Frequently Asked Questions

The questions Sarasota's mainland homeowners ask most about their pool cages, lanais, and screens.

Do old screens mean I need a whole new lanai?

Not necessarily. If the aluminum is serviceable, new mesh, spline, doors, hardware, and fasteners extend its life for far less than a new enclosure. The contractor inspects the frame and lays out the options at the visit.

Can small repairs be handled too?

Small repairs are most of the work. Single panels, spline, doors, hinges, closers, latches, window screens, and slider screens are all normal visits. Small now beats big later.

How do I know whether to patch or rescreen?

Mesh only a few years old with one tear is a patch. Panels that are brittle and chalky across a whole wall mean patching has become a subscription, and a rescreen of that wall or the whole cage resets the clock. The contractor settles it at the cage.

Do I need a permit to rescreen in Sarasota?

Mesh-only rescreens inside an unchanged frame normally do not. Structural frame work does. Parts of Sarasota permit through the City of Sarasota and parts through Sarasota County; the contractor knows which desk your address uses.

What is the difference between 18/14 and 20/20 mesh?

Standard screen is an 18-by-14 weave. No-see-um mesh is 20 by 20, tight enough to stop biting midges, with somewhat less breeze and a slightly softer view. It is chosen wall by wall, usually on the side that faces the bay or a creek.

Does my HOA get a say?

Depends on the neighborhood. Gulf Gate, much of Bee Ridge, and Sherwood Forest run without a mandatory HOA. Deed-restricted communities like The Meadows and Palmer Ranch usually want like-for-like mesh and color approved first, and the contractor works inside that.

What is the yellow film on the cage every spring?

Oak pollen, February through May, peaking in March and April. It is cosmetic until it is pressure-washed into the mesh. Rinse gently with fresh water instead.

Why does the door drag and slam?

Hinges settle, closers lose tension, and latches drift out of line. Many doors only need adjusting. Doors that are racked or corroded at the hinges are better replaced and hung square. Pool cage doors should self-close and self-latch, opening outward from the pool.

Are the contractors licensed and insured?

Contractors in this network represent to us that they hold what their work requires, but we do not guarantee it. Verify any Florida contractor yourself at myfloridalicense.com before hiring. It takes a minute.

What areas does Sarasota Lanai Screens serve?

Sarasota's mainland neighborhoods from Gulf Gate and South Gate to Arlington Park, downtown, Newtown, Indian Beach, Kensington Park, The Meadows, Sherwood Forest, the Fruitville corridor, and Palmer Ranch. See the full service area list.

How do I get started?

Call (941) 555-0103 or request your FREE, no obligation written estimate online. A local screen contractor will call back to schedule the visit.

Still Have Questions?

Call us at (941) 555-0103 or send us a message. We are happy to help.

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