Screen Room or Sunroom — A Slidell Family’s Year-Round Journey to the Perfect Outdoor Space
In Slidell, Louisiana, outdoor living is part of the culture. Mornings can start with the soft fog rolling off Lake Pontchartrain, afternoons might bring the scent of magnolia blossoms or the sound of cicadas, and evenings often end with a warm breeze carrying the sound of neighbors chatting on porches. But if you’ve lived here long enough, you know that our subtropical climate doesn’t always make it easy to enjoy those moments. High humidity, sudden summer thunderstorms, swarms of mosquitoes, and occasional chilly winter nights can quickly drive you back indoors.
Michael and Sarah learned this first-hand. When they moved into their home in Slidell, the backyard was one of their favorite features. “We imagined sitting outside year-round,” Sarah recalls, “but the reality was we could only do it comfortably during certain months. The rest of the time, it was either too hot, too buggy, or too wet.” They wanted a solution that would bring them closer to nature without sacrificing comfort — and that’s when the idea of adding a screen room or a sunroom came into play.
Falling in Love with the Idea of a Screen Room
Their first stop was exploring what a screen room could offer. Michael liked the concept: an airy, open space that felt like a natural extension of the backyard. “It’s like having your patio upgraded to an all-day hangout spot,” he said. The mesh walls would keep mosquitoes and wasps away, while letting in breezes and the sound of rustling leaves.
They imagined using it for summer dinners, morning coffee before work, and weekend get-togethers with friends. It would be a place for their kids to play with the dog without worrying about bug bites. They liked that a screen room was a more affordable investment than a sunroom and could be built relatively quickly, with minimal disruption to their daily routine.
Practical advantages they discovered:
- Lower initial cost and faster construction timeline.
- Great airflow, which is perfect for mild spring and fall days in Slidell.
- Natural connection to the outdoors without dealing with pests.
- Easy upkeep — just occasional cleaning and replacing screens if damaged.
But the more they thought about year-round use, the more they questioned whether a screen room would meet all their needs. Slidell summers can see temperatures well into the 90s with humidity above 80%, making even shaded spaces uncomfortable. In January, while winters are mild, overnight lows can dip into the 40s, and damp winds can make outdoor spaces less appealing. And then there’s pollen season — while screens offer some barrier, fine particles still find their way in, coating furniture and surfaces.
Seeing the Potential of a Sunroom
When they turned their attention to sunrooms, the tone of the conversation shifted. Sarah loved the idea of a bright, glass-filled room where she could read in the morning sun without needing sunscreen or bug spray. Michael thought about game nights with friends when thunderstorms rolled through. They realized that with insulation, windows designed for Louisiana’s climate, and a connection to their home’s HVAC system, they could enjoy the space in any season.
They also saw how versatile a sunroom could be. It could serve as Sarah’s home office, a space for the kids’ arts and crafts, or a cozy spot for holiday dinners. Unlike a screen room, a sunroom would protect furnishings from humidity and UV damage. They knew it would take longer to build and require a bigger investment, but it would also add more square footage to their home — and likely more value if they decided to sell.
What drew them to the sunroom:
- Full climate control, making it comfortable during Louisiana’s hottest summers and damp winters.
- Flexibility of use — from casual family time to formal gatherings.
- Long-term durability and protection for furniture, electronics, and flooring.
- Strong resale appeal thanks to the extra usable space.
The trade-offs? A longer permitting process, more complex construction, and a higher upfront cost. But for Michael and Sarah, the value of using the space every day outweighed the downsides.
Climate Matters: Why Slidell’s Weather Plays a Big Role
Slidell’s humid subtropical climate makes the choice between a screen room and a sunroom more than just a style preference. With average summer highs of 91°F, humidity often topping 80%, and frequent afternoon thunderstorms, comfort can be hard to maintain in open-air spaces for long stretches. Add hurricane season winds and heavy rain, and it’s easy to see why a fully enclosed, insulated structure might appeal to those who want uninterrupted use.
That said, Louisiana’s winters are generally mild, and fall and spring offer some of the best outdoor days you can find anywhere. For those who thrive on the feeling of being outdoors — hearing crickets at night, feeling cool breezes, smelling rain in the air — a screen room keeps you connected to nature in a way a sunroom simply can’t match.
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A Detailed Comparison
| Feature | Screen Room | Sunroom |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower investment | Higher investment |
| Construction Time | Faster (weeks) | Longer (months) |
| Year-Round Comfort | Seasonal use | All-season use |
| Climate Control | No | Yes |
| Maintenance | Minimal — mainly cleaning screens | Similar to other interior rooms |
| Furniture Protection | Must be weather-resistant | Full protection from humidity & UV |
| Connection to Nature | Immersive — direct air and sounds | Filtered through glass, less breeze |
| Resale Value | Moderate | Strong |
| Pollen/Dust Barrier | Partial | High |
| Hurricane Season Impact | Vulnerable to wind-driven rain | More secure |
Planning the Project: What to Consider Before You Build
Michael and Sarah didn’t jump into construction right away. They took time to think about:
- Placement — choosing a side of the house with the best views and natural light.
- Size and layout — big enough for entertaining but not so large it felt disconnected from the rest of the house.
- Material choices — weather-resistant framing for a screen room, energy-efficient windows for a sunroom.
- Budget priorities — deciding whether to invest more in construction now for year-round comfort or save money upfront.
- Local permitting — understanding Slidell’s building codes and HOA requirements.
They also talked to neighbors who had built similar spaces to get feedback on how often they used them and what they might do differently.
How They Use Their Sunroom Now
Since completing their sunroom, the family has found more uses for it than they expected. On weekday mornings, Sarah sets up her laptop at a small desk with a view of the yard. On weekends, the kids spread out art supplies on the large table while Michael reads in a comfortable chair. In summer, they watch thunderstorms roll in without worrying about getting wet. During the holidays, the space becomes an extension of their dining area, with natural light streaming in even on overcast days.
The sunroom has also changed how they entertain. “In the past, we’d cancel plans if the weather looked bad,” Michael says. “Now, we just move the party inside the sunroom, and everyone still gets that outdoor view.”
Lessons Learned from Michael and Sarah’s Experience
- Be realistic about your climate. In Slidell, hot, humid summers can make open-air spaces less appealing for months at a time.
- Think about how you’ll use the space on bad-weather days. A sunroom keeps the view without the discomfort.
- Budget for the long term. A higher initial cost can pay off in daily comfort and home value.
- Plan for versatility. The more ways you can use the space, the more valuable it becomes.
- Talk to local experts. Builders who understand the Gulf Coast climate can help you choose materials and designs that last.
Final Thoughts
For Michael and Sarah, the sunroom was the right choice for year-round use in Slidell. It brought them the connection to nature they wanted while offering protection from the elements. But for other homeowners, especially those who love the feel of open air and don’t mind seasonal limits, a screen room could be the perfect fit.
Either way, working with a trusted local contractor ensures the space is designed for your lifestyle, budget, and the unique weather patterns of Southeast Louisiana.
Southern Home Improvement Center has been building both screen rooms and sunrooms in Slidell and the surrounding area since 1996. Their team knows how to create spaces that stand up to the heat, humidity, and storms while giving families more ways to enjoy their homes.
Call (985)-643-6611 to schedule your free consultation and start planning the space that will become your favorite room — no matter the season.
