Make Your Porch Usable Year-Round with a SummerSpace Porch Enclosure

 

Picture this: it’s a perfect spring evening, but the moment you step onto your porch, the mosquitoes arrive. Or it’s a crisp fall day, but the wind makes it too cold to enjoy your coffee outside. Maybe it’s a beautiful summer afternoon, but the heat makes your porch feel like an oven.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Most homeowners in Chester County and the Mainline, Delaware County and New Castle County use their covered porches only a few months each year—missing out on one of their home’s best features simply because the weather won’t cooperate.

A professionally installed porch enclosure system transforms your underused porch into a comfortable, protected living space you can enjoy from spring through fall. At Great Valley Awning, we’ve helped hundreds of local homeowners reclaim their outdoor spaces with retractable and stationary awnings, canopies, and porch enclosure systems.

The Problem: Your Porch Sits Empty Most of the Year

Between bugs in the spring, oppressive heat in summer, unpredictable weather in fall, and cold temperatures in winter, the window for comfortable porch time is surprisingly narrow. Even when the temperature is perfect, a sudden rainstorm or swarm of gnats can send everyone rushing inside.

For many families, the porch becomes storage space or an area with furniture that’s more decorative than functional. It’s frustrating to have all that square footage going to waste—especially if it was one of the features that attracted you to the house.

What Homeowners Want

When we talk with customers about their ideal outdoor space, we hear the same wishes:

• A place to enjoy morning coffee without battling bugs
• Protection from sun, wind, and sudden weather changes
• The ability to host gatherings without worrying about comfort
• More usable living space without adding onto their home
• A solution that looks intentional and adds curb appeal

A quality porch enclosure addresses all of these needs, creating a flexible “outdoor room” that adapts to the season and the day.

How a Porch Enclosure System Works

SummerSpace systems are engineered for long-term performance, not temporary fixes. Here’s what sets them apart:

Key Components

Extruded Aluminum Framing – Substantially more rigid and durable than roll-formed metal used in budget systems. Maintains strength through temperature extremes and provides a clean, modern profile.

Tempered Safety Glass (4mm i89 Low-E) – High-performance glass provides clarity, energy efficiency, and impact resistance. The Low-E coating helps regulate temperature by reflecting heat in summer and retaining warmth in cooler weather.

FlexScreen Mesh Panels – Made from flexible, PVC-coated spring steel, these screens are virtually unbreakable and incredibly easy to remove. Unlike rigid aluminum-framed screens, FlexScreen compresses to pop in and out of frame channels—no tools required.

SummerShield Powder-Coated Finish – Exceeds industry standards and has passed 3,000-hour salt spray testing, standing up to years of sun, rain, and snow without fading or corroding.

Design Features for Daily Use

• Removable Sashes – Individual panels slide out without tools, making seasonal transitions quick
• Optional Vent Windows – Top sliders provide airflow control even when fully enclosed
• Slim Panel Profiles – Approximately 2.5 inches wide for maximum visibility
• Custom Sizing and Colors – Built to exact dimensions in White, Sand, Espresso, Bronze, and more

For detailed specifications, visit greatvalleyawning.com/products/porch-enclosure-systems.

Real Benefits You’ll Notice Immediately

Extend Your Outdoor Season by Months

Instead of a narrow window of comfortable porch time, you’ll use the space from April through October or November. Glass panels block wind and retain warmth on cool mornings. Screen panels provide bug protection and airflow on warm evenings.

Create a True Multi-Purpose Space

An enclosed porch naturally becomes the most versatile room in your home—perfect for enjoying your morning coffee, working from home, entertaining, or relaxing. The space works for whatever you need and changes easily as your needs change.

Reduce Maintenance and Boost Home Value

Enclosed porches stay cleaner with far less effort than open porches. You’ll spend less time sweeping and more time enjoying the space.

Outdoor living spaces consistently rank among the most desirable home features. A professionally installed porch enclosure signals that your home has been well-maintained and thoughtfully upgraded, enhancing both daily enjoyment and future resale value.

How the Installation Process Works

Step 1: Free On-Site Consultation

We visit your home to assess your porch, discuss how you want to use the space, and answer questions.

