Window Screen Buying Guide

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 overwhelming&#;should you choose polyester or copper; which is better for security?

Jiushen supply professional and honest service.

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.

We&#;ve broken down the guide into the following topics:

• Popular Screen Materials
• Key Functions of Window Screens
• Window Screen Frames

Let&#;s dive into everything you need to know about the &#;screen scene.&#;

Popular Window Screen Materials

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:

• Fiberglass &#; Mesh screens constructed of fiberglass are known for their flexibility, which gives them a resistance to dents and creasing. They also offer excellent airflow and visibility and are widely regarded as the most popular choice.

• Polyester &#; More durable than fiberglass, polyester mesh is known for being tear-resistant. Polyester is a popular choice among pet owners who worry about their furry little friends clawing and destroying their window screens.

• Aluminum &#; Screens constructed of aluminum have a variety of upsides, the most important being their reputation for not sagging or rusting. This aluminum window screen variety also provides top-tier airflow.

• Stainless Steel &#; Stainless steel is known as one of the toughest materials used in the screen mesh. In a high-traffic area where safety is a concern, this is a favorite choice.

• Copper &#; Known primarily for its use as an insect screen, copper&#;s popularity is booming along coastal areas. It&#;s also quite popular for its distinct color, offering home designers a unique twist to incorporate into their plans.

Each material comes with its own advantages, some bolstering the most sought-after window screen functions. To that end, let&#;s dive into those functions, so you can isolate your priorities and choose the screen mesh for your home.

Key Functions of Window Screens

When deliberating which window screen is the best fit, it&#;s 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:

• Airflow
• Transparency
• Pest Control
• Security
• Energy Savings

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.

Airflow

Let&#;s first discuss the most common factor for buying windows screens: fresh air.

If taking in breezes on cool summer nights is your priority&#;while still eliminating the risk of attracting bugs, debris, or even intruders&#;homeowners 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 wouldn&#;t 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:

• Tighter mesh weaves, common in insect screens, will decrease airflow.
• Grey fiberglass mesh provides the best airflow

Transparency

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 through&#;meaning passersby can see more (or less) of what&#;s inside your home.

Some options to consider for transparency are:

• One-Way Screens &#; One-way screens, also known as a limited visibility mesh screen, let in sunlight almost like a one-way mirror. In other words, if you&#;re inside your home looking out, you&#;ll have decent visibility. However, if you&#;re outside your home looking in, you&#;ll have very limited visibility. In this way, you can still let in airflow and view the world outside without having to give up your privacy.

• High-Visibility Screens &#; One of the most impressive new screen features is invisibility. High-visibility screens, for example, are screens with such thin wiring that you barely notice they exist at all. Phifer, a manufacturer of new high-visibility screens, describes this option as giving &#;the look and feel of being outdoors while being indoors.&#;

Pest Control

Insects are known for disrupting a beautiful day outdoors. But when those pests ruin a beautiful day indoors&#;well, then it feels personal. The solution? A window insect screen geared toward pest control.

That said, nuisance isn&#;t 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 isn&#;t just for comfort, it&#;s also for safety. There&#;s 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 you&#;ve struggled with any of the following pests in your home, consider a polyester-based or fiberglass screen:

• Houseflies
• Birds
• Mice
• Rats
• Horse-Flies
• Cockroaches
• Centipedes
• Crickets

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 you&#;re dealing with the smallest of pests&#;think gnats and biting midges&#;you&#;ll 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.

Security

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:

• Child-Safety Screens &#; Many of the same technological advancements used to prevent forced entry by intruders also work to prevent falls caused by children leaning or pressing onto window screens.

• Fire Resistant Screens &#; Finer metal screens are being adopted in wildfire-prone areas. They have been proven successful in helping windows handle the excessive heat from nearby fires and blocking small embers from entering the home.

Energy Savings

What hasn&#;t been mentioned up until now is the other major benefit to installing window screens on your home&#;they 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 sun&#;s 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.

