Screen Rooms vs. Glass Rooms: Cost, Comfort, and Maintenance Compared

This guide compares cost, comfort, and maintenance, and also provides location-specific insights for Florida. Get real pricing examples, understand key design tradeoffs, and discover which option fits your lifestyle, climate needs, and budget best.

On this page:

Screen Rooms & Glass Rooms: A Cost Comparison
Comfort & Usage of Screen Rooms & Glass Rooms
Maintenance & Durability: Screen Room vs Glass Room
What's Right for You
What Drives the Cost of Screen Rooms & Glass Rooms in Florida?

Screen Rooms & Glass Rooms: A Cost Comparison

Here are some real-world cost ranges for both types of rooms in the Jacksonville, Florida, area:

Glass Rooms: 

• Glass rooms in Jacksonville often start around $22,000 for a basic 12’x20’ build. Features might include an insulated roof, a kickplate knee wall, permits, and engineering. 

• For higher-end glass rooms with premium windows, gable roofs, and more insulation, expect costs up to $40,000–$60,000.

Screen Rooms:

• Screen rooms are more budget-friendly: a standard screen enclosure in Jacksonville can run $21,000, including engineering and permits.

• More advanced screen room versions (insulated roofing, raised walls, more height) move the price toward $48,000+.

Keep in Mind:

• Total cost depends on site prep, material quality, permitting, HOA approvals, and local wind/load engineering, all of which are handled by our team at Impact Enclosures.

• Many homeowners choose to finance their project, turning their investment into affordable monthly payments, making high-quality outdoor living additions more accessible.

• We offer a detailed Cost Guide that breaks down what’s included at each tier. Download it or reach out for a personalized estimate.

Comfort & Usage of Screen Rooms & Glass Rooms

Your outdoor living area should suit your ideal comfort needs. So make sure to think about what you'll use this space for, how many seasons you'd like comfortable access to your space, and if you'd like to use your outdoor addition even during inclement weather.

Screen Rooms

• Great airflow. Bugs are mostly out, and windows let the breeze in.

• They offer shade but won’t be as well insulated. On very cold or very hot days, interior comfort depends on ceiling fans or added cooling.

• Best for folks who want an outdoor feel, insect protection, and low cost per square foot.

Glass Rooms

• Much better at controlling temperature. Insulated glass, insulated roofs, and sealed doors help maintain the climate inside year-round.

• Better for weather protection from rain, wind, and humidity, which makes them usable more often.

• More glass means more natural light and clearer views, though consider glare, UV exposure, and window treatment/integrated shade as part of planning.

Maintenance & Durability: Screen Room vs Glass Room

Below is a quick side-by-side reference comparing the maintenance of screenability of screen rooms and glass rooms, so you can make the best decision for your needs.

What’s Right for You?

If you’re looking for something more affordable, airy, and open to see/smile with the breeze, a screen room or screen patio enclosure might be ideal.

If you want a space to use year-round with better protection, more light, and less worry about bugs or weather, glass room enclosures offer higher comfort at a higher cost upfront and more maintenance later.

Think about these questions:

• Do you want to use the space in all seasons or only in good weather?

• How important is insulation, heating or cooling, and protection?

• What’s your long-term plan? How long do you expect to live in the house or keep the structure?

What Drives the Cost of Screen Rooms & Glass Rooms in Florida?

If you’re weighing the cost to enclose a porch, screen rooms typically come in at a lower price point than glass room enclosures. But there’s a wide range within each category, and that range is driven by design decisions, materials, and your local building requirements.

Here’s what to expect:

Roof Style & Structural Engineering

• Flat roofs are the most budget-friendly option, while insulated roofs and gable designs with overhangs or tie-ins add both function and architectural appeal at a higher price.

• Gable and insulated roofs also require more complex engineering, especially when paired with storm-rated construction.

Wall & Window Materials

• A standard screen enclosure uses mesh panels and an aluminum frame, keeping the space airy and cost-effective.

• Glass rooms introduce tempered or insulated glass, aluminum framing systems, and sometimes low-e coatings, all of which elevate cost but boost comfort and year-round usability.

Size, Shape & Height

• Larger footprints and taller walls drive material and labor costs.

• Rooms with custom rooflines, angled corners, or multi-panel sliding glass systems will also increase the total investment.

Hurricane & Wind Ratings

• In Florida, all outdoor living spaces must meet wind-load codes based on your location.

• Higher exposure zones (like coastal neighborhoods in St. Johns County) may require reinforced framing, upgraded anchors, or even impact-rated glass.

Permits, HOAs & Site Conditions

• Permit and HOA approval fees vary by neighborhood, and some communities require detailed architectural drawings or additional engineering.

• Site-specific conditions, like sloped yards, existing foundations, or the need to reroute irrigation or electrical, can also affect overall cost.

Keep in Mind:

• Local permitting, HOA rules, site prep, and material quality can significantly impact your total investment.

• Many homeowners choose to split the cost into monthly payments, making high-quality outdoor living spaces like screen rooms or glass rooms more attainable than you might think.

Still Not Sure? We Can Help!

Not sure if a screen room or glass room is the right fit?

Impact Enclosures has helped your Jacksonville neighbors design spaces that make the most of Florida sunshine, with less hassle and more comfort. We’ll walk you through the pros, cons, and costs so you can make a choice that works for your life, not just your layout.

Reach out for a no-pressure conversation, and let’s start sketching ideas!