Aluminum Screen Enclosures in Jacksonville, FL

Screen enclosure frames use several standard extrusion shapes - typically a wider structural beam for roof spans and a narrower channel for wall framing and screen retention. Gauge (wall thickness of the aluminum) matters more on longer spans and larger structures like pool cages, where heavier gauge extrusion is needed to meet engineering requirements for the span and local wind load.

On smaller patio or porch screen walls, lighter gauge framing is often adequate since the spans and wind exposure are less demanding than a tall, open pool cage roof.

Aluminum itself resists rust, but the fasteners holding it together are a different story. Standard coated screws can corrode over time in salt-heavy air near the beaches, the St. Johns River, and the Intracoastal, sometimes staining the extrusion around the fastener point. Stainless steel fasteners cost more upfront but hold up significantly better in these conditions and are worth specifying on any coastal Jacksonville project.

Corrosion at joints and fastener points is one of the more common issues we see on older enclosures, and it's often a sign that standard hardware was used in a location that called for stainless.

The same aluminum extrusion system carries both the roof structure and the screen walls, with beams sized differently depending on whether they're spanning a roof or simply holding vertical screen panels. Super gutters, chair rails, and kickplates all integrate into the same extrusion system, which is why matching frame components matters when repairing or extending an existing enclosure rather than mixing manufacturers or profiles.

Frame cost scales with the amount of linear footage, the gauge required for your specific spans, and finish choice, with bronze and white finishes typically similar in price and mill finish sometimes slightly less. Upgrading to stainless steel fasteners adds a modest amount to material cost but is a reasonable investment on any project within a few miles of the coast. A site visit is the best way to determine what gauge and configuration your specific enclosure needs.