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Many of you that read my post on Eze-Breeze porch enclosures were curious to know if you could install them yourselves.
The answer was basically no. It was best to let professional installers and dealers of Eze-Breeze do all of the work due to the custom fit necessary in most porch window openings.
Until recently, you would have needed to contact a dealer. They would come out to your home, take all of the measurements for a custom fit, order them and have them installed.
You can still go that route, but now they offer the experienced DIY homeowner the opportunity to take the reigns from start to finish.
Two words of advice: Measure carefully!
Remembering the carpenter’s rule is especially important.
Measure twice… cut once.
In this case, you won’t be cutting, just writing down the measurements.
The good folks over at Rekal (thanks Sean & co.) have supplied this valuable DIY information with everything you need to do the job yourself.
What are Eze-Breeze Porch Enclosures?
Of course, some of you are wondering what the heck Eze-Breeze is. It’s not glass. It’s a vinyl glazing that is 10 mil thick that is permanently attached to a frame that has been custom made to your specifications. You can choose from three different aluminum frame colors:
- White
- Bronze
- Almond (not available in side sliders or Lift out)
Choose from either the side slider frames or the vertical four-track system. You can also choose the color of the vinyl glazing:
- Clear
- Bronze
- Gray
You can also choose between inside or outside mount.
You also have the choice of having the frames mounted with outside screens so that you can slide the windows open to let the breeze in while keeping all of the mosquitoes and what-not…OUT!
Vinyl glazing won’t ever get cloudy or yellowish like thick, plastic sheeting does over time. It stays pliable and can withstand being hit without breaking. Eze-Breeze was developed in Florida for homes along golf courses for obvious reasons. FORE!!
I’ll have to see if that works the next time I pay a visit to my parents in South Carolina. What do you say, Mom and Dad? Are you game?
Eze-Breeze porch enclosures can certainly be cut or punctured, but if you punch your hand into the material, it will relax back into its’ original form within a few short minutes.
It can also melt or be affecting by extreme temperatures. I am not talking about the sun’s heat. I’m talking about having a lit candle too close to the material. Spilling hot wax on it is not a good thing. Ask my parents and they can confirm that.
Eze-Breeze Porch Enclosures DIY
Here’s how the process went from start to finish…
I don’t receive a dime from PGT Industries for all of this, but I happen to think it’s a very cool product that does what it claims.
I’m not an Eze-Breeze dealer, but Sean is. If you have any further questions after reading this post, contact Sean and I’m certain he will be more than happy to answer your questions.
It will take a couple of weeks for the product to hit your door, so schedule it accordingly.
IMPORTANT: These units are manufactured to extremely close tolerance – only 1/8″ smaller than the opening size given to us. Your opening must be square and “slop” is limited.
To measure:
- Measure the width of the daylight opening in three places and record the smallest number.
- Measure the height in three places and record the smallest number.
- When you phone in your order be sure to specify OUTSIDE MOUNT and give the smallest recorded dimensions, Width X Height.
- When measuring, it is customary to start at one end and work your way around the room, numbering openings in sequence. Upon request, they will number the units in the same order they are given to them, thus avoiding confusion at installation time.
Remember, this is a TIGHT FIT! There is no inside trim; the area between the main frame and post is dressed out with a thin bead of caulking after installation. For this reason the unit should be centered evenly in the opening. – source via Sunrooms by Rekal
Are you feeling good about it? If so, read the detailed DIY instructions for Eze-Breeze porch enclosures. It is somewhat lengthy, but well worth your time to get it right. You will save a lot of coin by going the DIY route.
Here is the quote request form to fill out. Contact info is on the quote request form or you can have PGT direct a dealer to your attention.
Good luck and have fun with it!
More Great Tips
Care and Cleaning Instructions For Eze-Breeze Porch Enclosures
Eze-Breeze: A Great Alternative To Glass Porch Windows
I started as a home-stalker… visiting brand new homes under construction in the neighborhoods near my house. That inspired me to write about home building and home renovation projects — chronicling homes during different phases of construction from a consumer's point-of-view. Basically, the tips you'll find in my articles are a collection of checklists for what I think should (and should not) go into building or remodeling a quality home.
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