From keeping bugs out to letting fresh air in, window screens are a must-have for any savvy homeowner. But with so many new options in window screen meshes, it can feel a little overwhelmingshould you choose polyester or copper; which is better for security?
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For all your questions, we put together this window screen buying guide to help you prioritize your needs and choose the perfect house window screens for you and your humble abode.
Weve broken down the guide into the following topics:
Lets dive into everything you need to know about the screen scene.
The mesh-like wire commonly found in window screens is typically made from one of the following materials, each offering their own unique set of upsides:
Each material comes with its own advantages, some bolstering the most sought-after window screen functions. To that end, lets dive into those functions, so you can isolate your priorities and choose the screen mesh for your home.
When deliberating which window screen is the best fit, its important to assess the main function, or functions, you need most. Do you live in a humid area where heat is often trapped indoors? Perhaps you should focus on airflow. Need that extra layer of security to sleep comfortably at night? There are meshes built for you.
Conventional motives homeowners have for installing window screens include:
Whether you have one central worry or a combination of two or more concerns, this guide will help you better articulate your needs when it comes time to shop for window screens.
Lets first discuss the most common factor for buying windows screens: fresh air.
If taking in breezes on cool summer nights is your prioritywhile still eliminating the risk of attracting bugs, debris, or even intrudershomeowners should consider the limits window screens can place on airflow.
According to a study by the National Institute of Health, screens can decrease airflow anywhere from 16% to 77%. Nevertheless, that air wouldnt be coursing through your home at all if these windows were shut.
To that end, if the airflow is your primary concern, keep these basics in mind while you shop:
Should you want to indulge in a breeze and open up your windows, but still keep some semblance of privacy, you might want to prioritize the transparency factor of the window screen. Nowadays, screens range in their mesh wire thickness, allowing more (or less) sunlight throughmeaning passersby can see more (or less) of whats inside your home.
Some options to consider for transparency are:
Insects are known for disrupting a beautiful day outdoors. But when those pests ruin a beautiful day indoorswell, then it feels personal. The solution? A window insect screen geared toward pest control.
That said, nuisance isnt the only reason to consider pest control screens. In fact, some pests, like mosquitoes, mice, and rats, are known to carry diseases. Thus, a window screen isnt just for comfort, its also for safety. Theres a reason why pest control is one of the most commonly cited reasons for installing window screens.
The good news is, they work. Properly installed window screens allow homeowners to enjoy the breezy benefits of an open window while blocking out those creepy critters.
If youve struggled with any of the following pests in your home, consider a polyester-based or fiberglass screen:
The added strength of polyester-based screens will help with the larger pests; the tightly interlaced fiberglass mesh will help with the smaller ones.
Tip: If youre dealing with the smallest of peststhink gnats and biting midgesyoull want to consider 20 x 20 fiberglass mesh. While the tightness of this screen will reduce the airflow and sunlight coming through, it will be worth not having to deal with no-see-ums.
In the United States, there are an estimated 3.7 million household burglaries each year. Oftentimes, simply having window screens works as an added roadblock and can impede burglars. If you reside in a high-traffic area, security window screens can help to alleviate the risk.
A security screen is specifically designed to impede forced entry. These mesh and see-through fabrics are typically made from woven stainless steel threads attached to a metal screen frame using an interlocking system of clamps.
The end result is a heavy-duty screen that denies access to burglars, while still providing the comforts of standard window screens.
This evolution of window screens as a centerpiece of home safety is showing no signs of slowing down, either. Here are some new developments worth keeping an eye on:
What hasnt been mentioned up until now is the other major benefit to installing window screens on your homethey can save you money. By reducing the amount of sunlight flooding into your home in the summer months, you can dramatically reduce the need for air conditioning and lower your utility bills.
If this is your priority, then a solar screen is your golden ticket. Solar window screens can block up to 90% of the suns rays.
But what if you live in a colder climate and you want to trap heat in? Solar screens placed on the inside of windows (rather than on the outside) are perfect for keeping heat in.
Heres how solar screens multifunctionality meet a variety of needs:
For more buy fiberglass insect screen suppliersinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.
Once you settle on the central purpose for your window screen, its finally time to think about the frame your screens will rest in. While there is an aesthetic aspect to frame selection, a large part of the decision comes down to which type of frame function you prefer.
Here are few frame functions to consider:
The width and thickness of your frame will likely be dictated by your screen choice. For instance, a heavy-duty security screen will require a broader, more sizable frame.
Tip: Retractable window screens are trending. Unlike traditional window screens, the retractable version can be slid, and sometimes even rolled, away from the window when not in use.
