FAQ
Screen & Pool Cage Questions, Answered
Twenty questions we get asked most often about screen work in Southwest Florida — costs, timing, materials, permits and warranties.
The short version
Standard screen lasts 5–7 years in Southwest Florida. A lanai rescreen takes about a day and a pool cage one to two. Rescreening an existing enclosure does not need a permit; building a new one usually does. Estimates from Acosta Pro are free, written and itemized — call 941-565-5576.
Getting started
How much does it cost to rescreen a pool cage or lanai?
Pool cage and lanai rescreening is priced per panel, so the cost depends mostly on how many panels your enclosure has, how tall it is, and which mesh you choose. Rather than quote a range that will not match your cage, Acosta Pro measures on site and gives you a written price for free. Call 941-565-5576 to book one.
Do you charge for estimates?
No. Estimates are free and there is no obligation. We come out, measure, look at the frame, doors and hardware, and leave you with a written price you can compare against anyone else's.
How fast can you get out to look at a job?
Most estimates are scheduled within a few days, and urgent problems — a door that will not close, a blown-out panel — get prioritized. Call 941-565-5576 or 941-879-4211 and we will tell you honestly what our schedule looks like.
What areas do you serve?
Acosta Pro serves Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte County, Florida — including Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice, North Port, Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, Lakewood Ranch, Englewood, Osprey, Nokomis and Palmetto. If you are near the edge of that area, call and ask.
Do you speak Spanish?
Yes. Our crew works in both English and Spanish, so you can call, get your estimate and go through the job in whichever you prefer.
Screen and materials
How long does screen last in Southwest Florida?
Standard fiberglass screen lasts about 5 to 7 years in Southwest Florida. UV, salt air and heat break the mesh down faster here than almost anywhere else in the country. Pet-resistant screen typically runs 8 to 12 years, and Florida Glass longer still.
What is the difference between 18/14 and 20/20 screen?
The numbers are the mesh count per inch. 18/14 is standard insect screen and stops mosquitoes and flies. 20/20 is a tighter weave that also stops no-see-ums — the sand flies and midges that come off the water at dusk. 20/20 costs a little more and reduces airflow slightly.
Is pet-resistant screen worth it?
On the panels a dog or cat can actually reach, yes — it is roughly seven times stronger than standard mesh and will outlast several standard rescreens in that spot. On upper panels it is money spent for no benefit, which is why we usually spec it only on lower panels and doors.
What is Florida Glass?
Florida Glass is insect screen laminated to a clear or tinted vinyl sheet. It blocks wind, rain, dirt and sightlines while staying rigid, which makes it ideal for kick panels and privacy screening. It does block airflow, so it is not used for a whole enclosure.
Can solar screen lower my cooling bill?
Solar shade screen blocks 80 to 90 percent of the sun's heat before it reaches the glass or the enclosure, which noticeably reduces afternoon heat load on west and south-facing exposures. It darkens the space, so it is a trade-off worth making on some sides of a house and not others.
Can you match my existing screen and frame color?
In most cases yes. Frame colors are commonly white or bronze and we stock both; other powder-coat colors can usually be ordered. We check any match in daylight against your existing structure before installing.
Scheduling and the job itself
How long does a typical job take?
A lanai rescreen is usually one day. A full pool cage rescreen is one to two days. Single-panel repairs, door repairs and window screens are most often finished in the same visit.
Do I need to be home while you work?
Not for the whole job, though we do like you there at the start so we can confirm the scope and at the end for the walkthrough. If you cannot be, we will arrange access and send you photos as we go.
Will you clean up afterwards?
Yes, and our customers mention it more than anything else. Old screen, spline, screws and offcuts all leave with us, and the deck gets swept and blown before we do.
Do I need to move my patio furniture?
If you can move furniture, grills and potted plants a few feet clear of the screen walls before we arrive, it speeds the job up. If you cannot, tell us — we will move it and put it back.
Do you need a permit for screen work?
Rescreening an existing enclosure does not normally require a permit. Building a new screen enclosure is a structure and generally does require a county permit and engineering. We tell you which applies to your job before you commit to anything.
Paying and warranty
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash, check, major credit cards and Zelle. Payment terms are set out on your written estimate before any work begins.
Do you require a deposit?
For material-heavy jobs like a new enclosure or a full rescreen we take a deposit to cover materials, with the balance due on completion. Small repairs are usually paid on completion. It is always spelled out on the estimate.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. We are happy to provide current license and liability insurance documentation with your estimate — ask for it, and never hire any screen contractor in Florida who cannot produce it.
Do you warranty your work?
Yes. Workmanship is warrantied, and screen and hardware carry their manufacturers' warranties. The specific terms for your job are written on your estimate so there is no ambiguity later.
Still have a question?
Call either number and ask. We would rather answer it now than have you guess.