Defined outdoor space
Screens can give an open structure a clearer sense of enclosure while maintaining a connection outside.
Outdoor comfort
Screen Enclosures
Screen solutions selected around the opening, desired comfort, visibility, access, and the architecture of the outdoor space.
Understand the category
What it is—and why homeowners choose it.
Screen enclosures can define an outdoor living area while preserving a visual connection to the outdoors. Because openings and goals vary widely, the screen material, configuration, operation, mounting, and edge conditions must be selected for the actual project.
Choose a screen enclosure when vertical coverage and definition around an outdoor area matter. Choose an awning when retractable overhead shade is the main objective.
The practical strengths
What this solution can bring to the room.
Visibility choices
Screen material and openness are selected around the project's comfort and view priorities.
Opening-specific plan
Tracks, edges, access points, controls, and mounting are coordinated with the individual structure.
Where it works well
Common applications—with the opening in mind.
These are useful starting points, not stock prescriptions. The room, glass, access, and daily routine determine the final recommendation.
Covered patios
Screens can define the open sides of an outdoor room while preserving light and a visual connection to the yard.
Large exterior openings
Custom screen systems can address openings that ordinary door or window screens do not, subject to structural and product limits.
Flexible outdoor rooms
Operable concepts can change how enclosed the space feels as conditions and activities change.
View-conscious perimeter coverage
Material and guide choices can balance a more defined boundary with the desire to keep the exterior view legible.
Meaningful choices
Options that change how it looks and lives.
Exact availability varies by manufacturer, collection, dimensions, and application. NBWC uses these decision areas to narrow the current, buildable choices.
Screen material and openness
Mesh character changes view, daylight, airflow, and the visual weight of the enclosure. Performance claims are confirmed for the exact current material.
Fixed or operable concept
Some spaces need a stable screened boundary; others benefit from a retractable system that opens the area more completely.
Tracks, guides, and edge retention
The selected system's side and bottom conditions influence appearance, operation, and how the screen responds across a large opening.
Manual or motorized operation
Control depends on opening size and the current product. Power access and a serviceable control location are part of the site plan.
Access and passage
Doors, stairs, furniture paths, and everyday entry points must remain usable; the enclosure should be planned around movement, not only the opening dimensions.
How it works
Operation starts with the construction.
Screen material spans or moves across an exterior opening using a system suited to the selected current product and the project's geometry.
Controls & motorization
Fixed or operable concepts may exist across available product lines. The chosen configuration and any motorized operation are confirmed during project planning.
Light, privacy & comfort
Set expectations in the actual room.
Screen material changes light, view, and coverage but should not be assumed to create complete privacy. Performance depends on material, lighting, and configuration.
Design character
Screen color, openness, tracks or guides, housing, edge details, and alignment with posts and openings influence how visually integrated the enclosure feels.
Site-specific by design
Exterior products begin with the structure, not a stock package.
Opening dimensions, mounting surfaces, floor and edge conditions, access, power where applicable, and surrounding construction all require on-site evaluation.
- Covered patios and outdoor rooms
- Large exterior openings
- Projects balancing coverage and visibility
- Spaces needing a tailored perimeter solution
Set the right expectations
Tradeoffs worth understanding before you choose.
Screen is not solid construction
It changes exposure and comfort but should not be described as a sealed wall, conditioned room, or universal weather barrier.
Privacy depends on light and material
A screen may soften views without creating complete privacy. Interior and exterior lighting conditions can reverse what is visible.
Existing structure drives feasibility
Posts, beams, floor edges, drainage, mounting surfaces, and power access determine which system can be installed cleanly.
Your consultation checklist
The details we will work through together.
- 01Opening geometry
- 02Desired visibility and coverage
- 03Fixed or operable concept
- 04Track and edge conditions
- 05Access points
- 06Mounting and power requirements
Questions homeowners ask
Practical answers about screen enclosures.
Will a screen enclosure create complete privacy?
Not necessarily. Mesh openness, color, distance, and which side is brighter all affect visibility. NBWC will set expectations using the actual current material.
Can screen enclosures be motorized?
Compatible current systems may offer motorized operation, particularly for larger openings. The opening, guides, power, and control method must be evaluated as one system.
More exterior options
Compare neighboring solutions.
Made for your home
Better guidance starts with a conversation.
See materials in your own light, compare practical options, and get a recommendation built around the way you live.