Did you know there are several different types of window screen material that you can use in your home or other space? While fiberglass is a very popular and versatile option, there are other screen materials that are used for specific purposes like insect prevention, glare and heat reduction, and rust resistance. When shopping for screen material for existing window screens or ones you plan to build for the first time, you may not feel sure as to which type to choose. There are many different factors that go into choosing screen material. What is great for one room may not be the case for another. You may need a specific type of screen to use in your company office that isn’t needed in your home. To make your buying decision easier, we’ve rounded up the most significant characteristics of different kinds of window screen material. Use this as a quick reference guide during your shopping process.
Fiberglass Screen
As one of the most popular types of window screen, fiberglass
is beloved by contractors and homeowners because it’s durable, inexpensive, and
offered in different styles.
1.
Standard
Fiberglass Screen
·
Ideal
for indoor or outdoor use
·
Useful
in high traffic areas (living rooms)
·
Economical
and flexible
·
More
durable than aluminum; easily forgives when pressed
·
Vulnerable
to insects like grasshoppers
·
Can
last about 10 to 12 years on average
·
Offered
in several colors
2.
Fiberglass
Patio & Pool Screen
·
Best
for outdoor use
·
Provide
extra strength to withstand the elements
·
Increased
diameter for larger openings on porches, patios, sun rooms, and more
·
Offered
in several colors
Solar Screen
Solar screen is designed to reduce the glare and heat from
the sun, resulting in a cooler and more comfortable home. Solar screens are
designed to provide defense against insects while prioritizing solar
protection.
·
Useful
in indoor and outdoor applications
·
Ideal
for kitchens, patios, porches, and gazebos
·
Prevents
small insects from entry (mosquitos, gnats, no-see-ums, etc.)
·
Offering
shading up to 65%
·
Great
daytime privacy
·
May
be too dark for some homeowners
·
Available
in several colors
Aluminum Screen
Aluminum window screen is another popular choice that
homeowners choose over fiberglass. It has several benefits that fiberglass does
not, though it isn’t without a few cons. Most aluminum screen features a
protective finish to work against corrosion and strengthen the screen weave.
·
Great
for indoor or outdoor use
·
Ideal
for low traffic areas (master bedrooms, home offices, etc.)
·
Rust
and corrosion resistant
·
Less
durable than fiberglass; easily dents when pressed
·
Resistant
to insects like grasshoppers
·
Can
last upwards of 30 years
·
Offered
in a range of colors
Pet-Resistant Screen
If you struggle with hyper or anxious pets tearing up your
window screens, pet-resistant screen is exactly what you need. Designed to
stand up against the biggest dogs, this screen has over 400 lbs. of breaking
strength!
·
Great
for indoor or outdoor use
·
Useful
when installed on decks, patios, porches, and more
·
Strength
derived from PVC coated polyester yarn
·
Available
in a range of colors
Copper Bronze Screen
This premium type of window screen material is comprised of
90% copper and 10% zinc. While aluminum screen may be resistant to rust, it is
not your best option if you own a coastal home or live near a lake or river.
·
Mainly
for outdoor use, but can be installed indoors
·
Ideal
for coastal homes
·
Best
installed on porches, patios, and in pool areas
·
Durable
and reliable
·
Rust
and corrosion resistant
·
Over
time, oxidizes to a patina
·
No
color options
Tiny-Insect Mesh
This is a very fine fiberglass screen type that is more like
a mesh. The openings are incredibly small to effectively keep the smallest of
insects out of your home or other location.
·
Perfect
for indoor and outdoor use
·
Ideal
for coastal or inland homes
·
Insect
prevention is the primary purpose
·
Recommended
for high traffic areas (porches, patios, living rooms, etc.)
·
Offers
a degree of daytime privacy
·
One
color option
With such a variety of window screen material options, you can easily find the right types for each room in your home. Maybe a few rooms need solar screen to reduce heat, while others are perfect for aluminum screen. To make the best decision before purchasing, step into each room you plan to screen and consider its needs. Then, you can purpose the screen material you need most and reap the many benefits of your new window screens!
**Image source: Pexels.com
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