Screened In Porches in Wisconsin | Excel Custom Decks

Screened In Porches

Wisconsin homeowners want screened in porches that handle mosquito season, summer thunderstorms, and shoulder-season chill without the cost of a fully enclosed room. Excel Custom Decks is a family-owned residential contractor building screened in porches across Wisconsin from offices in Franksville, Madison, and Appleton/Oshkosh. With 25+ years in business and 5,000+ projects completed, the company sits on the NARI board, holds BBB A+ accreditation, and belongs to NADRA, the Metropolitan Builders Association, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB®), the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI®), and the Wisconsin Builders Association. Every screened in porch build carries a lifetime labor warranty and material warranties up to manufacturer maximums. Work starts with a free consultation covering porch style, screen system selection, roof design, and permitting.

Why Screened In Porches Fit Wisconsin Lifestyles

Screened in porches solve the two biggest problems with open outdoor space in Wisconsin. The screens keep bugs out, and the roof handles weather. That combination turns a marginally usable deck into a full outdoor room.

Mosquito Season Lasts From May Through October

Wisconsin mosquitoes show up in May and don’t leave until the first hard frost in October, with peak activity from late June through August. Open decks and patios sit empty during evening hours when mosquitoes are heaviest. A screened in porch keeps the bugs out, which reclaims those evening hours and turns them into the most usable time on the porch.

Lake and Wooded Property Use

Wisconsin has more than 15,000 lakes and significant forested acreage. Homes near water or trees see the heaviest mosquito and biting fly pressure. Screened in porches make those properties usable in ways an open deck cannot match, which is why lake and cabin properties almost always include screened porches as a primary outdoor space.

Weather Protection With Outdoor Feel

A screened porch has a full roof but open screened walls. That combination handles rain, light wind, and sun while keeping the outdoor air, sound, and view. The space reads as outdoors, just protected.

Lower Cost Than Sunrooms or 3 Season Rooms

Screened in porches cost significantly less than sunrooms or 3 season rooms because the walls use screen panels rather than insulated framing and glazed windows. For homeowners whose primary need is bug protection and basic weather coverage, screened in porches hit the right cost-to-use ratio.

Screened In Porch Builds in Wisconsin: Permits, HOAs, and Climate Factors

Building screened in porches in Wisconsin runs through municipal permit review and HOA approval in most cases, with climate-driven design decisions throughout.

Permit Authority

Screened in porch permits get issued through the local building department. Wisconsin municipalities require permit-ready drawings showing foundation, framing, roof structure, electrical, and screen system specifications. Excel Custom Decks prepares the drawings and submits the permit directly.

HOA Communities

Wisconsin HOA communities sometimes specify porch style, roof pitch, color, and screen color. Excel Custom Decks confirms HOA standards before finalizing the screened in porch design.

Climate Factors

Wisconsin sits in USDA Hardiness Zones 3b through 5b with deep frost penetration, heavy snow loads, and long freeze-thaw cycles. Screened porch foundations need footings below frost line. Roof structures have to handle ground snow loads of 30 to 50 pounds per square foot. Screen materials have to handle UV exposure, wind-driven debris, and freeze-thaw cycles across all four seasons.

Screen System Options Excel Custom Decks Installs

Screen selection on screened in porches affects how the porch performs, how long the screen lasts, and how the porch reads visually.

Standard Fiberglass Screen

Fiberglass screen is the most common screening material on residential screened in porches. The material handles UV exposure well, doesn't rust, and offers good visibility through the screen. Standard fiberglass works for most Wisconsin applications and represents the most cost-effective option.

Aluminum Screen

Aluminum screen is more rigid and durable than fiberglass, with stronger resistance to tears and pet damage. The trade-off is slightly reduced visibility and a metallic look that some homeowners prefer and others don't. Aluminum screen handles Wisconsin winters exceptionally well.

Pet-Resistant Screen

Pet-resistant screen uses heavier-gauge vinyl-coated polyester that resists clawing, chewing, and snagging from dogs and cats. For homeowners with pets that spend time on the screened in porch, pet-resistant screen prevents the most common screen failure and saves on repair costs over time.

Solar Screen

Solar screen blocks UV rays and reduces heat gain in the screened porch by 65 to 90 percent depending on the weave. Solar screen works especially well on south- and west-facing screened in porches that see significant afternoon sun in summer.

No-See-Um Screen

Standard screen mesh has openings large enough for very small biting insects like no-see-ums and gnats. No-see-um screen uses a tighter weave that keeps the smallest insects out. For Wisconsin homeowners near lakes, marshes, or wooded properties, no-see-um screen handles bugs that standard mesh cannot.

Motorized Retractable Screens

Motorized retractable screens roll up out of the way when not needed, which converts the screened porch back into a covered porch on demand. The screens deploy with a remote or wall switch and integrate with smart home systems. Motorized screens cost significantly more than fixed screen panels but offer flexibility that fixed panels cannot match.

Get a quote

Screened In Porch Configurations Excel Custom Decks Builds

Configuration affects how the screened in porch reads visually, how the roof integrates with the home, and how the porch ties into the deck or patio below.

