Choose the Ideal Window Screen Material for Your Home

13 May.,2024

 

Choose the Ideal Window Screen Material for Your Home

Window screens may not be a feature in your house that has caught your attention—unless they’re a source of annoyance. Screens tend to be considered not as important for new homeowners, but choosing the right window screen material for your space can enhance your environment.

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During the warmer seasons, screens make it possible for us to open the windows and welcome in the summer breeze. The right window screen material for a given room can invite in more natural light, defend against intruding pests, and cycle in the fresh air. 

But how do you know which type of material is best suited for your windows?

Here are a few factors to consider when choosing your window screen material. 

Choosing the Right Window Screen Material

Before you start purchasing your new window screens, you need to survey the space they’re going to inhabit. Not every material is compatible with every environment. Your screens may be put through wear and tear you aren’t anticipating, which can increase the likelihood of replacing them faster. 

Are you looking for increased natural airflow in your space? Then proper ventilation is a factor you should value in your screen material. There are plenty of insect screens that offer larger mesh sizes without having to sacrifice protection from pests. Ventilation is an essential factor if you are looking for porch screens that act as a protective shield to outside disturbances while still allowing sunlight and fresh air to filter through. 

Where are you located? Screens are not a one-size-fits-all product. There are different material types, and some might not be compatible with the climate you are in. If you are in a coastal climate, require water and rust-resistant materials. On the other hand, if you live in a windy climate that experiences flying debris, Tuff screens could be a better option for their durability. 

Do you value expansive views and outward visibility? Maybe you have indoor plants that need a lot of sunlight. Transparency in your window screens is a factor that can be overlooked. If you are looking to let in more natural light and reduce the visual barrier between your indoor and outdoor space, look for materials that have high transparency. 

The most important part of choosing your window screens is the style and material you will use. Keeping the prior factors in mind, you will choose which material best suits your location and intended use for your screen material. 

Fiberglass Screen 

Fiberglass is perhaps one of the most common materials used in window screens. 

Fiberglass screens are commonly used in residential and commercial properties because it is lightweight and does not corrode or rust. Fiberglass is also a very versatile material and can be sized for various projects. It is proficient at keeping bugs out while allowing air and natural sunlight to flow into a room. Unlike aluminum, fiberglass will become flat again if bent or dented. Fiberglass screens are an affordable option for replacement window screens.

On the other hand, fiberglass is not the most durable window screen material. It will stretch over time, needing to be replaced more often than aluminum. It is also more prone to tearing. 

Fiberglass can also be used for other projects such as pool cages and enclosures.  

Pet Resistant Screens/Tuff Screens

Everyone loves their pets. No one loves their pets destroying their screens. These heavy-duty pet-resistant screens designed to put up with the rough treatment your pet may dish out from time to time. The size of your pet and the damage that he or she causes will determine the best screen to fit your needs. Animal resistant screens give everyone a sense of ease knowing they will not have to replace screens every time one of their furry friends gets a little too rough or excited when they see you out the window.

The three most popular types of pet-resistant screens are Pet Screens, Tuff Screens, and Super Screens. 

Other premier pet products include quality heavy-duty dog doors and cat doors, and screen guards that are a barrier between your pets and your screens.

 

Solar Screening

Are you looking to limit the amount of sunlight your windows let in? Consider using solar screens for your space. 

Solar screens are perfect for windows that attract a lot of heat and sunlight. Their dark exterior blocks out the heat of the sun, absorbs excess heat, and provides additional privacy. Solar screening is an excellent option for cutting down air conditioning costs and protecting valuable furniture from fading with sun exposure. 

This screen material reduces natural light by 30-40%, which can be harmful to indoor plants or animals that enjoy the sunlight. Although they are more pricey than your typical fiberglass screens, they offer incredible benefits to the home. 

If you have west-facing windows that struggle against the beating sun, or your air conditioning bill is too high, solar screens are a great solution. They are mainly used on patios, porches, pool decks, and in warm climates.

Explore some solar screen options, including various colors and styles.

Coated Polyester

For any specialty screens that need to be reinforced with extra strength, coated polyester screens are the best choice. 

Coated polyester acts as a protective barrier not only to insects and debris, but against heavy objects as well. If you have issues with your pets tearing apart your current sliding screen doors, coated polyester acts as a tough pet screen replacement. It is also a great material to use in cold climates. The material repels moisture so it can’t be damaged by freezing temperatures. 

This screen material is more expensive than your standard fiberglass, but it is not replaced as quickly. Coated polyester is commonly used in sliding screen doors, low windows, and cold locations. 

