Screened Patio Covers in Wichita
Shade solves the heat problem. It doesn't solve the mosquito problem, the wasp-nest-under-the-eave problem, or the cottonwood fluff drifting in every June. A screened patio cover solves both at once.
Why screen it in the first place
Wichita evenings from late spring through early fall are genuinely pleasant — right up until the bugs show up. Mosquitoes near any standing water in the neighborhood, wasps that seem to find every eave and beam corner to build under, and cottonwood fluff that coats every surface for a couple of weeks each June. An open patio cover gives you shade and rain protection but leaves all of that fully accessible. A screened cover adds a mesh enclosure around the structure — full height on some or all sides — so you get the airflow and the view without sharing the space with everything that flies or drifts through.
It's a different experience than a fully enclosed sunroom, and that's the point. You still get real outdoor air, not air conditioning, just filtered through a screen instead of wide open. For a lot of homeowners, a screened patio ends up being the most-used room in the house from April through October.
Screen Options
- Fixed screen panels: Framed mesh panels built into the structure, the most common and most budget-friendly option.
- Sliding screen systems: Panels that slide open or stack to one side, giving you the choice between fully open and fully screened depending on conditions.
- Retractable screens: Roll down from a housing at the top of the opening, tucking away completely when not in use.
- Pet-resistant mesh: A heavier-gauge screen option for households with dogs or cats that spend time on the patio.
Attached or Freestanding — Either Can Be Screened
Screening isn't tied to one structural style. We build screened enclosures on both attached covers connected to the house and freestanding covers standing on their own out in the yard, including over pool decks where keeping leaves and debris out of the water is an added benefit alongside bug control.
A Few Things That Are Different With a Screened Build
Door placement matters more
We plan entry points during design so the screened room connects naturally to your house, yard, and any pool or fire pit access.
Framing needs to account for screen tension
Screen panels need properly sized framing members to stay taut and resist wind pressure without sagging over time.
Roofing is usually solid, not lattice
Most screened rooms pair with a solid insulated or non-insulated roof rather than an open lattice, since the screen is already handling airflow control.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a screened patio cover keep out mosquitoes effectively?
Standard screen mesh blocks mosquitoes, wasps, flies, and larger debris like cottonwood fluff and falling leaves very effectively, as long as doors are kept closed. It's not a hermetic seal, but it's a significant reduction compared to an open structure.
Can I add screens to a patio cover I already have?
In some cases yes, if the existing framing is structurally suited to carry screen panel loads. We'd need to evaluate the existing structure on-site to confirm before quoting a retrofit.
Do screened patios get hot in summer since they're enclosed?
A screened room stays close to outdoor ambient temperature since it's open-air behind the mesh, just shaded from direct sun by the roof. Adding a ceiling fan noticeably improves comfort on still days.
What's the difference between fixed screens and a retractable screen system?
Fixed screens are permanently framed into the structure and cost less. Retractable systems roll away into a housing when not needed, giving you a fully open patio on demand, at a higher cost.
Can a screened cover be built over a pool?
Yes, and it's a popular combination, since it keeps leaves, bugs, and debris out of the pool while still providing shade over the deck area.
Related Patio Cover Guides
Ready for Bug-Free Evenings Outside?
We'll show you screen options and pricing at your free on-site estimate.