Choosing the appropriate screen material for your home's windows or porch can be an overwhelming task. According to recent insights, the right choice not only enhances aesthetics but also plays a crucial role in durability and functionality. Options such as metal, fiberglass, and polyester each have unique advantages. In this article, we will explore these screen materials to assist you in making a well-informed decision.

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What’s The Difference?

Metal Screens

Traditionally, insect screens were crafted from metal materials, predominantly aluminum, which made them a favored choice. Metal screens are recognized for their strength and are particularly effective in regions where more resilient insects pose a threat. While all screen types provide visibility, metal screens typically offer the clearest view. Metal screen materials, including bronze, stainless steel, and galvanized steel wire, each present distinct aesthetic and functional characteristics.

Fiberglass Screens

Fiberglass screens emerged in the late 20th century, created to provide a more forgiving alternative. Coated with vinyl, they offer enhanced durability, making them ideal for coastal regions prone to corrosion. Over the years, fiberglass screens have gained popularity for usage in pool enclosures and patios. They are commonly available in shades like charcoal and gray, allowing them to blend seamlessly with various architectural styles.

Polyester Screens

Since their introduction in the early 2000s for outdoor furniture, polyester fabrics have diversified into multiple screen products. Known for their strength, durability, and weather resistance, polyester screens are fitting for a range of outdoor settings.

Pros and Cons of Metal, Fiberglass, and Polyester Screens

Metal Screens

Though metal screens are sturdy, they are less adaptable compared to other materials. Impacts from pets or objects can leave permanent marks. This rigidity can complicate DIY installations. Furthermore, metal screens typically come with a maximum width of 72 inches, which may restrict their use in larger settings such as pool areas.

Fiberglass Screens

In contrast, fiberglass screens exhibit a forgiving nature, capable of enduring daily wear and tear. They are available in widths up to 132 inches, making them suitable for expansive projects like patios. While they are generally more budget-friendly than aluminum options, fiberglass screens offer limited color choices and may be more vulnerable to certain pest attacks.

Polyester Screens

Polyester screens stand out due to their construction, featuring vinyl-coated yarns which provide added thickness and a softer surface. This makes them very durable. Consequently, these screens can be effectively used for sun shading and small insect protection.

Professional Screen Installation with AAA Screen & Window

A comprehensive understanding of the various screen materials is fundamental to making the right choice. Depending on what you prioritize—be it longevity, ease of installation, or particular functional requirements—there is an optimal screen material available for your needs.

For professional guidance and installation, connect with AAA Screen & Window to arrange your consultation. Our expert team will help you maximize the benefits of your screen installation in Atlanta, Georgia.

Window Screen Mesh Buying Guide: Types of ...

Window Screen Mesh Buying Guide: Types of Window Screens for Any Project

If you're in the market for new or replacement window screens, you might be pondering the question, "Which screen is best for windows?" As you begin your research, you'll notice a multitude of window screens and even more types of mesh, which can easily become overwhelming for those unacquainted with window screen mesh. Some common types include:

• Fiberglass mesh
• Aluminum Screen
• Super Screen
• Pet Screen
• UltraVue and BetterVue High-Visibility Screening
• Solar Screen
• AllergyGuard
• Brite Bronze
• No-See-Um Screen
• Stainless Steel Screen Mesh

Window Screen Mesh Types Explained

When searching for pre-made window screens or bulk screen material, various options allow you to optimize the value of your choice. For example, while most screens provide basic insect protection, some mesh types enhance visibility (like UltraVue 2 and BetterVue), allowing you to enjoy the views from home. Others may offer more durability against pet damage and weather exposure (such as pet screen and Super Screen), solar protection, and even filtration against dust and allergens (like AllergyGuard). Furthermore, other benefits include security screening, improved airflow, and protection against tiny insects.

Below, we’ll delve into the most popular window screen materials and their respective advantages.

Fiberglass Screen: Standard Window Screen

This economical choice for window screens, screen doors, and porch enclosures is typically affordable and comes standard with most window units.

Benefits of Fiberglass

• Standard screen choice
• Budget-friendly
• Insect protection

Fiberglass Screen-Best Uses

While versatile, fiberglass is particularly suited for window screens. It may lack the robustness or strength necessary for sliding screen doors or porch enclosures.

For more options, explore our pre-framed window screens, sliding screen doors, porch panels, and fiberglass screen rolls.

Aluminum Screen: Tight Window Screen Mesh

Offering enhanced durability compared to fiberglass, aluminum screen is sometimes referred to as "tight" screen due to its ability to remain taut more easily than fiberglass.

Benefits of Aluminum Screen

• Keeps screen taut
• Easy to clean
• More durable than fiberglass

Aluminum Screen – Best Uses

Typically used in sliding screen doors, aluminum screen mesh can also be utilized in window screens, where its increased durability is beneficial. For optimal visibility, consider charcoal or black aluminum screens.

