A porch system is a modular system that allows a homeowner to customize his or her porch according to the needs of the moment, the season, or a specific occasion. Most versions of the porch system include some sort of attachment system that allows the user to add or remove panels, screens, or sections of the porch quickly and easily. Screens and panels included in a porch system may be on some sort of a track, or they may be affixed using a snap-in system. A porch system is designed to make modifications easy and quick while still maintaining the look of a permanent structure.
Much of the efficiency of a porch system is in the framing. The framing may be made out of wood, but more often it is made out of a lightweight material such as aluminum. The framing typically includes a fastening system, and many frames have a fastening system that can be hidden from sight to give the illusion of a permanent structure. The idea behind the fastening system is to allow for easy installation and break-down so the screen or window configuration can be changed quickly and efficiently. Screens may be removed for an open-air feel in warmer weather, or they may be reinstalled for buggy conditions.
Windows can also be configured to be taken out or installed quickly. In cooler temperatures, windows might be installed to protect from the cool air. In warmer temperatures, they can be removed. The framing can also be configured to allow unobstructed views from the porch. Many porch system configurations also allow for a door to be installed, removed, or moved to a new location within the porch.
While a porch system is often installed on a porch when the porch itself is built — very often along with the building of the house — most, if not all, porch systems can be retrofitted to existing porches to add to the versatility of the space. Since the aluminum framing materials are lightweight and easy to manipulate, they can be cut to size and installed on porches of all shapes and sizes. Most aluminum frames have a fastening system that can attach easily to existing structures, and screens and windows can be added or removed from the aluminum frame without tools. The aesthetic of the porch can also be changed with the porch system, as many systems come with vinyl or aluminum pieces that can be wrapped and fixed into place around existing posts and beams.
