What to Expect with Your New Screen Enclosure, Pool Cage, or Florida Room from BSS Exteriors

Whether it’s a classic screened lanai, a protective pool cage, or a fully enclosed Florida Room, you’re enhancing your home’s usability, comfort, and enjoyment.

  • Screen Enclosures & Lanais give airy protection from bugs, shade, and light weather.
  • Pool Cages create a safer, cleaner swimming environment by keeping out debris and pests while adding a polished look to your pool area.
  • Florida Rooms start as a screen enclosure frame, then add panels (vinyl, acrylic, or glass) to transform the space into an enclosed, all-weather room.

At BSS Exteriors, we build all of these styles—and when it comes to Florida Rooms, we use CWS Sunroom Systems, a Florida manufacturer specializing in: 

  • Vinyl Pane Rooms: flexible vinyl sheet panes; economical but least durable and least insulating.
  • Acrylic Pane Rooms: rigid acrylic panels; the most popular option, balancing cost and performance.
  • Glass Pane Rooms: insulated glass, often with vinyl frames, for maximum performance. 

Important: A Florida Room is still built on a screen enclosure frame. Please review the screen enclosure sections of this guide first, then read the Florida Room section for additional guidance specific to your enclosed system. 

Your Home. Only Better. Your Outdoor Space. Made for Florida life. 

Screen Enclosures

What to Expect Right After Installation 

Frame Lines & Tension

Aluminum framing may show slight stress marks at intersections; this is normal and often relaxes with temperature changes.

Screen Panels Settling

Mesh panels may tighten or relax with heat/sun exposure. Minor sagging usually improves after a few thermal cycles.

Fasteners & Hardware

Some fasteners may re-seat after expansion/contraction; we’ll inspect and tighten if needed.

Pool Cage Specifics

Expect light debris or dust in the pool during construction. Screens over pools may catch leaves/debris until rain clears them.

Cleanup & Inspection

Crews will sweep, remove debris, and check for stray fasteners. Please inspect and report visible concerns immediately.

Florida Room Subsection: What to Expect

  • Pane Type (CWS):
    • Vinyl Pane: Flexible, light, affordable, but least durable and least insulating.
    • Acrylic Pane: Rigid, clear, and the most popular choice for Florida Rooms.
    • Glass Pane: Premium, higher insulation, often with vinyl frames, closest to a traditional room addition.
  • Initial Odors / Sealants: Caulks and sealants may give off mild odors that fade in a few days to a week.
  • Sticker / Label Requirements: Factory stickers may be required to remain for inspections. We’ll let you know when they can be removed.
  • Panel Fit & Thermal Behavior: Acrylic/vinyl/glass panels expand and contract with heat. Small gaps or movement are expected and accounted for.
  • Window / Door Operation: Sliders or hinged doors may feel stiff at first. Regular use will help seals and hardware “break in.”

Care & Maintenance Basics

Your windows and doors are designed for long-term performance, but like any part of your home, they benefit from regular care. Following these steps will help preserve energy efficiency, appearance, and warranty coverage. 

Screen Enclosure & Pool Cage Care 

  • Cleaning Frames & Screens: Use a garden hose and soft brush annually. Avoid pressure washing directly into screen edges.  
  • Inspect Fasteners & Connections: Check screws and connectors; tighten as needed.  
  • Landscape & Debris Control: Trim back trees/vines; keep leaves off the roof. 
  • Pool Cage Specific Notes: Dust or residue in the pool after construction is normal. Rinse screens regularly to protect against salt/chlorine. 

    Florida Room Add-On Care (CWS Acrylic, Vinyl, Glass) 

    • Pane Cleaning: Use soft cloth and mild soap. Avoid ammonia or abrasives.  
    • Avoiding AC-Induced Stress on Acrylic Panels: Air conditioning can cause acrylic panes to bow inward/outward, leading to scratching. This is not covered by warranty. Avoid extreme cooling or rapid changes.  
    • Caulking & Sealants: Inspect and reapply as needed to maintain water-tight performance.  
    • Panel & Frame Tolerance: Some thermal expansion and minor movement are normal. Contact us if alignment issues persist. 

    Warranty Coverage 

    BSS Exteriors Warranty
    • All projects are covered by our 1-year workmanship warranty.  
    • Critical issues reviewed in 5 business days; all others within 15 business days. 
    • Service requests should start in the Buildertrend Homeowner Portal.
    Manufacturer Warranties
    • Screen Enclosures & Pool Cages: Aluminum framing usually covered ~10 years. Screens warrantied 1–3 years against manufacturing defects.  
    • CWS Vinyl Pane Systems: Limited coverage. Scratching, discoloration, or bowing are not covered.  
    • CWS Acrylic Pane Systems: 10-Year Acrylic Warranty. Bowing or scratching from AC use is not covered.  
    • CWS Glass Pane Systems: Typically 10–20 years on insulated glass seal failure. Labor may not always be covered. 
    Important Notes
    • Visual Issues: Must be reported within 30 days.  
    • Screen Wear: Stretching, sagging, and weather damage are normal maintenance.  
    • Panel Expansion: Normal thermal movement is not a defect.   
    • AC Use with Acrylic: Damage from AC-induced flex is excluded from warranty.  
    • Maintenance: Neglecting caulking, cleaning, or drainage can void coverage.   
    • Registration: Some glass products require online registration for full coverage. 

    When to Call Us

    Screen Enclosures & Pool Cages
    • Loose or Sagging Screens: If panels sag heavily, detach, or rip.   
    • Loose Fasteners or Frame Movement: If you notice shifting or movement.    
    • Leaks at Attachment Points: Water intrusion at the connection to your home.   
    • Storm Damage: Report screen/frame damage or leaks. Professional inspections are available as a paid service if you’d like peace of mind after major storms. 
    Florida Rooms
    • Fogging or Condensation Between Panes: Indicates glass seal failure; report quickly.    
    • Panel Bowing or Scratching: Especially in acrylic systems; may require evaluation.  
    • Leaks Around Panels or Doors: Any water entry should be addressed.  
    • Difficulty Operating Windows/Doors: Misaligned or stiff parts need adjustment.    
    • Vinyl Pane Clouding/Discoloration – If premature, let us evaluate.  
    • Sealant Failures – Cracked or missing caulk must be resealed.
    How To Reach Us
    • Buildertrend Homeowner Portal (preferred – fastest service)   
    • Online Service Form at bssexteriors.com  
    • Phone or Email – always available 

    Final Note

    Your new enclosure—whether a screened lanai, pool cage, or Florida Room—expands your living space and helps you enjoy Florida living with comfort and peace of mind. 

    Remember: 

    • Mesh, fasteners, and frames age with time; regular upkeep extends life. 
    • Florida Room panes (vinyl, acrylic, glass) require gentle cleaning and care. 
    • Report visual issues within 30 days to protect warranty rights. 
    • Acrylic-pane rooms need extra caution with air conditioning use—bowing/scratching from thermal stress is not covered. 
    • Use the Buildertrend Homeowner Portal for fastest service. 

    Thank you for trusting BSS Exteriors with your project. Whether you’re relaxing poolside, enjoying a breezy lanai, or sipping coffee in your Florida Room, we’re honored to have built the structure that makes it possible—and we’ll stand behind it for years to come. 

    Your Home. Only Better. Your Outdoor Space. Built for Florida Living.