FAQs
ASC Aluminum
How long have you been in business, and are you licensed and insured?
ASC Aluminum has been serving Pinellas County since 1980 — over forty years of installing screen rooms, sunrooms, pergolas, carports, shutters, and impact windows throughout Tampa Bay. We maintain full licensing and insurance, and our work complies with all Florida building codes and standards. Contact us at (727) 547-8300 or submit a quote request through our website, and we'll schedule a site visit to assess your space.Do you offer financing or any discounts?
Both are available. We provide financing options, which for most homeowners makes the difference between starting a project this season or delaying it another year — we'll review the payment plans during your estimate so you understand the monthly cost before making any commitment. We also extend a Hero Discount; inquire about eligibility when you contact us.What areas do you serve?
Our service area includes the Tampa Bay region — Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Pasco counties. This encompasses St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Tampa, Largo, Pinellas Park, Seminole, Dunedin, Palm Harbor, Tarpon Springs, Brandon, Riverview, Wesley Chapel, New Port Richey, and surrounding communities. If you're uncertain whether your location falls within our range, call us with your address and we'll confirm immediately.Do I need a permit, and do you handle it?
Nearly all structures we install require permits, and we manage that entire process. Once the contract is executed, we prepare engineered drawings, file them with your local building department, and coordinate the work around approval timelines and mandatory inspections. Permit processing times are controlled by the jurisdiction rather than our company, which is typically the primary factor affecting start dates. If your property falls under HOA jurisdiction, that represents a separate approval — we can supply the necessary drawings for your submission.Will a screen room or patio cover hold up in a hurricane?
Aluminum structures in Florida are engineered and permitted to meet the wind-load standards specified by the Florida Building Code for the exact address of installation, and the Tampa Bay region falls within one of the state's more stringent wind zones. This engineering is standard procedure, not an optional upgrade — permits are issued based on compliance with these requirements. Where contractors differ is in execution: the anchoring method, fastener placement, and whether the structure is actually constructed according to the approved plans.What are Bahama shutters, and do they protect against storms?
Bahama shutters install above windows and extend outward at an angle, providing continuous shade and reducing heat gain throughout the year while remaining in the open position. When storms approach, they fold down flat against the window. The advantage is that they're a permanent architectural feature rather than something stored away until storm season, and they deploy faster than any other protection method when weather threatens. Models certified for hurricane protection meet Florida's approval requirements, and we'll specify which products carry that certification before you make a selection.How long does pergola installation take?
The physical installation typically requires only a few days once the crew arrives on site. The longer portion of the timeline is usually permit approval, which depends on your local building department's workload at the time of submission. We provide a realistic timeframe at contract signing based on current processing times for that jurisdiction, and we keep you informed as the permit progresses through review. If your site requires footings or a new concrete slab, those elements add curing time before the structure can be erected.What is an aluminum pergola, and how is it different from a wood one?
An aluminum pergola delivers the same design aesthetic as wood without the ongoing maintenance requirements. Wood in Florida's climate faces constant stress from humidity, sun exposure, decay, and insect damage, requiring regular sealing or staining. Aluminum doesn't decay, doesn't attract termites, won't warp under heat, and maintains its finish without periodic refinishing. It's also lighter yet stronger, allowing for wider spans and narrower support posts — resulting in more usable space below and less obstruction of sight lines.How much does a sunroom or screen room cost?
Each project is estimated based on the actual site conditions, but several factors have the greatest impact on cost: the dimensions of the structure, whether existing concrete can be utilized or new footings must be poured, the roof design, your selection of window and screen products, and the engineering specifications required for your particular address. A screen enclosure built over existing hardscape differs significantly from a fully conditioned sunroom. We conduct an on-site consultation and provide a detailed written estimate, and financing is available if you prefer to distribute the expense over time.What's the difference between a sunroom, a screen room, and a patio cover?
A patio cover provides overhead protection — shelter from sun and rain while the perimeter remains open. A screen room encloses the walls with screening, maintaining airflow and views while eliminating insects, which makes it Florida's most requested configuration. A sunroom is fully enclosed: glass or vinyl windows create a climate-controlled addition usable year-round, in both summer heat and winter cold. The appropriate choice depends on how many months you intend to use the space, and whether you want it integrated with the outdoor environment or functioning as an extension of your conditioned interior.


