How Long does a typical Enclosure Last?

A homeowner's guide from Robert Palmer Contracting — family-owned in Fort Myers since 1984

If you're a homeowner in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, or anywhere else in Lee County, Collier County or Southwest Florida, you've probably asked some version of this question — especially if your enclosure has been through a storm or two. Here's a straight answer, not a sales pitch.

The short answer

A well-built aluminum screen enclosure, properly maintained, typically lasts 15 to 25 years for the frame itself. The screen material is a different story — even the best mesh usually needs replacing every 7 to 10 years, sooner if you're not using a quality product. That gap between "frame life" and "screen life" is why rescreening exists as its own service, separate from a full rebuild.

What actually determines how long yours will last

1. The beam size and construction style. A standard enclosure with more frequent support posts is a different structure than an open-view/panoramic design with heavier beams spanning longer distances. Heavier construction generally holds up better in wind, but every enclosure — regardless of style — is only as good as its engineering and installation.

2. The fasteners. This is the detail almost nobody asks about, and it's one of the most important. Standard steel fasteners corrode in Florida's salt air and humidity over time, and once they start failing, the whole structure is compromised even if the beams themselves are fine. Non-corrosive fastener systems cost more upfront and last dramatically longer.

3. The screen material. Standard fiberglass screen is the cheapest option and it shows — it rips, sags, and fades noticeably faster than polyester-based alternatives. A screen with a real, transferable warranty (10 years is a meaningful benchmark) tells you something about how the manufacturer expects it to hold up.

4. Storm history. This is Southwest Florida — there's no getting around it. An enclosure that's been through a direct hurricane hit, even one that "survived," should be inspected for stress at the beam joints and fastener points, not just visually checked for obvious damage.

5. Maintenance. Rinsing salt residue off periodically, checking for loose screws, and addressing small screen tears before they spread all add years to both the frame and the screen.

Signs it's time for a rescreen instead of a rebuild

If the aluminum frame is still structurally sound — no rust streaks at the joints, no sagging, no bent beams — but the screen itself is torn, faded, or sagging, a rescreen is usually the right call. It's a fraction of the cost of a full replacement and takes a fraction of the time.

Signs it's time for a full replacement

• Visible corrosion or rust at fastener points or beam joints

• Frame sections that flex or feel loose when pushed

• Damage from a named storm that affected the structure itself, not just the screen

• An enclosure old enough that it predates current Florida Building Code wind-load requirements for your area

A honest note on hurricanes

After Hurricane Ian, a lot of Southwest Florida homeowners are rebuilding or repairing enclosures that were original to homes built decades ago. That's not a coincidence — it's roughly the natural lifespan of an older enclosure meeting a major storm at the same time. If yours is in that position, it's worth an inspection regardless of whether you're currently planning any work, just to know where you actually stand.

Robert Palmer Contracting has been building and repairing screen enclosures in Fort Myers and Cape Coral since 1984. Florida License #CBC1250663. Free estimates: (239) 995-6893.

What type of screen do we use?

There are many screen manufacturers, and different screen types. We use a Polyester Screen called Super Screen. Standard screen is a fiberglass material that rips easier, and fades. Super Screen comes with a 10-year warranty so you have peace of mind year after year. We provide every customer with a warranty card upon completion of install that is 100% transferrable upon the sale of a home. Make sure if a contractor is selling you Super Screen that you ask for a warranty card to prove authenticity of the screen.

What type of fastener’s do we use?

At Robert Palmer Contracting we have had over 4 decades to see what lasts the longest and works best over time. We use multiple fastener types, from NYLO-TEC to Stainless steel. NYLO-TEC is a non-corrosive fastener that will keep the finish color of your enclosure looking new year after year. In some applications like fasteners in the lower sections of an enclosure, Stainless steel fasteners are not ideal. With Ground moisture and earths elements, stainless steel can cause corrosion to painted or powder coated aluminum. Stainless steel should be used in areas that do not have direct contact with those aluminum surfaces, such as cable connections or the connection between an enclosure and your home, or in materials that are not metal as stainless steel will last but does not play well with other metal materials.

Can I add a Picture Window to my existing Screen Enclosure?

YES! In fact adding a Picture window to a screen enclosure is a much more cost effective way to refurbish your lanai without having to build a new one. Depending on the age and condition of your enclosure we can also repaint, re-screen, and replace all the existing fasteners, to give you a complete New Look for a fraction of the cost of a new enclosure. When Robert Palmer Contracting Installs a picture window it will add re-enforcement to your enclosure as well.

Do we offer discounts and special pricing?

We offer a standard 10% discount off of any project or service for all veterans and First Responders with ID or proof, that can also be combined with any current offers or special pricing. We would love the opportunity to earn your business and do what we can to give back to those who have served our country and our communities. Our Chief of Operations ,Chris Palmer served as a first responder in our community for 10 years before stepping away to manage the day to day operations of our company full time. When you hire Robert Palmer Contracting you get to speak directly with Chris & Robert Palmer for a true one of a kind customer experience.

Why choose Robert Palmer Contracting?

We are a true 100% family owned and operated company that has over 4 decades of expertise. We use only the highest quality materials at the best possible pricing. We guarantee you will not have a better customer experience anywhere else from the initial estimate to the completion of install to any service needs in the future. Our goal is to build relationships with every customer that last as long as we have been in business here in Southwest Florida. When you call we answer. Call Us today and let’s build together 239-995-6893

What makes a custom home built by Robert Palmer Contracting different from the rest?

We provide fully customized design and engineering services tailored around your vision—never relying on pre-set models or inflated pricing structures. Unlike large production builders, we work directly with you to design your home from the ground up, ensuring every detail reflects your lifestyle, preferences, and goals.

Whether you already own a lot or need help finding the ideal homesite, our team will guide you through the entire process, helping you secure a property that aligns with both your vision and your budget.

Our approach is built on efficiency, transparency, and value—allowing us to deliver a high-quality custom home while keeping your overall investment competitive with, and often below, average market costs.