Attached Screened In Porches

Attached Screened In Porches An attached screened in porch connects directly to the home, with the roof tying into the home's existing roof line or wall. The home's structure carries one side of the porch load, which reduces structural requirements on the opposite posts and creates a seamless transition from indoor to outdoor space.

Freestanding Screened In Porches

A freestanding screened porch stands independently from the home, often connected by a short covered walkway or open deck. Freestanding builds work over standalone patios, garden seating areas, fire pit zones, or pool decks where the homeowner wants a destination porch separate from the main house.

Screened In Porch Over Existing Deck

A screened porch built over an existing deck uses the deck framing as the floor system, with walls and roof added above. This approach works when the deck framing is sized for the additional load and the deck location suits the homeowner's planned use of the space. Excel Custom Decks evaluates the existing deck framing during consultation and reinforces or rebuilds where needed.

Wraparound Screened In Porches

A wraparound screened porch extends along two or more sides of the home, providing multiple usable zones with different sun and view exposures. Wraparound builds suit larger homes and traditional architectural styles especially well.

What a Screened In Porch Build Includes

Excel Custom Decks handles screened in porch installation as a complete project from foundation to finish.

Foundation

Screened in porch foundations sit on footings below the Wisconsin frost line, typically 42 to 60 inches deep. Concrete slab, crawlspace, and deck-supported foundations all work depending on grade and site conditions. The right foundation depends on the porch location, planned use, and how the porch ties into the existing home or deck.

Framing

Screened in porch framing uses pressure-treated lumber at any ground contact and conventional dimensional lumber above. Wall framing uses studs or post-and-beam construction sized for the screen system and roof load. Roof framing uses rafters sized for Wisconsin snow load and the planned roof material.

Roof Structure

Screened porch roofs integrate with the home's existing roof on attached builds or stand independently on freestanding builds. Roof options include shingled roofs matching the home, metal roofs, and standing seam systems. The roof handles snow load through correctly sized rafters and connection hardware.

Screen Panel Systems

Screen panels mount into the porch framing using one of several screen system options. Surface-mount systems attach the screen frame to the face of the porch framing. Channel systems hide the screen edges in routed channels. Spline systems use a flexible cord pressed into a groove around the screen perimeter. Each system has trade-offs on appearance, longevity, and repair difficulty.

Floor Surface

Screened porch floors can use the existing deck surface on retrofit builds or new flooring on ground-up builds. Options include pressure-treated wood, cedar, composite, PVC, tile over concrete slab, and stained concrete. The right floor depends on the foundation type and the homeowner's preference on look and maintenance.

Electrical and Lighting

Screened porch electrical includes overhead lighting, outlets, ceiling fan support, and any specialty wiring for entertainment or appliances. Lighting integration during screened porch installation keeps wiring clean and accessible for future service.

Doors

Screened porch doors include the access door from the home or deck and any exterior screen door leading to the yard. Doors need spring closures, weatherstripping, and frame construction sized for repeated use.

Permit Acquisition

Excel Custom Decks prepares permit-ready drawings and submits them directly to the homeowner's Wisconsin municipality. Permit timelines factor into the project schedule before construction starts.

Get a quote

Why Hire a Specialist for Screened In Porches

Screened in porch construction crosses deck framing, structural roof work, and screen panel installation. Most contractors handle one or two of those well. A specialist handles all three.

Roof Tie-In to the Existing Home

The connection between the screened porch roof and the home’s existing roof is the highest-risk part of any screened porch build. Wrong tie-in causes water intrusion at the connection, ice damming in winter, and structural problems at heavy snow loads. Specialist screened in porch contractors flash the tie-in thoroughly and size the connection for Wisconsin conditions.

Screen Panel Squareness and Tension

Screen panels have to install square and at the right tension to read clean visually and to hold up through Wisconsin winters without sagging or pulling away from the framing. Wrong framing geometry or wrong screen tension shows immediately and gets worse over time. Specialist screen porch installers use framing techniques that keep panels square and tight.

Deck Framing Evaluation for Retrofit Builds

A screened in porch built over an existing deck requires the deck framing to handle the additional load of walls, roof, snow load, and any furniture or use load. Generic builders sometimes try to build on undersized deck framing, which leads to sagging floors and structural movement. Specialists evaluate the existing framing and reinforce or rebuild where needed.

Footing Depth and Post Anchoring

Screened porch posts carry the roof load, which is significantly higher than open deck railing posts. Footings need to sit below the Wisconsin frost line at 42 to 60 inches and use post anchoring hardware rated for the load.

Manufacturer Warranty Compliance

Screen systems, roofing materials, and structural hardware all carry installation requirements that affect warranty coverage. Work outside those requirements can void warranties on otherwise sound materials.

Permit and Inspection Failures

Unpermitted screened in porches complicate resale, may force removal, and create insurance issues. Wisconsin municipalities inspect screened porch foundations, framing, roof, and electrical at multiple stages. Work that doesn’t pass requires correction before the project can move forward.

