Frequently Asked Questions
The questions we get most, answered plainly. If yours isn't here, call 512-782-8787 and ask.
Company & Scope
What is Southern Patio Enclosures?
A commercial-only B2B company specializing in restaurant and hospitality patio enclosures nationwide. We design, fabricate, and install motorized and manual vinyl enclosures, sun shades, and bug screens for restaurants, hotels, hospitality groups, event venues, and chains.
Do you install residential enclosures?
No. Strictly commercial B2B for restaurants, hotels, venues, and chains. We do not serve residential customers under any circumstances.
Does Southern Patio Enclosures build the roof or patio structure?
No. We enclose patios that have a roof or structure, whether it is already built or still in the drawings. We do not build roofs, awnings, patio covers, or structural supports — that has to be in someone else's scope. If no cover is planned at all, we are not able to help with the project.
What types of systems do you offer?
Motorized and manual clear vinyl enclosures, sun shades, bug screens, and combinations — all installed on covered patios.
What is your minimum project size?
$10,000, installed. We're flexible on that for true multi-site rollouts. Single small jobs far from our primary service areas are generally declined unless they can be stacked with others or are part of a large rollout.
Where do you work?
Nationwide across the United States.
Timeline, Pricing & Process
What is your typical lead time?
As of August 2026: 8 weeks from signed agreement and deposit for motorized systems, 6 weeks for rope-and-pulley, and 8 weeks for rope-and-pulley with framed metal doors. Manufacturing is most of that window.
What does the process look like?
Quote → signed agreement and 50% deposit → design consultation scheduled → onsite design consultation → shop drawings → order placed → manufacturing → delivery → installation → product training and sign-off.
What deposit do you require?
50% at signing. The balance is due at completion.
Is financing available?
Yes. We partner with Leaf Commercial Capital, who offers cash-flow friendly programs with customized terms and electronic signatures. See our financing page.
What if the design changes after the quote?
If a change affects price, your salesperson gets the new price approved in writing before anything is ordered. No surprise invoices.
Materials, Ratings & Compliance
What are your wind ratings?
Every motorized unit is warrantied to 65 mph deployed and secured; clear is the limiting factor. Nano 97/99 shade units within our size limits are wind tested to 110 mph. Manual systems are rated to 45 mph at full size, up to 60 mph on an 8' by 10' panel.
Are the materials flame retardant?
Yes. All vinyl is NFPA 701 flame retardant. Clear vinyl (Super Clear PVC) passed NFPA 701-2019 Test Method #2. The solid vinyl border (F/R 18oz BIG TEX) is NFPA 701 certified.
What colors are available?
Solid vinyl borders come in White, Yellow, Orange, Red, Brown, Tan, Green, Lime, Light Blue, Charcoal, Royal Blue, Navy, Dark Purple, Gray, and Black.
What are the Nano fabrics?
Twitchell TEXTILENE. Nano 97 is a high-end sun shade blocking up to 97% of the sun. It is GREENGUARD Gold certified, REACH compliant, lead free and made in the USA. Nano 50, 55, 60, and 70 are bug screen fabrics — Nano 70 is the no-see-ums fabric. Nano 97/99 give maximum sun and bug protection with very low airflow.
Do your enclosures require permitting?
In most cases, no. In rare situations — typically historic buildings — the customer is responsible for any permits.
What is the warranty?
3 years on workmanship and 5 years on motors.
Delivery & Installation
Do you ship or deliver?
We deliver 100% of motorized systems. We do not ship motorized products due to the high risk of damage during transit. Manual systems are also delivered whenever possible; in rare cases where timing is critical, manual products may be shipped via FedEx.
Can we install it ourselves?
No. We stopped subcontracting installation and service long ago — every job is done by SPE crews. A motorized assembly in particular is heavy, the track alignment is unforgiving, and the failure modes are expensive. Where a general contractor is running the wider project, we coordinate with them directly on schedule, site access, and sequencing.
What happens on install day?
Our installers complete the installation, run product training with your team, and get a sign-off waiver signed before they leave.
How disruptive is installation?
The patio is out of service during the install window; the dining room stays open. We schedule around your slowest days.
Ready to turn your patio into year-round revenue?
Tell us about your space and we'll come back with a design and a number. Commercial projects only — $10,000 minimum, installed.