Before purchasing your replacement window screens, keep in mind the necessary factors that will enhance your space. Choosing the wrong screen material could mean spending more money on repairs or replacements and not enjoying the atmosphere. But if you take your time to consider your window screen material options, you can transform your space and invite in your optimal climate. 

Common uses for coated polyester screens include:

Security Screens

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Golf Ball Protection Screens

Animal and Pet Resistant Screens

The Screenmobile Difference

Screenmobile Service Technicians are courteous and always provide a professional experience. We understand that each customer has different needs when providing a service. We tailor our services to meet your needs and exceed your expectations.

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How to Choose Screening Material

When choosing types of screen, there are two main materials that screen can be manufactured from: fiberglass yarns and metal wires. Of course, some screens are manufactured out of polyester yarns as well. So, how do you choose between the three? Read along to learn more!

What’s the Difference?

The very first insect screens were manufactured out of metal, so we’ll begin with metal screen. Generally manufactured out of aluminum, metal screen is a more traditional choice of screen material. It is very strong, making it ideal for geographical areas with insects such as grasshoppers that could pose a risk to eating through screens. Traditionally, metal screen delivers a more visually appealing 

experience when looking through them. Other metal screens are made from bronze, stainless and galvanized steel wire. 

Fiberglass screening began being manufactured in the late 1960’s, and was developed for its forgiving nature. Fiberglass, coated with a vinyl protective layer, offers a durable, longer-lasting option in coastal climates, since it is not susceptible to corrosion. Over time, fiberglass screen has become a popular option for pool enclosures and patios. Generally, fiberglass screen is only available in shades of charcoal or gray.

In the early 1980’s polyester fabrics were first produced by Phifer for outdoor furniture applications in our Phifertex® product line. Its strong, durable and weather resistant features in any outdoor application led to the development of other woven polyester products such as PetScreen®, TuffScreen® and SunTex® exterior sun shading fabrics.

Pros and Cons of Metal, Fiberglass, and Polyester

While all three types of screen weather well and offer clear views, there are certain characteristics of each screen that make them more preferable in certain applications.

METAL

Metal screen, while sturdy, is also not forgiving, meaning that if pets, people or other object impact the screen, it will dent permanently. The fact that metal screen isn’t forgiving, also makes it difficult to install in DIY projects. There’s a specific process that must be followed when installing metal screen, and most experts suggest hiring a professional to do the job. One more characteristic to keep in mind, is 

Bronze Screen

that metal screen generally comes in maximum widths of 60 to 72 inches. Therefore, if you’re looking for screen large enough to cover a wide opening space such as in pool cages, the 6-foot maximum width would not be ideal for projects with wide expanse requirements.

FIBERGLASS

Fiberglass, unlike metal screen, is very forgiving, and can withstand the hustle and bustle of people and pets and accidental bump-ins. This forgiving nature is also a great quality for DIY installs. So, if you’re wanting to screen in your back porch one weekend, this material is your better bet. The width range for fiberglass screen is vast, and can be as wide as 132”, making it a great option for larger installs such as

18x14 Fiberglass

pool and patio enclosures. Fiberglass is also more cost effective than aluminum.

However, fiberglass screen can have its setbacks as well, with fewer colors available and a greater vulnerability to damage from insects such as grasshoppers.

POLYESTER

The primary difference with polyester screening products such as Phifer PetScreen® is not only the different core yarn but how it is coated with the protective vinyl. While metal screens are painted after weaving and fiberglass yarns are coated with a liquid vinyl prior to weaving, polyester yarns are vinyl coated in an extrusion process which places more vinyl on the yarn when compared with

SunTex 80

liquid coating. The result is the ability to make a larger diameter and “softer” coated yarn. The larger polyester yarns are woven in all SunTex® sun shading fabrics and many popular pool and patio products such as TuffScreen® No-See-Um screening.

Where to Buy Metal, Fiberglass or Polyester Screen?

If you’re in the market to buy metal screen, Phifer® offers Aluminum No-See-Um screen that is perfect for keeping most small insects out, and providing great visibility. As for fiberglass screen, UltraVue 2® is an excellent choice of screen that provides unobstructed views and is infused with Water Shed Technology® to keep screens clear by preventing water collection on the screen while also repelling dirt and debris. TuffScreen® is a very popular polyester mesh product for screen porches or pool enclosures where durability is a priority feature. To buy any of these products now, click here.

Check out these and other screening products at www.phifer.com. From our website, you can live chat with us or give us a call at 800-854-9473 to ask questions or receive more information.

The company is the world’s best window screen fabric supplier supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.