Living in Florida means enjoying sunny days nearly year-round—but it also means dealing with intense UV exposure. Whether you’re relaxing on your lanai in Naples, hosting a BBQ in Bonita Springs, or swimming under your screened pool in Marco Island, chances are you’ve wondered: Do these screens actually protect me from UV rays?
Let’s break it down.
🌞 What Are UV Rays, and Why Should You Care?
UV (ultraviolet) rays from the sun can cause:
- Sunburn
- Skin aging
- Skin cancer
- Fading of furniture, floors, and patio surfaces
This is especially important in Florida where UV levels are high nearly every day of the year. Homeowners need solutions that reduce UV exposure—not just for health, but for protecting their investment in outdoor furniture and finishes.
🛡️ Do Standard Screens Block UV?
The short answer: not much.
Most standard 18×14 fiberglass screens (the most common type used for pool cages and lanais) do provide some shading, but they only block about 30%–50% of UV rays. This reduces heat slightly and softens the sunlight, but it’s not enough for full protection—especially if you spend hours outside.
If you’re in Estero, Cape Coral, or Fort Myers, where afternoon sun hits hard, you might want to consider more advanced screen options.
🧪 Screen Types That Offer UV Protection
Here are the most effective screen materials that can significantly reduce UV exposure:
1. Solar Screens
- Block up to 80–90% of UV rays
- Great for patios, lanais, and even windows
- Reduce interior fading and outdoor heat
- Available in dark or light colors (dark typically blocks more)
2. Florida Glass (Laminated Privacy Screen)
- Vinyl-coated screen with privacy and UV blocking benefits
- Keeps out debris, rain splash, and offers shade
- Popular in Naples and Bonita Springs for added privacy
3. Super Screen (Polyester-Coated)
- Stronger than fiberglass
- Offers UV resistance and won’t fade or deteriorate as fast
- Ideal for areas near the beach or exposed pool cages
💡 Which One Should You Choose?
It depends on your needs:
| Your Goal | Best Screen Type |
|---|---|
| Maximize UV protection | Solar Screen |
| Keep view + UV defense | Super Screen |
| Add privacy and UV blocking | Florida Glass |
| Basic insect screen | 18×14 or 20×20 Fiberglass |
If you’re unsure, we can walk you through the pros and cons for your property during a free estimate.
🏠 Do Screens Also Keep the Inside of Your Home Cooler?
Yes—especially solar screens. They help reduce the greenhouse effect on your porch or lanai, which in turn helps lower temperatures inside your home. That can save on your A/C bill, which is no small thing in Florida summers.
Homeowners in Golden Gate, Vanderbilt Beach, and even as far north as North Naples often report noticeable cooling after upgrading their screens.
🧼 What About Screen Maintenance and Longevity?
Screens that offer higher UV protection typically:
- Last longer
- Don’t fade as quickly
- Resist tearing and stretching
That means less maintenance and fewer replacements—great for Florida’s hot, humid environment.
At Best Rescreen Company, we only work with premium screen materials that are made to survive Southwest Florida’s harsh sun, salty air, and storm seasons.
🧭 Service Areas
We proudly serve:
- Naples, FL
- Marco Island
- Bonita Springs
- Estero
- Golden Gate
- Vanderbilt Beach
- Cape Coral
- Fort Myers
- And nearby areas across Collier and Lee County
📍 Business Info
Best Rescreen Company
📍 5660 Strand Ct Unit A244
Naples, FL 34110
📞 (239) 344-7774
🌐 https://www.bestrescreenco.com
Ready to upgrade your screen and get real UV protection?
Call Best Rescreen Company today at (239) 344-7774 or request your free quote online. We’ll help you choose the right screen to keep your outdoor space safe, cool, and beautiful—all year round.
