How to Create an Enclosed Restaurant Patio with Retractable Screens

There are a few ways that you can enclose a patio with retractable screens. Restaurant patios are usually in need of shade for their patrons as well as a bug free area. Retractable screens can provide this protection and comfortability for customers of a restaurant. 

Restaurant Patio Enclosures

The purpose of a restaurant patio is to offer space for customers to get fresh air when they would like as well as enjoy the sun instead of being in an inside environment. Patios are sometimes covered but don’t always provide weather protection from sun, rain, or wind. There are a variety of ways to enclose a restaurant patio that will be highlighted below.

Types of Restaurant Patio Enclosures

Patio enclosures can include retractable screen doors as well as fixed screens around the sides. Retractable screens such as motorized screens can be mounted at the top of the awning or patio cover to drop down on all sides. They can also be covered with fixed screens. There is also the use of aluminum, steel, wood and glass if needed. Glass can be added on the sides and as a patio roof but causes more heat and causes it to be more of a sun room environment. Wood structures such as the patio overhang are very common but usually when protecting the sides, it does not allow sun and fresh air to enter unless there are openings to air flow. 

Retractable Screens

Retractable screens such as motorized or large opening screens can be perfect for restaurant patios. Motorized screens are mounted at the top and offer an easier way to open and close with a remote. 

For easy quick access a standard retractable screen is easy to open with a handle. In a restaurant setting this can be used as a doorway to enter and exit the patio space whereas, a retractable screen with a motor and remote can be used on the sides of the patio to shade and provide an enclosed space for comfortability and protection.   

Glass 

Glass enclosures in restaurants can be used to enclose the patio space to make it perfect during cold seasons. It provides overall protection from rain and wind when needed. It allows the sun to shine through the patio space and bring warmth in when needed. In a situation where the patio is cold and wet, glass enclosures can be a great addition to a commercial space such as a restaurant.

Screened In

Screened in spaces offer the best and most comfortable environment for all. There are a few options on how to screen in a space from sunrooms to adding aluminum, pergolas, wooden enclosure and more. 

Sunrooms

Sunrooms can be created with either wood, aluminum or vinyl. It offers a space to enjoy natural light and warmth. It provides a sense of relaxation and openness to the outdoors with still keeping away from wind, rain and other environmental factors. In a restaurant space it allows bugs and debris from not getting in your food or drinks. It protects you while also keeping you warm.

Aluminum 

Aluminum restaurant enclosures are usually pergolas with adjustable levers to let sun in and block the sun when needed. This can be great when you are wanting the sides exposed on a patio but the overhead shaded when needed. Aluminum is easy to clean and maintain compared to other types of materials. They are also very customizable to the space they are needed in.

Pergolas

Pergolas can be made of a variety of materials from wood, vinyl, aluminum, and fiberglass. For a restaurant space they can opt for any of these materials. Wood offers a natural look but can deteriorate over time and can rot from high moisture areas. Vinyl can be easier to clean and can be more durable. Fiberglass is the most durable option with it being UV resistant, weather proof and requires minimal maintenance. 

Wooden

Wooden enclosures are beautiful and work well with a variety of homes and designs and can extend the outdoor space to feel protected. You can add screens around the wooden structure to keep insects out and sun outdoors.

Benefits of Enclosed Restaurant Patios With Retractable Screens

Protection from UV Rays 

Enclosed restaurant patios with retractable screens create an oasis for customers to enjoy their meal in peace without the bright sun and excessive UV rays. Restaurant patios can be excessively hot in the summer months or have rain in the fall/winter months. When you have an enclosed patio system it protects guests from all the external factors.

Increased Guest Capacity & Revenue

When guest capacity is increased in a restricted area there can be more heat that accumulates and makes it uncomfortable. Screens allow for ventilation, ease of use and customization to the set up of the space.

Weather Protection

Weather protection is one of the main benefits of retractable screens. It shades the area and keeps rain and wind at bay. The type of mesh chosen can also create more of a barrier from the sun when there’s extreme heat. A more transparent mesh can be used for higher visibility with spots with a view.

Insect & Pest Control

When you are sitting in a restaurant environment, you will want to experience complete comfort while enjoying food and company. All the mesh you choose on either a motorized screen or a large opening screen will work to protect you from pests and insects. 

Improved Ventilation

Having the feeling of heat or stuffy air isn’t fun. Adding retractable screens for patios to create more air flow and ventilation is essential in making a space feel more comfortable and welcoming. Roll them up when not needed but roll them down or pull across when needed. If you are worried about blocking your view, not to worry,  Mirage retractable screens offer mesh that is transparent enough to see through so your view isn’t compromised.

Aesthetic Integrations & Appeal 

No matter what the look of the patio is, Mirage retractable screens can match the aesthetic you are going for! Match the colour to the colour of the overhang or patio structure to best fit the outdoor area and complement the space.  A professional installer will be able to look at the opening and area and decide what would look best in that space and the overall cost. 

Step-by-Step Process For Enclosing A Restaurant Patio With Retractable Screens

The process of enclosing a patio starts with the structure, assessing what kind of structure you have and what you want to enclose it for. Is there too much sun exposure, are there too many bugs but want to see the view?

A professional installer will be with you to explain the steps to install the screen and get the best fit for the space. Then they will most likely take a few hours to install them depending on how many and which product you decide on. 

Planning The Outdoor Patio Space

To plan an outdoor patio space it takes evaluating the patio space and what is needed, how many people it fits and the overall design and regulations. Sometimes you may work with a designer to create the best possible space and they may be in contact with a Mirage installer to create the dream oasis patio experience you are wanting. Some patios have certain rules and regulations to make sure the screens are not obstructing any view or pathway. You will need to check with the city and property manager to make sure regulations are met.

Choosing the Right Retractable Screen

When choosing the right retractable screen, you will want a professional installer to take a look at the space and give you a better idea of what will work and how they can be installed. They can colour match and look at either putting a motorized screen in the space or a 3500 large opening. Depending on the layout and how many screens are needed, the budget of the restaurant will help determine the best fit. 

The installer might mention a motorized screen with a variety of mesh types, which are considered depending on the needs. Sun Shades where high UV rays are present, or vinyl screens where you are ok with more sun exposure and want to look out at a view but prevent wind and insects. There could also be a need for a manual large opening screen if it’s needed to quickly enter and exit a space without having to use a remote or wait for the screen to go up and down.

Installing Retractable Screens

Getting retractable screens installed is easy. Contact an installer in your area closest to you and they will come to you to measure and look at the space you have to assess the best options. In some cases this can be done over the phone but with a motorized screen an installer will want to come out to see the space. From there you will likely wait 2 weeks for install then it will take a few hours for several screens to be installed. They will give you a quick lesson on the remote and program them according to your needs.

Maintaining Retractable Screen Enclosures For Restaurants

Maintaining retractable screens for your home is easy! You want to make sure the mesh stays clean and with a quick wipe down every now and then and then making sure the tracks don’t have debris built up. In order for it to last for years, cleaning and maintaining them are important. Don’t be intimidated that it will be hard to maintain because it’s very simple and doing these simple cleaning hacks will let them last years to come.

Enclose Your Restaurant Patio Today With Mirage!

Enclose your restaurant patio with a Mirage retractable screen. Choose from a large opening screen or a motorized screen to create the oasis that customers and staff will be excited to enjoy. It provides the best shade as well as a comfortable environment. Enclose your restaurant patio today with a Mirage retractable Screen!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)