantage to windows is when there is rain and high winds -- you get to stay dry when sitting outside.

[Boudicca]

Thank you for your reply. I feel as though I should be saying to myself "DUH" as the answer was so simple. I guess the word "acrylic" is what threw me. You are correct about wind/rain getting inside the lanai. I have a friend with a patio villa and the room is unusable in windy/wet weather. Thanks once again for your great answer. Sandra