How to Winterize a Screened Porch in Michigan

Having a screened porch is a wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors during warm Michigan summers. But when winter hits, wind, snow, and harsh cold can damage screened porches and outdoor furniture. The best way to protect your porch is through winterizing. But how do you winterize a screened porch in Michigan when the winters are so harsh?

What Does It Mean To Winterize a Screened Porch?

Winterizing a screened porch involves sealing the area against wind, ice, snow, and other winter weather. This may include sealing gaps against drafts or moisture, covering furniture that will be left over the winter, and adding temporary barriers over screened windows. This process prevents the porch and its contents from seasonal damage, and can even reduce energy costs by limiting heat loss from the adjacent interior rooms.

Why Do Screened Porches Need Extra Protection in Michigan Winters?

Michigan weather swings wildly from sweltering summers to harsh, snowy winters. Screened porches that are perfectly cozy in summer can sustain damage from snow, sleet, ice, or high winds during the winter months. Extra winter protection, such as installing retractable screens over your windows, can prevent your porch from becoming a mucky mess you’ll have to clean up in the spring.

What Are the Best DIY Methods To Winterize a Screened Porch?

The most common winterizing DIYs are vinyl curtains and plastic sheeting. Both of these involve stretching a waterproof cover over your screened windows to help keep out wind and moisture throughout the winter.

Do Vinyl Curtains or Plastic Sheeting Hold Up Better in Michigan Winters?

Vinyl curtains are typically made from heavy, marine-grade vinyl, designed to hold up against wind, moisture, and fluctuating temperatures. They can often be stored and reused for a few years before needing a replacement. Plastic sheeting, on the other hand, is thinner and meant to be disposed of and replaced each year. In the harsh weather of Michigan winters, vinyl curtains generally hold up better against strong winds and heavy snow.

How Do You Seal Drafts and Protect Furniture Before Winter Hits?

To seal out drafts and protect your porch furniture, start winterizing your porch as soon as the weather starts cooling off. Before the first freeze or snow hits, your porch should be completely sealed for the best winter-long protection.

To seal out drafts, create a tight seal over the windows, and install draft guards or weatherstrippings on your doors if you don’t already have them. Use caulk or silicone sealant to seal any holes in walls or window and door frames.

For furniture, use breathable weatherproof covers to prevent trapped moisture from causing cracking or mold. Bring delicate items like glass, soft wood, or fabric inside.

What Should You Store vs. Leave on a Screened Porch in Winter?

During winter, you should store anything that could be damaged by extreme temperatures or moisture. Any fabric items such as blankets, throw pillows, or cushions should be brought indoors to prevent mold or freeze damage to the foam core. Likewise, glass, ceramic, or thin plastics can crack due to extreme cold.

While porch or outdoor furniture is typically safe to leave outside for the winter, delicate materials such as wicker or rattan may crack from freezing and thawing. Only solid furniture rated for year-round outdoor use, such as heavy metal or resin items, should be left on your porch over the winter. When in doubt, bring it inside.

When Does It Make Sense To Upgrade to a Permanent Winterizing Solution?

There are many reasons to upgrade from temporary winterizing options to a permanent solution. First, if temporary DIY methods aren’t actually keeping wind and moisture out of your porch, it’s a clear sign you need something more permanent. This is often the case in places with severe winter weather like Michigan.

You may also choose to upgrade to motorized screens for winter if you want to avoid the labor and frustration involved in hanging plastic sheeting or vinyl curtains for your porch every year.

Permanent winterizing solutions also provide more complete screened porch insulation if you want to use your porch throughout the winter. 

How Do Retractable Screens Compare to Vinyl Curtains and Plastic Sheeting Long-Term?

Retractable screens are one of the best options for long-term screened porch cold weather protection. While vinyl curtains and plastic sheeting are great DIY options, permanent retractable screens are professionally installed, so there’s no hammering hassle or furring strip frustration to deal with every fall.

Retractable screens can also be used year-round to create a four-season porch. In the winter, they provide additional insulation and block out wind and snow, while in the summer, they offer shade and privacy. When not in use, they simply roll up and away so they’re almost invisible.

Why Do Michigan Homeowners Choose Skyview for Year-Round Porch Comfort?

Skyview MagnaTrack screens are one of the best, most convenient options to instantly winterize a screened-in porch. If you’re tired of rehanging difficult vinyl curtains or plastic sheeting every year, MagnaTrack motorized screens are the permanent solution you need. The magnet-based self-tensioning design is rated to withstand winds up to 75 mph, keeping you toasty all winter long. If you’re interested in seeing how MagnaTrack screens can make winterizing your porch a breeze, contact us for a free in-home design consultation and our easy, no-pressure design process.