DEAR TIM: I have a wood deck that receives intense sunshine during the middle and late part of the afternoon. Mosquitos and flies that call my backyard home also pester us constantly when we are on the deck. I would love to solve both problems at once but still maintain the open feeling of the deck. What would you do if you were suffering as I am? Helplessly hoping I remain, Paul S., St. Louis, MO

DEAR PAUL: Several years ago, I solved a similar problem for a woman who had the most splendid patio surrounded by a garden. She was sensitive to the sun and hated to be bothered by bugs. But, she wanted lots of light and an unobstructed view of the garden in the spring and fall when the sun and bugs were not a problem. The solution, that I devised, was a screened-in porch structure that had easily removable screens. My customer was able to transform the screened-in porch to an open air pavilion within a matter of minutes.

The first thing you need to do, before you embark on a project such as this, is to make sure it is okay with your local zoning and building officials. Many zoning codes permit you to install patios close to property lines but not necessarily an open structure that has a roof. Once you have obtained the necessary zoning approvals, you can proceed with your final design.

Perhaps the best way to envision this structure, without the screens in place, is a simple pole barn or a picnic shelter commonly found in many city or state parks. These structures typically have 9 or 10 foot high columns or posts that are firmly attached to the ground. This height helps produce the open feeling you desire. Simple beams span from post to post. The roof rafters rest on these beams. If you really want to brighten the inside of the structure, consider adding two or three affordable skylights that face away from direct sunlight.

This structure does not have to connect in any way to your house. In fact, a free standing structure is easier to build. You will need a screen door or two that allows you to get in and out of the structure when the screens are in place. Even these doors can be hinged, so that they are removable in a matter of minutes.

Recently, I found a product that makes the screen removal and installation process a breeze. The screens are attached to the structure with Velcro™ strips that allow you to either roll the screens up and out of the way or totally remove them for long term storage. This system was not available when I built the porch for my customer. I had custom wood screened panels built that fit in between the support columns. I attached the wood panels to the posts with stainless steel screws. The screws allowed my customer to quickly remove or install the panels as needed. The Velcro™ system has an added benefit. You can also order clear plastic panels that allow you to extend your outdoor relaxation periods. These panels are effective crystal-clear wind screens that allow you to see into and beyond your yard while you warm yourself with an outdoor freestanding fireplace or heater. These clear panels also are applied with the same Velcro™ fastening system.

The underside of the roof structure does not need to be finished. In fact, the open rafter look is very interesting. It looks much better if you paint the underside of the roof a light gray. The biggest challenge might be running electricity to the structure. I highly recommend one or two paddle fans, a few convenience outlets and possibly some soft indirect lighting that bounces light up off the underside of the roof for casual and cozy evening enjoyment. Be sure the electric is inspected by local code officials.

Be aware that this structure must be wind resistant. Use readily available metal clips that connect the roof rafters to the beams. You should also use common metal framing connectors that allow you to firmly attach the beams to the posts. Finally, use post connectors to lock the posts to the wood deck or possibly a concrete patio. Wind is a hazard with open structures. It can actually rush into the structure, push up against the underside of the roof and collapse a part of and/or the entire structure. The metal connectors will prevent wind damage.

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Comments: Welcome! I, Tim Carter, don't answer questions here. If you post a question here in the Comments Area, perhaps another visitor will help you. You need to go to the Ask Tim page if you want a question answered. Once there, look closely at how many weeks behind we are. Please be patient as you use this free service. If you have an emergency and need to talk to me, there is an option there for you. Kevin 26 Jun 2008, 22:00 I'm curious as to the brand of the velcro screening system mentioned in the article. I've searched the net high and low and can't seem to find anything like it. SUSAN A. LEDER 21 Aug 2008, 11:05 How can I prevent mosquitoes in my screened porch? They come through the crawl space of the porch which has decking for the floor. tricia 21 Aug 2008, 16:19 i am very interested in the velcro sreening system also and i can not find it either. can you please email me where to find such a system. i am very very interested to get my project underway and this is exactly what i was looking for . thank you valerie 03 May 2009, 14:17 I have a screen porch and I am interested in replacing the current screen with the Velco Screening System. What is the web address for this product? chuck 09 May 2009, 12:26 http://www.askthebuilder.com/B412_Velcro_Screen_Manufacturer.shtml look at this link for info laurie murphy 08 Sep 2009, 18:11 We just purchased a fixer upper home overlooking a lake with a far off mountain view. Our first priority is converting the top raised deck to a screened-in porch. The porch will be 32' by 12' and we would love to include a fireplace (probably in the corner), either wood burning or gas. We would prefer a rather lightweight structure so that we don't have to include tons of support work and add to the cost any more than is needed. We have hired a remodeler/builder but this house needs tons of work so we need to work within a budget. Is this doable, and if so, any ideas? Mike Robinson 25 Mar 2010, 19:57 Thank you! VERY good tips here! Ainslee 10 Mar 2011, 08:27 I am going to build a screened in porch this summer and have decided to use a velcro attached screening system. I contacted a company called Screen Design,SCREENITIN.com because of their prices and the fact that they have been manufacturing velcro/screen since 1998. Heartlands Building Company 03 Feb 2012, 13:24 If you want something a little more substantial than velcro walls, Heartlands Building Company is an authorized dealer/installer for Clearview motion screens which are mounted across the top of your room opening and roll down with touch of a remote control. It's the perfect solution to have a room that is open when you want it and bug safe when you want that. The best part is the screens also offer solar protection, making your outdoor room cool even when the sun is shining in. Call us in the St. Louis area at 636-728-0003.      View all comments *Name: Email: Notify me about new comments on this page Hide my email *Text: Security Image: Security Image Text:   Remember, Tim Carter doesn't answer questions here in the comments. You need to go to the Ask Tim page.