With a better understanding of the functionality and types of window screens available, you might be ready to restore, repair, or replace yours. If you need help from a local specialist with window screen repair or screen replacement, consider the experts at the Glass Guru. We can help you navigate everything from the cost of various window screen combinations to a professional installation.
Sources:
Bureau of Justice Statistics. National Crime Victimization Survey. https://www.bjs.gov/content/pub/ascii/vdhb.txt
National Institute of Health. Wind Tunnel Analysis of Air Flow Through Insect Screens. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC/
The Glass Guru. Window Screens. https://www.theglassguru.com/services/screens/window-screens/
Lansing Housing Products. Child Safety Screens. https://www.lansinghp.net/child-safety-screens/
Phifer. High Visibility Screens.
https://www.phifer.com/screening/features/visibility/
Every Solar Thing. Solar Screens. https://www.everysolarthing.com/blog/solar-screens/
Screen is available in a variety of materials, but aluminum and fiberglass are by far the most common. Specialty screening includes extra-heavy pet-resistant screen; screen that blocks as much as 90% of solar-heat gain; and noncorroding bronze, monel (an alloy of nickel and copper), or stainless steel for coastal installations. Prices range from about 17¢ per sq. ft. for fiberglass to as much as $5 per sq. ft. for monel.
Standard door and window screen has a mesh size of 18×16, indicating that there are 18 strands per inch in one direction and 16 in the other. This screen can be used on a porch, but a mesh size of 18×14 uses a slightly larger-diameter wire, is stronger, and spans larger openings. If your area is plagued by tiny biting insects (sometimes called no-see-ums by their victims), 20×20 mesh may be a better choice.
Fiberglass
Standard fiberglass insect screen is made from vinyl-coated fiberglass threads in charcoal and silver gray. It wont crease like aluminum screening, but its more opaque. Its also more flexible and, therefore, easier to install in an aluminum frame with a spline or in one of the proprietary screen-framing systems.
Some sun-control and pet screening is made from vinyl-coated polyester, which is stronger and heavier than fiberglass.
Standard fiberglass Sun control Pet screeningStandard fiberglass screen comes in widths up to 84 in. and costs about 17¢ per sq. ft. Pet screening is about 60¢ per sq. ft., and Phifers Super Solar screen (205-345-; www.phifer.com), in charcoal and silver gray, costs $1.53 per sq. ft.
Metal
Available in bright, charcoal, and black finishes, aluminum screening is the least visible to the eye. Aluminum, however, dents and creases fairly easily, and it can oxidize in coastal areas. Its available in widths up to 72 in. and costs about 26¢ per sq. ft.
Probably the most common of the high-performance alloy screens, bronze wont readily oxidize in salty air along the coast. It turns from a bright, coppery color to a dark brown, or even green, with age. Its available in widths up to 60 in. and costs about $1.10 per sq. ft.
Stainless steel and monel stand up extremely well to salty air, but their durability comes at a cost-anywhere from $2.25 to $5 per sq. ft., depending on weave and quantity.
Save time with screening systems
If youre looking for something beyond the stretch-and-staple approach of installing screen, there are several alternatives.
Custom panels
Buying premade panels of wood or aluminum, which are installed against stops applied to framed openings, is faster than installing screen yourself, and the panels can be removed and rescreened individually if they become damaged. Storm panels can be substituted for screen to extend the use of a porch into cooler weather. Connecticut Screen Works Inc. (www.connscreen.com; 203-741-) is one such supplier. It has made panels as large as 9 ft. by 18 ft., but the company recommends that buyers limit the maximum size to 48 in. wide by 80 in. tall. Prices for a basic panel with aluminum screen start between $50 and $75 per running foot, which includes a screen door and mounting hardware for the panels.
Proprietary track systems
At least two companies manufacture track that is attached to the framing and holds the screen tightly in place. Both types work best with fiberglass screen, although you can use aluminum screen. These systems make screen repair a snap.
ScreenEzeThe screen is tightened as a piece of vinyl trim is snapped over an aluminum extrusion mounted to the framing. No splines are used. To replace a piece of torn screen, pull off the trim, cut a new piece of screen, and reinstall the trim. The track and cap retail for about $2 per ft.
Screen TightA plastic extrusion is attached to the framed openings, and the screen is held in place with a spline and capped with a separate extrusion. If you get the hang of using the spline tool, replacing damaged screen is relatively simple. An 8-ft.-long section of track and cap is about $7.50.
Are you interested in learning more about custom fiberglass insect screen? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!
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