How to Inexpensively Winterize a Screened in Porch

Winterizing a screened-in porch doesn't have to be expensive. With some DIY solutions and strategic planning, you can protect your porch from harsh winter weather on a budget.

We'll cover everything from gathering supplies to installing temporary insulating barriers like plastic sheeting and window film.

Understanding Screened Porch Winterization

Before deciding how to inexpensively winterize your screened porch, it helps to understand exactly what winterization entails.

Defining Winterization for Screened Porches

Winterizing a screened porch involves sealing off or covering screen openings to prevent cold outdoor air and precipitation like snow and icy rain from entering the space. The goal is to create an enclosed, insulated environment where you can continue enjoying the porch during cold weather months.

Explaining the Importance of Winterizing

Winterizing is crucial for protecting your furniture, fixtures, and the structure itself from damage. Without proper sealing, heavy snow or ice buildup can collapse a roof. And repeated freezing and thawing cycles can lead to cracked concrete, warped floors and rails, peeling paint, and splintered wood over time.

Outlining Common Winter Damage for Screened Porches

• Warping of floors and railings
• Peeling exterior paint and wall cracks
• Mildew, mold, and moisture damage
• Splintering, rotting wood
• Rust and corrosion of metal fixtures

Discussing Costs of Repairing Winter Damage

While DIY winterizing efforts don't cost much upfront, failing to properly seal off your porch can lead to expensive structural repairs down the road. Replacing split railings, a collapsed roof section, or an entire floor can cost several thousand dollars. Investing a small amount in prevention now saves you money later.

Preparing for Winterization

Before winterizing, take some time to thoroughly prepare your space. Gather necessary supplies, clean the porch, identify problem spots, and perform safety checks.

Gathering Necessary Winterizing Supplies

For DIY winterizing, you'll need materials like:

• Heavy-duty plastic sheeting or vinyl tarps
• Insulating window film
• Weatherstripping tape and foam
• Sealants and caulk
• Stable boards or poles for support beams

Cleaning the Porch Before Winterizing

Give your porch a deep clean before winter arrives. Sweep floors, use a mold killing cleaner on surfaces, and sanitize furniture and accessories. This prevents dirt, leaves, and moisture from damaging your space over the winter months.

Identifying Vulnerable Spots That Need Protection

Inspect windows, doors, roofline edges, and overhead corners carefully. These areas often let in cold air and moisture. Seal cracks and gaps now before temperatures drop.

Basic Safety Checks and Maintenance

Check stability of railings and the roof structure. Perform small repairs now to prevent collapse from snow pileup later. Also drain any exterior pipes or fixtures that could freeze.

Winterizing with Low-Cost DIY Methods

If hiring a professional seems too expensive, use these budget-friendly DIY winterizing techniques instead.

Installing Plastic Sheets Over Screens

Cut heavy-duty vinyl sheeting several inches larger than your window screens. Attach securely to frames using double-sided tape for a tight seal. Weigh down bottom edges with stones to keep taut.

Adding Insulating Window Film

Apply insulating window films to glass to add a protective barrier against cold and wind. These films still allow light through. Use high quality film with an R-value of at least R-3 for best performance.

Sealing Cracks and Gaps

Check areas where walls meet floors, corners, and seams for gaps. Fill cracks with weatherproof caulk and sealants. Use spray foam or weatherstripping tape for larger gaps up to 1 inch wide.

Using Budget Materials Creatively

If you lack funds for speciality winterizing supplies, repurpose budget items instead. Use old blankets, towels, cardboard or packing foam to stuff gaps. Create support beams from pvc pipes or wooden boards.

Saving Money with Strategic Winterizing

You can winterize your porch affordably if you're strategic. Prioritize problem spots, get the most bang for your buck from purchases, and use what you already have.

Prioritizing High-Risk Areas First

If money is tight, focus winterizing efforts on sections most vulnerable to weather damage first. Start with sealing off window screens, doors, and any gaps along the corners and roofline before tackling cracks in walls and floors.

Getting the Most Value From Purchases

Consider cost per square foot or yard when buying winterizing supplies like plastic sheeting and weatherstripping tape. Buy the largest size possible even if it's more upfront. The cost savings per inch is greater than smaller rolls.

Repurposing and Borrowing Instead of Buying New

Check your garage, closets, and basement for old furniture blankets, packing materials, and lumber to repurpose instead of purchasing everything new. Ask neighbors if they have extra sealants, caulk or plastic sheeting as well.

Scaling Winterization to Fit Your Budget

Can't afford to winterize the entire porch at once? Do it in affordable phases instead. Start with problem areas and seal off 25-50% of openings the first year. Save and seal the remainder next season.

Maintaining Winterizations

Your winterizing preparations aren't one-and-done projects. Expect to monitor and maintain them for best results over the winter.

Monitoring Your Winterizations

Periodically check window films for condensation buildup or gaps in caulking that allow air intrusion. Address any issues immediately before damage compounds.

Making Adjustments as Needed

Loosen tight window film if moisture gets trapped between film and glass. Reapply weatherstripping tape if adhesive fails. Make fixes quickly to prevent costly damage.

Preventing Snow Buildup and Ice

Knock accumulated snow and ice off the roof often using a snow rake. Prevent ice dams which can cause water seepage and roof leaks over time.

Preparing Porch for Reopening in Spring

Before removing window films and plastic sheeting in spring, check for any latent moisture damage. Make repairs as needed. Also replace any cracked caulk or seals.

Troubleshooting Common Winter Issues

Even well-winterized porches can still develop problems. Here are some common winter issues and fixes.

Handling Leaks and Drafts

Carry extra weatherstripping tape, plastic sheeting, and caulk to patch new holes or gaps that appear during winter. Act immediately once a draft is felt.

Defrosting Frozen Sections

Use a hair dryer on a low setting to gently thaw curtain rods, hinges, pipes, or small areas of ice. Avoid damage by chipping aggressively.

Prevent roofline ice dams with calcium chloride pellets or cables. Safely remove built-up dams using steam from kettles or an ice melt solution.