Here&#;s how solar screens&#; multifunctionality meet a variety of needs:

• Screen on the Inside of a Window &#; Ideal for cold climates. The interior set screen will absorb the sunlight, trapping the warmth inside your home where you need it.

• Screen Tacked on Outside of a Window &#; In hot climates, a solar screen tacked on the outside of a window will trap heat before it enters your home, and reduce the amount of sunlight coming in.

• Screen Hung Outside of a Window with a Gap &#; For a maximum cooling option, place a gap between the outside screen and the window. This separates the heat captured in the screen from the glass itself. The cooling effects work particularly well in breezy environments.

Window Screen Frames

Once you settle on the central purpose for your window screen, it&#;s 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:

• Outswing window screens
• Fixed screens for windows
• Sliding window screens

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.

Restoring, Repairing, and Replacing Window Screens: Glass Guru

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/

Picture this: You want to soak up some vitamin D on your porch. But those pesky bugs are constantly landing in your coffee mug or being a general nuisance. This is where a porch screen comes in, keeping bugs at bay and turning your porch into a cozy haven.

But before you pick just any porch screen, it&#;s crucial to understand the different options and screen materials available in the market. 

With an array of options, finding the perfect fit can be challenging. Explore our guide on selecting the best screen material for your porch and make the most informed decision for your outdoor setting.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Screen Material for Your Porch

1. Aesthetic Appeal

Selecting the right porch screen is more than just a practical choice; it's an opportunity to enhance your home's visual appeal. With various customization options in materials and designs, you can seamlessly integrate screens that complement your home's style.

Customization Options:

• Choose screen materials that align with your home's architecture and color scheme.
• Explore various designs, patterns, and textures to add a touch of elegance to your porch.

2. Check for Weather Resistance

One of the crucial factors in porch screen material selection is its resistance to weather elements. Opting for durable materials ensures your porch screens can withstand varying weather conditions, contributing to their longevity.

Impact on Longevity:

• Understand how exposure to sunlight, humidity, rain, and temperature fluctuations affects different screen materials.

• Choose materials known for their weather-resistant properties, contributing to a longer lifespan.

3. Visibility and Privacy

Finding the right balance between visibility and privacy is essential for a comfortable outdoor experience. Explore specialized screen options that offer varying levels of transparency while maintaining an adequate level of privacy. Whether you seek a clear view of the surroundings or prefer a more secluded space, there are screens designed to meet your specific needs.

Specialized Screen Options:

• Consider privacy screens that use innovative technologies for limited transparency from the outside.

• Explore options with adjustable features to customize visibility based on your preferences.

4. Pet-Friendly

For pet owners, selecting porch screens that withstand pet activity is crucial. Look for scratch-resistant materials that can endure the occasional enthusiastic pawing. Additionally, consider the compatibility of the chosen screen material with pet doors, providing your furry friends with easy access to the outdoors.

Pet Door Compatibility:

• Explore screen materials that allow for the installation of pet doors without compromising screen integrity.

  See also:
  How Does Custom Stainless Steel Cable Railing Work?
  10 Questions You Should Know About OEM Galvanized Gabion Wire Mesh

  Contact us to discuss your requirements of copper screening mesh. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

• Consider screens with reinforced areas to withstand potential scratches from pets.

5. Ease of Use

The functionality of your porch screens is paramount to your overall outdoor experience. Examine different screen mechanisms and their impact on ease of use. 

Maintenance Considerations:

• Opt for screen materials that require minimal maintenance for long-term convenience.

• Explore user-friendly features such as easy-retractable screens or those with simple cleaning requirements.

Types of Porch Screen Materials

1. 1. Fiberglass 

Fiberglass screens are a cost-effective option for budget-conscious homeowners. They offer versatility, suiting various porch sizes and styles with flexibility in applications.

Pros:

• Cost-Effective: Ideal for those seeking an economical screening solution.

