If you are considering motorized power screens for your porch, patio, or outdoor living space in Northern Virginia, the first question on your mind is probably: how much will it cost? The answer depends on several factors, including the width of the opening, the type of mesh you choose, the motor quality, and how many openings you need to cover.
In this guide, we break down real-world pricing for motorized power screens installed across Fairfax County, Arlington, McLean, Reston, Herndon, and the broader DC Metro area in 2026. Whether you are screening a single window or enclosing an entire three-season porch, you will find the numbers you need to make an informed decision.
Here is a straightforward look at what homeowners in Northern Virginia are paying in 2026 for a single motorized power screen, professionally installed:
| Opening Width | Typical Price Range (Installed) |
|---|---|
| Up to 4 feet | $2,000 - $2,800 |
| 6 - 8 feet | $2,500 - $3,500 |
| 10 - 13 feet | $3,000 - $4,500 |
| 14 - 18 feet | $4,000 - $5,500 |
| 20 - 24 feet | $5,000 - $6,500 |
These prices include the screen unit, motor, housing cassette, guide tracks, professional installation, and a standard remote control. Premium mesh types, custom colors, and smart-home integration can push costs toward the higher end of each range.
Motorized power screens are not a one-size-fits-all product. Several factors determine where your project falls within the price ranges above.
This is the single largest cost factor. A 24-foot span requires heavier-duty guide rails, a more powerful motor, and a larger fabric panel than a 6-foot window screen. Wider screens also demand more precise tensioning to prevent the mesh from sagging or fluttering in wind.
The fabric you choose has a meaningful impact on both performance and price. We cover mesh options in detail in the next section, but expect a difference of $200 to $600 per opening depending on the material selected.
Entry-level tubular motors get the job done, but higher-end motors offer quieter operation, adjustable stop positions, obstacle detection, and integration with smart-home systems like Alexa, Google Home, or Control4. A premium motor upgrade typically adds $200 to $500 per screen.
If you are screening a three-sided porch, you will typically get better per-unit pricing than ordering a single screen. Installers can mobilize once, share wiring runs, and use a single control system for multiple screens. Many Northern Virginia homeowners save 10 to 15 percent per opening when bundling three or more screens in a single project.
A straightforward fascia-mount installation on a flat surface is the least expensive. If your porch has angled beams, stone columns, or unusual ceiling profiles, additional brackets, custom fabrication, or structural reinforcement may be required. Homes in Great Falls or McLean with custom architecture sometimes see installation surcharges of $300 to $800 per screen.
Standard housing colors like white, black, and brown are included in base pricing. Custom powder-coat finishes to match a specific trim color or architectural detail typically add $150 to $400 per unit.
Choosing the right mesh is one of the most important decisions when ordering motorized power screens. Each type serves a different purpose, and the price varies accordingly.
This is the most popular choice for Northern Virginia porches. Fine-weave fiberglass or polyester mesh keeps mosquitoes, gnats, and stink bugs out while allowing maximum airflow and visibility. It is the most affordable mesh option and works well for screened porches where ventilation is the priority. Expect to pay baseline pricing with this mesh.
Solar shade fabrics block 80 to 95 percent of UV rays while still allowing you to see through the screen. They are ideal for west-facing patios in Fairfax or Arlington where afternoon sun makes outdoor spaces unusable in summer. Solar mesh typically adds $150 to $300 per opening compared to insect mesh.
Tighter-weave fabrics provide an opaque or near-opaque barrier. They are popular for homes close to neighbors, such as townhouses in Reston or condos in Tysons. Privacy mesh blocks the view from outside while still permitting some light through. It typically costs $200 to $400 more per opening than insect mesh.
For homeowners who want full weather protection, clear vinyl panels allow you to enclose a porch completely, keeping out rain, wind, and cold air while maintaining visibility. They are the most expensive mesh option, adding $400 to $600 per opening, but they effectively create a three-season room without permanent construction.
Our team brings samples to your home so you can see and feel the options in person. Schedule a free consultation today.
Get Your Free QuoteMany homeowners in Northern Virginia start by pricing a single screen for one opening, then realize the value of screening an entire porch. Here is how the math works:
| Project Type | Typical Total Cost |
|---|---|
| Single opening (10-12 ft wide) | $3,000 - $4,500 |
| 3-wall porch enclosure (motorized screens) | $8,000 - $15,000 |
| Traditional screened porch build (framing + fixed screens) | $15,000 - $35,000+ |
The comparison between motorized screens and a traditional screened porch build is striking. A full three-wall motorized screen enclosure typically costs 40 to 60 percent less than building a conventional screened porch. And because motorized screens retract completely, you keep your open-air patio when you want it and get full bug protection when you need it. There is no permanent visual barrier blocking your view of the yard or landscape.
For homeowners in Loudoun County and western Fairfax County who enjoy views of the Blue Ridge foothills, this flexibility is especially appealing. You can enjoy an unobstructed sightline when weather cooperates and deploy the screens the moment mosquitoes arrive at dusk.
Before committing to a motorized screen project, it is worth understanding the local regulatory landscape.
Motorized screens installed on an existing covered porch or pergola generally do not require a building permit in Fairfax County, since they are considered removable accessories rather than structural additions. However, if your project involves electrical work beyond a standard outlet, you may need an electrical permit. Always verify with the Fairfax County Department of Land Development Services.
Loudoun County follows similar guidelines. Screens mounted to an existing structure are typically permit-exempt, but new electrical circuits require an electrical permit. Homes in planned communities like Ashburn, Brambleton, and Stone Ridge may face additional HOA requirements.
Arlington has stricter zoning regulations than most of Northern Virginia due to its urban density. If your motorized screens change the footprint classification of your porch (for example, converting an open porch to an "enclosed" space), you may need a zoning review. Contact Arlington's Department of Community Planning, Housing and Development for guidance.
Many neighborhoods in the DC Metro area have HOA rules governing exterior modifications. The good news is that motorized power screens are generally well-received by HOAs because they retract out of sight when not in use, preserving the home's exterior appearance. We recommend submitting your application with product specifications and color samples before ordering. Our team can help you prepare HOA documentation at no extra charge.
A quality motorized power screen installed by an experienced team should last 10 to 15 years or more with minimal maintenance. Here is what to expect:
From an investment perspective, motorized power screens consistently add value to Northern Virginia homes. Real estate agents in McLean, Great Falls, and Arlington report that screened outdoor spaces are among the top features buyers look for, and motorized screens deliver that functionality at a fraction of the cost of a permanent screened porch.
When you factor in the ability to use your porch or patio from April through November instead of just the mildest weeks, the value becomes clear. Many homeowners tell us their screens paid for themselves within the first season simply by how much more time they spent outdoors.
Call us at (571) 237-7311 or request a free on-site estimate. We serve Fairfax, Arlington, Loudoun, Alexandria, and the entire DC Metro area.
Get Your Free EstimateLearn more about our motorized power screen options and features, or explore how motorized screens compare to other patio shade solutions for your home.