Primetime in Florida, let it flow…

This time of the year marks the beginning of Florida’s prime season for enjoying the outdoors. As the days get longer and the weather is beautiful, many Floridians like to let the outside in and enjoy a cool breeze and the corresponding outdoor smells run throughout the home. A Screened Front Entry will let you do just that without letting in bugs, critters, and debris at the same time. This is one of our most popular requests this time of the year. It’s also great to add a little privacy and security for your Amazon packages left at your doorstep while you are out and about.

Before the advent of air conditioning, Florida settlers counted on nature for cool comfort. They surrounded their homes with wide verandas that shaded walls and windows. They built in lots of windows that were open to cooling breezes but protected from the summer sun and seasonal rains. And they topped off their houses with clever cupolas and clerestories to vent interior heat. These common-sense design elements are the roots of Florida’s original architectural statement – the Cracker style. Why “Cracker?” The story goes that many of these early settlers were ranchers who used the “crack” of a whip to round up their cattle – a distinctive sound that became a trademark. Native Floridians came to be called Crackers, and their homes defined what today is known as the Cracker style (energyresearch.ucf.edu).

Today, Floridians accomplish this natural cooling process with front entries and lanai enclosures. These are effective ways to reduce the temperature in your home. Cool mornings and evenings prevail in Florida throughout much of the year and a screened front entry will let you economically take advantage of our outstanding Florida weather.

Harpers are experts at custom-designing and building screened front entries for your home. They have over 25 years in this business. Call our professionals at (941) 629-3490 to request a free quote.  You’ll be glad you did!