Explore our aluminum window screens, aluminum sliding screen doors, and aluminum screen rolls available online.

Super Screen: 3x Stronger Than Fiberglass Mesh Screen

If you're in search of superior durability and strength, Super Screen is the leading choice. Made from vinyl-coated polyester, it boasts strength three times greater than standard fiberglass mesh.

Benefits of Super Screen

• UV-tolerant to retain color and strength
• Will not flake or fade
• Weather-resistant
• Pet-resistant
• Insect protection

Phifer Super Screen – Best Uses

Commonly used for patio screen mesh, Super Screen is also frequently selected for pool and porch enclosures, but is versatile enough for use in screen doors and window screens. Due to its superior durability and visibility compared with pet screens, it serves as an excellent option for pet-friendly environments.

Simply put, Super Screen can be utilized in any area of your home requiring enhanced durability. We provide fixed-panel replacement window screens with Super Screen, sliding screen doors, and bulk screen rolls.

Pet-Resistant Screen: 7x Stronger than Fiberglass Screen

If you have pets that tend to damage screens, pet-resistant options might be exactly what you need. Constructed from vinyl-coated polyester, our pet screens are seven times stronger than fiberglass.

Benefits of Pet Screen

• Increased strength and durability
• Can withstand pet interaction
• Multiple color options available
• Insect protection
• Extremely weather-resistant

Pet Screen - Best Uses

Though suitable for any part of the house, pet screens are less commonly utilized for new or replacement window screens due to reduced visibility. Often, they are favored in screen doors, porch enclosures, and pet structures for added security. We offer various colors to ensure compatibility with your home’s style.

Pet Screen Reviews

One satisfied customer praised our pet-resistant screen, noting:

"Our six cats love to climb the screened walls of their catio. After nearly a year of use, there are no signs of wear. One day I found all three of our big male cats hanging on one section, trying to reach a bird on the other side. There was no damage. Truly an exceptional fabric worth the investment. The linen color has remained intact in the West Texas sun and matches our beige stucco perfectly."

The company is the world’s best glass fiber window screen supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all your needs. Our staff is highly specialized and ready to assist you in finding the right product.

Shop for our pet window screens, sliding screen doors, bulk screen rolls, or explore all our pet products and accessories—we also offer pet screen doors!

UltraVue & BetterVue: High-Visibility Window Screen Mesh

When visibility is your primary concern rather than durability, UltraVue and BetterVue are optimal screen options. Known for providing outstanding outward visibility, these screens excel among market offerings. While UltraVue 2 is best for window screens, BetterVue, which boasts greater strength, is suitable for screen doors and porches.

Benefits of UltraVue and BetterVue Screens

• Best outward visibility
• Insect protection
• Increased airflow
• Water-shedding technology
• Dirt-resistant to minimize grime accumulation
• Improved light transmittance in low-E glass windows
• GREENGUARD certified
• Made in the USA

In addition to enhancing outdoor visibility in sunny conditions, UltraVue and BetterVue feature advanced water-shedding technology which prevents water from accumulating in your screen and also helps keep dirt at bay.

High-Visibility Screens - Best Uses

These high-visibility screens can be utilized in any location. Homeowners with spectacular views may opt for UltraVue in their main windows while others seeking a clear view will benefit from its installation. UltraVue functions well in window screens and is versatile enough for other applications; BetterVue excels where durability is crucial.

Explore our invisible window screens, bulk rolls of BetterVue, and our sliding screen doors to select your preferred mesh type at checkout.

Solar Screen: Sun-Blocking Window Screen Mesh

When energy efficiency, sun glare, heat, or sun damage become concerns, solar screens come into play. Available in various shades, solar screens effectively block a portion of the sun's UV rays and light. Benefits of solar screens include:

Benefits of Solar Screen

• Cooler interior temperatures
• UV protection
• Excellent outward visibility
• Pet-resistant (when choosing 80%-95% sun protection)
• Effective insect protection
• Daytime privacy

Types of Solar Screen

The stronger the solar protection, the darker and more opaque the screen will appear. Use the information below as a guideline for selecting the right solar screen:

• 65% Solar Insect Screen - Blocks 65% of the sun's harmful UV rays, with a mesh count of 20x30. Openness is approximately 32%.
• 80% Solar Screen - Heavy-duty, pet-resistant, offering 80% UV blockage. Openness is around 25%.
• 90% Solar Screen - Heavy-duty, pet-resistant, with 90% UV blockage. Openness is roughly 10%.

Solar Screen - Best Uses

Solar screen fabric can be installed wherever you wish to mitigate sun effects—primarily in window screens, sliding screen doors, and porch enclosures.

We provide UV-blocking window screens, commonly known as "dark window screens," as well as solar screen rolls and sliding screen doors. Browse our products online, and feel free to reach out with any inquiries!

