Porch Design and Build Recommendations for attaching PES Enclosure Panels Things to consider: Mounting Space and Header Beam: To properly accommodate PES enclosure panels, we recommend having a large mounting space ("header") above your porch. Utilize a minimum 6" header beam that allows the curtains to be tucked behind it without hanging down into the opening. Ensure the header beam... Read More

Restaurant covered patio enclosures by Porch Enclosure Systems create an attractive dining or mingling area. The panels can be raised and lowered by anyone in minutes, giving you flexibility with your restaurant or venue’s configuration. PES customers enjoy the best of both worlds, their existing patio in good weather, and complete weatherproofing from rain, wind, snow, pollen, and dust when needed. This is a configuration used for homeowners across the nation, too. Your PES can easily be deployed last minute and offers seasonal winterizing protection of your covered patio. 

Opened Patios often need a way to enter/exit the space. This is primarily done by splitting an opening into two smaller curtains that zip together and fasten securely to the floor in the middle. This allows each panel to be rolled up independently. For example and 10' opening could be split into 7' panel, and smaller 3' panel to serve as a door. In the photo above, a larger opening is split into 3 panels that roll up independently, with the center panel serving as a door. We can also offer guidance on adding temporary (seasonal) or permanent posts to your spaces framework, so a traditional storm door can be added as needed to your outdoor space. This is common solution for opened patio enclosures that receive a lot of foot traffic. 

Yes, outdoor heaters and fireplaces are used by many of our clients to warm up their enclosed spaces in the winter. We also recommend putting your ceiling fan in reverse if possible to help circulate the air.  You may also wish to request a system using our marine grade zippers versus our standard fasteners for a more airtight fit. 

  Our manufacturing process and the materials we use in each PES meet or exceed the standards commonly found in sailmaking, offshore boat enclosures, and large free standing shade sails - our knowledge comes directly from decades in the sailmaking, marine and shade sail industry. PES is rigorously tested at wind speeds up to 70 MPH, yet since each of our panels is customized to your unique space there is not certified wind rating. Our team will work with you to determine the best design to meet your space's and climate's specific needs.  To learn more, check out how our curtains are used in extreme climates for wind protection.  Lab Test Results of our Clear Vinyl Sheet Glass Tested for extreme cold, pressure, abrasion & UV.

PES is very popular in the Great Lakes, the Rocky Mountains and the Northeast regions where extreme cold and heavy wind are often a concern. Our curtains are built to withstand extreme cold and wind. Even our clear vinyl has been laboratory tested for Low Temperature Flexibility @ -30 F with no cracking, and Dimensional Stability (shrinkage & expansion due to temperature change) of less than 0.5% (1/2%).  Most products see significant cracking at these temperatures and shrinkage and expansion of 5-7% is common. These changes can significantly alter the look of your enclosure, the ability to fasten it in cold weather, and your enclosures longevity.  While our enclosures are made to withstand extreme cold, we still recommend keeping your enclosure down when temperatures are below 55 degrees Fahrenheit and only rolling up the fabric portion of your enclosure if you still like the airflow. This will assure you can use your enclosure with minimal effort and provide many years of use for your PES enclosure.  All of our components have been tested in extreme cold and our manufacturing process comes directly from many years of experience in the sailmaking industry.  Lab Test Results of our Clear Vinyl Sheet Glass Tested for extreme cold, pressure, abrasion & UV.

Our standard curtains fit snugly along the top, sides and base of your porch or patio. The top of our roll-up curtains slide into a top tracks creating a wind and waterproof seal. The sides of our curtains attach to your porch using commercial-grade waterproof zippers and weather flaps to keep out all the elements. The base of our curtains utilizes a weighted roll-bar adding both rigidity and calm to your overall system.  To learn more, check out: Wind-Block Enclosures PES Weather Curtains