How to Cover Screen Porch for Winter | 10 Simple Steps

Winter can be harsh for many homeowners, but the challenges can be even more significant for those with a covered porch. Protecting your porch from inclement weather, pests, and other intruders during the winter is essential, but how to do it? The good news is that covering a porch for the winter does not have to be complicated or expensive. 

With suitable materials and basic DIY knowledge, you can easily keep your covered porch comfortable and cozy even in the coldest months. To cover the screen porch, you should do this:

• Assess the current state of the screen porch
• Choose an appropriate covering material 
• Measure the porch and purchase the covering material 
• Install the covering material 
• Secure the covering material 
• Check for any air leaks 
• Add insulation to the screen porch 
• Utilize space heaters and fire pits 
• Consider winter-proof furniture
• Add a waterproof sealant to the covering material

However, let’s dive into tips to help cover your porch for the winter and information on selecting suitable materials and making the job easier. Read on to learn more about covering your porch for the winter.

How To Cover Screen Porch for Winter

Assess the current state of the screen porch to Cover Screen Porch for Winter.  

Evaluate the current state of the porch. Before you start covering the screened porch for the winter, you should take the necessary time to inspect the current state of the porch and make the required repairs. 

It includes checking for structural damage, such as damaged boards or fallen support beams, and ensuring the screen material is intact and has no holes. 

You can also look for signs of insect infestation or other pests, such as spiders or bees, and treat them before progressing with the project.

Choose an appropriate covering material to Cover Screen Porch for Winter.

The second step to covering the winter porch is to choose a suitable material. There are various materials, such as plastic sheets, tarps, or vinyl covers. 

It is essential to choose a cover that is thick enough to insulate and protect from the elements but is also breathable and allows air circulation. 

In addition, you should choose a waterproof cover to ensure that it remains safe when exposed to rain, snow, and other precipitation.

Measure the porch and purchase the covering material to Cover Screen Porch for Winter.

The third step is to measure the porch and buy the necessary siding material. When measuring the porch, be sure to take into account the surface you want to cover, including any railings or stairs. 

Once the surface you need to cover is determined, you can purchase the appropriate coating material.

It can be plastic, cotton canvas, or even winter canvas. Ensure you buy enough material to cover the entire porch and have a little extra in case of complications arise.

Install the covering material to Cover Screen Porch for Winter.

After the frame does finish, you can install the coating material. Carefully unfold the covering material over the frame and align it with the edges of the frame. 

Attach it with the supplied clips, making sure it does securely fasten. 

To make it fit properly, you may need to pull the material and fix the clips on the sides and corners of the frame. Once this does, you will have a covered porch that protects you from inclement weather in the winter.

Secure the covering material to Cover Screen Porch for Winter.

When choosing a roofing material for your screened porch, choose one suitable for winter conditions.

It is also essential to ensure that the material securely fastens so it does not fall off during the windy winter months. 

To secure the covering material, ensure it is the right size and shape for your screened porch, and consider using anchor points such as screws, nails, or thumbtacks to help keep it in place.

In addition, you can use straps, loops, or elastic ropes to secure it even more. Once you have placed the covering material, you can rest easy knowing that your mesh porch is well-protected and ready to keep warm during winter.

Check for any air leaks to Cover Screen Porch for Winter.

Before covering the porch for the winter, it is vital to check for leaks that may allow cold air to enter.

Take time to inspect the walls and roof of the porch for gaps or openings. Pay special attention to door and window frames, as they can be sources of air leaks. 

If you find any openings, add insulation or sealant to fill them and prevent cold air from entering. 

Also, use weather stripping around door and window frames to reduce air leaks.

Add insulation to the screen porch.  

Insulating a screened porch is a great way to keep it warm during winter. 

There are many insulation options, so it’s essential to consider which best suits your needs. Insulation can help reduce or eliminate drafts and provide a pleasant temperature on the porch.

When installing insulation, use the appropriate materials and follow all instructions. 

It will ensure that the work does correctly and your porch will be ready for winter.

Use space heaters and fire pits.

Heaters and fireplaces are great options for providing warmth and comfort when covering a porch for the winter. 

Using heaters and fireplaces suitable for your porch is especially important in areas with freezing temperatures and snow. 

When using heaters and fireplaces to cover winter porches, it is essential to consider safety. 

Ensure all heaters are installed correctly and away from flammable materials and fabrics. 

Bonfires should be placed in a designated area, with an extinguisher within reach. 

Using heaters and fireplaces to cover winter porches can provide warmth and comfort while preventing damage to the porch structure.

Consider winter-proof furniture 

Before protecting a winter porch from the colder months, it is crucial to consider the furniture that will use. 

Outdoor furniture designed for cold climates should use, as it will be more resistant to the elements. 

Wicker and wooden furniture can be weather-resistant if treated with a sealant. 

Furniture should be stored indoors when not in use to preserve its quality. 

Sturdy covers can also use to protect them from rain and snow. 

In addition, it is vital to ensure that the porch is protected from the weather to prevent the entry of cold air, snow, and rain.

Add a waterproof sealant.

Adding a waterproof sealant to the cover material of a screened porch is a crucial step to consider when preparing it for winter. 

This sealant should apply before installing the roofing material to ensure that the material completely seals before coming into contact with moisture.

It is essential to use a sealant designed specifically for outdoor use and suitable for the material used. 

Once applied, the sealant must completely cure before installing the coating material. 

It will allow the sealant to adhere correctly and form an airtight seal. 

A mesh porch can be protected from the elements with suitable sealant and thorough application, creating a safe and inviting space for all seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you enclose a cheap porch for winter?

We can enclose a cheap porch for winter by adding acrylic or polycarbonate sheets rather than roll vinyl sheets. You can get better protection with them, which is long-lasting also.

The second option is to use wooden frames that can be hung with nails and hooks. They can be mounted to slide on one another easily like doors.

How can I enclose my screen porch?

There are so many options for which I can go to make my screen porch ready for winter. 

I can add windows to my screen porch; this would require framing walls and installing glass windows.

I can also use the spline vinyl sheets to make my screened porch. But this option is a bit expensive, rather than using heavy plastic. Wooden frames can also be used for this purpose. These frames can be easily hung with hooks and screws.

How do you winterize a porch?

Throw pillow covers, sweep and mop the floors, wash the curtains, and wipe off the walls. Now measurements of screened sections of the porch should be taken, and add some inches in the width and height so that there should be enough gap to attach the plastic sheets around the screens.

Expert Opinion

In conclusion, protecting your porch during the winter months is a critical process to prolong the life of your outdoor space. 

Taking the time to cover the porch and ensure it is well-sealed and insulated will prevent it from suffering damage during the cold winter.

With the proper preparation, you can be sure that your porch will be ready for you to enjoy when it gets warm again.

So, covering the winter porch is a great way to protect it from inclement weather. 

With a few simple steps, you can be sure your porch will be ready for the cold months ahead. 

Choose suitable materials, install the panels correctly, and seal the gaps to ensure maximum protection. 

With the proper preparation, you will have a safe and cozy porch all winter.