AllergyGuard: Window Filter Screen

When allergies strike, they can rob you of the joy of beautiful weather. AllergyGuard features unique filtering technology that blocks pollen, pollution, dirt, dust, bacteria, and more, allowing you to enjoy fresh air with your windows open.

Benefits of AllergyGuard Filter Screens

• Three-layer air filtration preventing dust, pollen, bacteria, smoke, and viruses
• Conversely blocks 95% of rain and spray, reducing water damage and mold
• Corrosion-resistant
• Insect protection
• 50% thinner than standard window screens
• Blocks 69% of UV light and 50% of infrared light
• Simple cleaning with just a rag and water, no soap necessary

AllergyGuard Window Screen - Best Uses

AllergyGuard can be implemented throughout your home, though it’s worth noting that its filtering structure may affect visibility. Remember, there’s no need to use the same screen type everywhere—mix and match to fit your needs.

Explore our air quality solutions with AllergyGuard window screen filter screens, AllergyGuard window screen filter doors, and our AllergyGuard screen rolls.

Brite Bronze: Copper Window Screen

Brite Bronze features a copper screen mesh tailored for usage in homes or businesses, especially benefiting vintage and historic properties or coastal locations. Initially bright bronze, it naturally develops a deeper patina over time.

Benefits of Brite Bronze Screen Mesh

• Consists of 90% copper and 10% zinc
• Weathers to a rich bronze hue
• Rust and corrosion resistant
• Serves as an effective pest control measure
• Offers nostalgic and elegant visual appeal

Brite Bronze Screen - Best Uses

Use Brite Bronze copper screens wherever standard window screens are applicable, coordinating well with copper architectural elements like roofing and gutters to convey a vintage charm.

Shop Brite Bronze copper window screens and copper mesh screen rolls, and don’t hesitate to reach out with questions. We also supply pure copper screen rolls for RFI shielding and other technical applications.

No-See-Um Screen: Keep Tiny Bugs Out

This finely meshed screen can be applied in any home or business with window screens, sliding screens, or porch panels. Its tight weave ensures strength and durability across applications, making it suitable for pool, porch, and patio enclosures.

Purchase no-see-um mesh rolls or explore our replacement window screens and sliding screen doors, selecting tiny mesh options at checkout.

Stainless Steel Screen: Secure & Strong Window Screen

We provide various stainless steel options. Our SeeVue Stainless Steel mesh features a fine weave designed to enhance durability and visibility while offering additional benefits.

We also provide a 0.23-diameter stainless steel screen, exceptionally weather and pet resistant, utilized for our security screens, which are vandal-proof and provide extra window safety and protection from golf balls, depending on window screen design.

Benefits of 0.23 Stainless Steel Mesh Screen

• Prevents glass breakage from rocks or vandalism
• Enhances safety for children and pets
• Minimizes broken glass from golf balls
• Offers good visibility (black color)
• Available with various frame options—fixed, hinged, locks, etc.
• Multiple frame and screen color choices

Stainless Steel Screen - Best Uses

SeeVue is appropriate for any situation where window screen mesh is needed and is an excellent choice for coastal living. Stainless steel mesh screen is available in both mill (silver) and black finishes, optimal for window screens to provide durability and security, and it’s also suitable for sliding screen doors.

Check out our security screens and rolls of mill and black stainless steel window screen mesh. For window applications, black is preferred, as the reflective mill finish can negatively impact visibility.

Which Screen Do I Choose?

With a plethora of options available, selecting the best mesh can be challenging. A simple approach is to ask yourself, "Do I need durability or visibility more?” Most screen mesh types excel in one area more than the other. In essence, if a screen offers enhanced durability, it likely compromises on visibility, and vice versa.

Mix & Match Window Screen Types

Consider mixing and matching screen types based on your application and location. For instance, you might use a visibility-focused screen like UltraVue in your window screens while selecting a more durable option like BetterVue or Super Screen in your screen door and porch enclosure.

Another idea is to deploy AllergyGuard for bedroom windows to combat allergy symptoms, and opt for UltraVue or security screens throughout the remainder of your home for ideal visibility and safety.

Contact Us With Any Questions

Should you need assistance in identifying which window screen mesh suits you best, browse our latest blog posts or give us a call. The screen experts at Metro Screenworks are eager to help. You can also request a sample of any screen mesh type to review before purchasing. If you’re in the Denver area, feel free to visit our showroom in Highlands Ranch!

Buy Pre-Made Window Screens, Screen Doors, Or Bulk Screen Rolls

We offer pre-made options like pre-framed window screens, sliding screen doors, and porch panels for straightforward installation. Additionally, bulk window screen material in the form of screen rolls and other products is available. Whatever your solution may be, we can assist you. Choose Metro Screenworks for high-quality, budget-friendly options you can trust.

For more information, please visit Black Color Fiberglass Screen.