Adding a Screened Porch to Your Home Safely
Adding a screened porch to your home is exciting. You get the benefit of more space to hang out in and more of a connection to nature (without exposure to the elements and bugs). But a badly built screened porch can quickly go from an exciting new addition to a tragic catastrophe.
7 Safety Risks of a Badly Built Screened Porch
A screened porch isn’t the kind of project you should skimp on or DIY. The stakes are too high. As with deck failure, seemingly simple errors in building a screened porch can lead to serious safety concerns.
1. The Porch Could Fall and Bring the Roof Down with It
If you try to add a screened porch to your home on the cheap, you might think “what’s the worst that could happen?” Here’s your answer. If a screened porch isn’t bolted correctly to the house, not only can the screened porch itself fall off the house, but it could take the roof down with it. The last thing you want is for the first party you host after adding the screened porch to turn into a disaster, with the roof coming down on your guests.
There are a lot of little things someone inexperienced can get wrong, such as figuring out the amount of concrete to put down, determining the right size for support posts, beams, and the spacing between them, and properly bolting the structure to the house. A small error can have big consequences.
2. Broken Railings Could Cause a Fall
While not as dramatic as bringing the whole roof down, a broken railing can still lead to serious injuries. When people see a railing, they assume it’s safe to lean on. But if your handrails aren’t secured properly, a simple lean can turn into a dramatic fall. This is especially concerning for screened porches built on a second story, where the dangers of a fall are compounded by the extra height.
3. Improper Wiring Could Cause a Fire
Most people adding a screened porch to their home want to include features that require electricity, such as lights, ceiling fans, or an entertainment center. If the wiring in your screened porch is installed incorrectly, it increases the risk of fire. And a fire won’t politely stick to the porch; it could spread to your home and endanger your family.
Always ensure that electrical work is done by an experienced, licensed electrician.
4. Heating Features Could Create a Fire Hazard
To keep your screened porch comfortable year-round, you might add heating features like a fireplace, ceiling heaters, or a fire pit. However, these features must be installed and used correctly to avoid hazards.
Ensure the ceiling is high enough for the heating feature, maintain chimneys for wood-burning fireplaces, and allow enough space to keep furniture a safe distance from heat sources.
5. Improperly Installed Flooring Can Cause Injuries
If the flooring of your screened porch isn’t installed correctly, it may not hold weight or withstand wear, leading to falls and injuries. Properly securing boards and using high-quality materials are essential for safety.
6. Badly Built Stairs or Steps Can Cause Falls
Screened porches with stairs or steps need careful construction to reduce fall risks. Ensure stairs have the correct dimensions, sturdy guardrails, and adequate lighting to make them safe and easy to use.
7. Bad Lighting Increases the Chances of Accidents
Inadequate lighting makes it more likely for people to trip, fall, or bump into things. Proper lighting, including step lighting, can help prevent accidents and make the space safer for nighttime use.
How to Add a Screened Porch to Your Home Safely
These risks are not meant to deter anyone from pursuing a screened porch project. Most worthwhile projects come with some level of risk, but you can minimize them by handling the project correctly.
To reduce risks and ensure a successful outcome, hire a licensed contractor. Ideally, choose someone with over ten years of experience in this type of project. An experienced contractor knows how to select the right materials, determine proper dimensions, comply with local codes, and handle all electrical work through a licensed electrician.
By doing so, you can enjoy all the benefits of a screened porch without worrying about the risks, creating a safe and comfortable space for your family to enjoy.