• Versatile Use: Suitable for various porch styles and sizes.

• Moderate Strength: Doesn&#;t bend or crease. 

Cons:

• Color Fade: The color of the mesh fades away due to UV rays.

• Wear and tear: The screen can get damaged due to sharp objects.

Price:  $0.20 &#; $0.35 per sq ft

1. 2. Vinyl-Coated Polyester 

Vinyl-coated polyester screens provide increased strength and durability. They offer aesthetic appeal with customization options.

Pros

• Doesn&#;t corrode: Ideal for use in humid environments.

• Versatile Applications: Suitable for different porch styles and sizes.

• High durability: Can last for up to 10 years. 

• Reduced indoor visibility: Thick mesh reduces the amount of light entering, giving some level of privacy. 

• Great for pets: Can tolerate rough handling by pets.

Cons

• Price: The installation cost may be unaffordable for some.

• Reduced outdoor visibility: Not a good option for a clear view outdoors. 

Price:  $0.55 per sq ft

1. 3. Solar Screens 

Solar screens are a perfect choice for porches exposed to direct sunlight during the summer. Their sun-blocking properties can help in keeping your outdoor space cool.

Pros

• Reduced Energy Costs: Contribute to lower energy bills through effective temperature regulation.

• UV Protection: Guards against harmful UV rays, protecting furniture and occupants.

Cons

• Higher Initial Cost: Upfront investment may be higher compared to traditional screens.

Price:  $2.00 to $8.00 per sq ft

1. 4. Aluminum 

Aluminum screens provide stability with their structural strength. They have a lightweight construction, making them easy to handle and install.

Pros

• Structural Stability: Suitable for areas requiring a stable porch screening solution, such as porches in windy areas. 

• Easy Handling: Lightweight construction facilitates straightforward installation.

Cons:

• Susceptible to Corrosion: While lightweight, aluminum screens may be vulnerable to corrosion.

Price:  $0.45 &#; $0.75 per sq ft

1. 5. Stainless Steel 

Stainless steel screens exhibit resistance to corrosion and rust. They have a modern aesthetic, enhancing porch visuals due to their shiny look.

Pros

• Don&#;t sag: Stainless steel screens maintain their firm structure as they&#;re robust.

• Resistant to corrosion and rust: The mesh fabric doesn&#;t get affected by high humidity.

Cons

• Sun glare: May reduce outdoor visibility due to increased reflection of natural light. 

• Installation cost: Stainless steel screens are expensive to install.

Price:  $0.85 &#; $1.30 per sq ft

1. 6. Copper 

Copper screens stand out with their unique and attractive aesthetics due to their reddish-brown color. They ensure lasting durability by resisting corrosion and weather elements.

Pros

• Unique Aesthetics: Adds character and style to your porch.

• Durable: Offers longevity by resisting rust, suitable for warm and humid climates.

Cons

• Installation cost: Copper screens come at an expensive price range.

• Color Fades Away: The screen fabric loses color with time.

Price:  $2.00 &#; $3.00 per sq ft

Takeaway - Choose the Screen Material That Suits You

Finding the ideal porch screen material involves balancing aesthetics, durability, visibility, pet-friendliness, and ease of use. 

Each material, from cost-effective fiberglass to stylish copper, offers unique benefits. Consider your priorities, and select a screen that aligns with your preferences and porch needs for a comfortable outdoor space.

FAQs

• Can I install a screen door for my porch myself, or do I need professional help?

The installation process can vary, but many homeowners succeed with DIY installations. However, for more complex mechanisms or larger projects, professional assistance may be beneficial.

• What is the standard mesh size for porch screens?

Usually, screen manufacturers mention the mesh size in terms of the number of strands per inch. A standard mesh size for porch screens is often around 18x14, which means there are 18 strands per inch in one direction and 14 strands per inch in the other.

Are you interested in learning more about copper mesh wire screen? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!