Manufacturers We Work With

Why Choose Excel Custom Decks for Screened In Porches in Wisconsin

Excel Custom Decks brings specific credentials and decades of Wisconsin experience to every screened in porch build. The company combines deck and porch work under one roof, which most screened in porch contractors and screen porch installers cannot match.

On the Board at NARI

Member of NADRA

Lifetime Labor Warranty

Up to 50-Year Material Warranty

25+ Years in Business

Member of Wisconsin Builders Association

BBB Accredited Business with A+ Rating

Member of Metropolitan Builders Association

5,000+ Projects Completed

Family-Owned Business

Member of National Association of Home Builders (NAHB®)

Member of National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI®)

Serving Franksville, Madison, and Appleton/Oshkosh

Excel Custom Decks Client Gallery

Trex Decking Installers near Franksville WI

dTrex Decking Maintenance Services Franksville WI

Decking Lights Installation Franksville WI

Outdoor Deck Lighting Install Franksville WI

Our Screened In Porch Process in Wisconsin

Excel Custom Decks moves screened in porch projects from design to permitted construction through a structured sequence that keeps the build on schedule.

Step 1 — Site Audit and Consultation

Excel Custom Decks visits the property to assess layout, elevation, and site conditions. Measurements come together with a review of drainage, access, soil, the home’s existing framing, and any existing deck while discussing screened in porch style and how the homeowner plans to use the space.

Step 2 — Planning, Design, and Materials

Excel Custom Decks develops the porch layout, walks through screen system options, flooring, roofing, and finish samples, and prepares structural plans built around Wisconsin frost depth and snow load. 3D renderings and permit-ready drawings come together for homeowner review.

Step 3 — Budget, Proposal, and Contract

Excel Custom Decks delivers a detailed proposal covering materials, timeline, and pricing. Once the homeowner approves, the contract is finalized and documentation gets prepared for HOA submission and municipal permitting.

Related Services in Wisconsin

Residential Decking

Full residential deck construction across all material categories

Deck Installation

Footing-to-finish deck construction with permit handling and lifetime labor warranty

3 Season Rooms

Spring-through-fall enclosed rooms for homeowners who want windows and insulation rather than screens

Porch Installation

Sunrooms, three-season rooms, and covered porches for homeowners who want more or less enclosure than a screened porch

Outdoor Living

Firepits, outdoor kitchens, bars, hot tubs, swim spas, and privacy screens for a full backyard build

Hear Directly From Our Satisfied Customers

5 stars! Excel Custom Decks has remodeled my previously damaged deck and it has been vibrant and unfazed for over five years now, and I was impressed with their attention to detail. They truly go above and beyond! My deck continues to stay beautiful year after year.

Sarah Contino

Small Business Owner

We had our deck built on our new home through Excel and they have done such an incredible job communicating and doing immaculate work on it itself. They did everything as efficiently and quickly as possible. We are very happy! Thank you again to the Excel team!

Austin Further

CEO & Founder

Outstanding Custom Builders, They just finished our Pool House, they clearly understood our wants/needs and stayed within our budget. Quality work, Great communication. Unlike many builders that tell you what you want to hear, Excel was always honest and made us feel at ease.

Scott Kinowski

Entrepreneur/Influencer

Ordered the service of major repairs of the kitchen. After submitting the application, we were quickly contacted and clarified all questions. The experts arrived the next day, estimated the amount of work and the price, and then started working. We did everything as efficiently and quickly as possible. We are very happy!

John Contino

Home Owner

Robert McDonald

President, Excel Custom Decks

Frequently Asked Question

How Long Does a Screened In Porch Build Take in Wisconsin?

A standard screened in porch build typically runs six to ten weeks from contract signing through final inspection. Builds over existing decks can run on the shorter end when the existing framing is sound. Permit review often drives the front end of the timeline, with material lead times and weather affecting the back end. Wisconsin’s build season runs spring through late fall, so scheduling earlier in the season helps secure timelines.

What Should I Look for in Screened In Porch Contractors?

Look for screened in porch contractors with verifiable industry memberships, a documented project history, and a process that handles permitting directly. In Wisconsin, frost-depth footing knowledge, snow load engineering experience, roof tie-in expertise, and familiarity with municipal permit timelines are practical signs of local experience. BBB accreditation, NARI membership, and a track record of porch and deck builds all point to screen porch installers who treat the work as a profession.

Can a Screened In Porch Be Used in Winter?

Screened in porches are designed for spring through fall use without dedicated heating. The screen panels don’t block wind or cold the way insulated walls do, which means the porch sits unused during Wisconsin winter. Homeowners who want year-round usability typically choose a 3 season room or sunroom build instead. Some homeowners add removable vinyl panels over the screens for shoulder-season use, which extends usability into November and back into March.

Schedule a Free Screened In Porch Consultation in Wisconsin

No obligation. Speak directly with a screened in porch builder at Excel Custom Decks. The consultation covers screen system options, porch style, roof design, material walkthrough, and permit requirements specific to the property.

Call – (608) 712-8935
Or submit a request through our contact form for your free quote today.

Discover the Excel Custom Decks Difference—Your Backyard, Reimagined.