Step 2: Custom Design and Quote

You’ll choose glass or screen configurations, frame colors, venting options, and special features. We provide a detailed quote with no hidden costs.

Step 3: Fabrication

Your enclosure system is custom-built to your exact specifications.

Step 4: Professional Installation

Our trained team handles everything. Most installations are complete in a single day.

Step 5: Walkthrough and Care Instructions

We demonstrate how to use and care for your new enclosure before we leave.

Step 6: Warranty Protection

Your investment is protected by SummerSpace warranty coverage.

Comparing Your Options

DIY Screen Kits

Pros: Lowest cost, weekend project
Cons: Limited durability, screens tear or sag, no glass option, often looks improvised

Vinyl Track Systems

Pros: Mid-range pricing, some flexibility
Cons: Vinyl yellows with UV exposure, limited glass options, panels difficult to remove

Premium Aluminum Systems (SummerSpace)

Pros: Superior durability, true glass and screen flexibility, professional appearance, engineered for multi-season use, warranty backed
Cons: Higher initial investment, requires professional installation

For homeowners who plan to stay several years and want a solution that truly enhances their lifestyle, premium systems provide the best long-term value.

Maintenance: What to Expect

Quality systems require minimal upkeep:

• Clean glass panels with standard glass cleaner 2-3 times per season
• Rinse screen panels with a hose as needed (they pop out in seconds)
• Wipe down frames occasionally with mild soap and water
• Check weatherstripping annually

Switching between glass and screens takes 15-30 minutes, depending on porch size. Many homeowners make the switch twice yearly—installing screens in late spring and glass panels in early fall.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a porch enclosure cost?
A porch enclosure typically costs between $8,700 and $28,000, with an average of around $17,800 installed. The final price depends on the size of the porch, the type of enclosure (screen, 3-season, or 4-season), and the materials used. Projects that enclose an existing porch or deck are usually more affordable than building a new structure.

Typical price ranges include:

• Screened porch enclosure: $5,000 – $12,000
• 3-season porch enclosure: $12,000 – $30,000
• 4-season sunroom: $30,000 – $60,000+

For example, enclosing a 12×16 porch (about 192 sq ft) may cost:

• $7,500 – $11,500 for screens
• $14,000 – $24,000 for a 3-season enclosure
• $19,000 – $33,000+ for a 4-season sunroom

In the Pennsylvania and Mid-Atlantic region, many homeowners spend $15,000–$35,000 for a typical 3-season enclosure.

What Affects Porch Enclosure Pricing?

The final price depends on several factors:

• Porch size and layout
• Screens vs. vinyl vs. glass windows
• Roof modifications
• Electrical, lighting, or HVAC
• Deck or foundation upgrades

Because every porch is different, the best way to determine the exact cost is with a custom quote based on your home and enclosure style.

Can I install this myself?
Professional installation is recommended to ensure proper performance and maintain warranty coverage.

Will this work on my existing porch?
Most covered porches with solid roofs and floors can accommodate an enclosure. We assess structural requirements during consultation.

How long does installation take?
Most installations are complete in one day. Larger porches may require additional time.

Can I use the space in winter?
While these systems extend the usable season significantly, they’re not heated sunrooms. On mild winter days, you can enjoy the space, but most homeowners use it seasonally.

Is a Porch Enclosure Right for Your Home?

A porch enclosure makes sense when:

• You have a structurally sound covered porch that’s underused
• You want more living space without the cost of an addition
• You enjoy outdoor living but struggle with bugs, weather, or temperature
• You’re looking for an upgrade that provides immediate enjoyment and long-term value

If these align with your situation, a consultation is a logical next step.

Ready to Reclaim Your Porch?

Your covered porch has unrealized potential. With the right enclosure system and professional installation, it can become one of your home’s most beloved spaces—a flexible outdoor room you use daily for coffee, meals, work, and relaxation.

Great Valley Awning has been helping homeowners throughout eastern Pennsylvania enhance their outdoor living spaces for years. We’re your local experts on SummerSpace systems.

Schedule your free consultation:
Visit greatvalleyawning.com/contact or call to speak with our team.

For SummerSpace porch enclosures, we serve Chester and Delaware Counties and surrounding communities, as well as New Castle County in Delaware.