anyone built a screened alum patio/pool enclose?

aardvark · Nov 16, 2005

I had an Oak tree fall on my pool enclosure during Hurricane Wilma, and the enclosure is basically wrecked. The part which attaches to the house is still ok, so I suspect the hard part of the project is fine. However, I cannot get anyone to come out and do an estimate, because this year (last year was shingles and roofs) the screened enclosure contractors aren't taking new customers or returning phone calls, etc.

I can't see how this project could be too hard to complete myself. I am ordering the plans from the county records dept so I can follow them and rebuild exactly per original drawings. Also, I spoke to the planning and zoning office and they said so long as my materials cost was less than $1000, I wouldn't have to permit it. However, he also implied (I don't want to get anyone over there in trouble though) that, maybe it would just be better to rebuild and say it was less than $1000, even if it wasn't. We also joked about being on the waiting list for a screened enclosure contractor, and that most were not even taking new customers until 2006.

Anyone done this? Any tips or advice would be appreciated. Attached picture shows what's left of the enclosure. I can take another picture without the tree in the pool if required.

Thanks.

HGM · Nov 16, 2005

Jared,
It looks like you still have quite a bit of material you can reuse. Growing up in Miami, I have done a bit of this /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif. However I was young and the money to do it didnt come out of my pocket, so I couldnt give you any idea there though I would guess it to be a good deal less than $1000.

As long as you have someone to help you, it souldnt be too bad. We used 2-2x12's as a platform to move arround and install the screen and beeding on the roof and ladders on the sides. This will be a little more interesting for you because of the pitch of your frame. You could use ropes tied to the opposite side of the roof to tie your boards to and work your way up the pitch. As long as you dont mind working on the roof and use saftey precautions you can handle it.

aardvark · Nov 17, 2005

I actually have lumber to use as scaffolding for the screening. I bought four 16' long 4x4's a while back to use while rebuilding and moving my shed, and they will span the pool width with no problem. Some 2x4's and a nails, along with my 1/2" plywood hurricane shutters, and an effective scaffolding is simple and cheap.

Actually looking at the way it's built, the whole roof section with the peaks and side bars can be built as a sub assembly and then lifted into position. The 2"x2" aluminum pillars can be installed and lagged to the concrete, and then the roof sub assembly can be assembled around those vertical supports. The sub assembly can then be lifted up on one end by the BX23 bucket, and on the other end by me and a helper and slid onto the top of the pillars. Brace the roof sub assembly somehow (not sure yet) so we can screw the roof to the pillars. From there the rest of the screen walls are assembled sort of like framing a house wall and then stood up into position. It's simple enough, but I think I would have designed it different if I had done the original design. Oh well.

Also, I found Lowe's actually has all the materials I need, for less money than the aluminum wholesalers in Palm Beach and Miami. Lowes has a better selection too, except for the peak sections, which Lowes does not carry. I can buy those from the wholesaler though. I'm finishing my bill of materials tomorrow and waiting for the plans to arrive from the records dept, to compare my BOM vs the plans.