How to Order Window Screens: 13 Steps

5 Types of Screens for Your Window

On a hot summer day, an open window or door goes a long way to help keep a space cool. 

But while providing air circulation and some relief from the heat, that opening becomes problematic when what’s outside starts making its way inside. For insects, birds, leaves, and large allergens (e.g. those puffballs from a cottonwood tree), an open window or door is an open invitation into a building. 

A solution for wide-open windows dating back to the late 1800s, screens keep an element of separation from the great outdoors. Like most window accessories, screens are not a one-size-fits-all product. There are several different types of window screens, each boasting different benefits for your commercial project. 
 

5 Types of Window Screens

A window screen’s mesh material makes a big difference in selecting a mesh that lets you actually enjoy an open window. Of the different types of screens on the market -- all of which prevent pests from entering a space without significantly impeding airflow -- the most popular types of screens include: 

Aluminum 

Fiberglass

Polyester

Stainless steel  

Copper-bronze and brass

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1. Aluminum Screens

Sturdy and strong, aluminum screens are as functional as they are long-lasting. 

Boasting durability and low weight, this window screen material type allows for both air and natural light to freely enter a space. At the same time, aluminum screens require minimal maintenance and cleaning and resist rust and corrosion. 

Of the different types of metal screens, aluminum window screens are the most common. They come in traditional silver or a charcoal finish.

Because of their reflectivity, silver aluminum screens reduce visibility into a space -- an important consideration for those who want a privacy window screen mesh. 
 

2. Fiberglass Screens

One of the most popular screen types for residential windows and doors, fiberglass window screens are designed for function. 

Allowing air to flow into a room with little obstruction, fiberglass screens, such as Phifer’s UltraVue, also keep unwanted outdoor nuisances (insects) where they belong: outside. 

Though a cheaper option than other window screen materials, fiberglass mesh screens can still resist certain types of damage during their useful life, such as:

Dents

UV ray degradation 

Rot and decay

Brittleness from extreme temperatures

What sets fiberglass screens apart is their flexibility. When pushed against, fiberglass mesh stretches without immediately tearing. Its pliability preserves your investment. 

As most fiberglass screens have a protective coating -- usually black -- they do filter sunlight more than other screens. With less sunlight entering a space, a room stays cooler.  
 

3. Polyester

Another non-metal window mesh, polyester screens rank higher on the durability front. 

While more expensive than fiberglass screens, polyester screens are worth the extra investment. During manufacturing, polyester screens are covered with a vinyl coating that upgrades their resistance to cuts and rips. Compared to fiberglass, polyester screens are approximately 7x stronger. 

Under normal use, polyester screens are almost impossible to tear without a cutting tool. That’s why they’re ideal in homes with pets -- an overly enthusiastic dog or cat won’t be able to easily damage the screen. 
 

4. Stainless Steel

For screens installed in high-traffic areas or frequently used commercial windows and doors, resilience is a must. 

Stainless steel screens represent a long-term investment in integrity. Made from one of the strongest metals, these durable window screens stand up to the most common damages to screens, such as:

Scratches 

Stretching 

Rips 

Corrosion 

Even after years of exposure to the elements, stainless steel screens remain as rigid as the day they were installed. In addition to durability, stainless steel screens, such as SeeVue Insect Screen, deliver what you expect from a window mesh:

Airflow

A barrier for insects and other nuisances  

An almost unobstructed view of the outside 

When manufactured with a thicker-gauge mesh, stainless steel screens provide enhanced security. Tough to cut through and able to withstand impacts, this heavy-duty window screen material stops unwanted intrusions. 
 

5. Copper-Bronze & Brass 

Considered specialty window screens, mesh screens made from copper-bronze and brass combine utility and design. 

Primarily meant for aesthetic purposes, these screens add a pop of color to a window while still providing ventilation and a see-through barrier to the outside. Both types of screens are commonly used in period homes and historic restorations. 

In addition to being visually appealing, copper-bronze and brass screens are rust-resistant, strong, and long-lasting. 

Mesh & Strand Size for Screen Performance   

While selecting the appropriate screen material is an important consideration for meeting application demands, so too are a screen’s mesh and strand size. Both factors impact a screen’s performance.  

Screen mesh size is a measurement of the holes in a screen. A smaller mesh size means fewer things get through -- including air and light. 

Strand size refers to the diameter of each wire comprising a screen mesh. A thicker strand size means more strength and durability. At the same time, thicker strands equal less outward visibility. 

Getting the Most From Your Mesh Window Screens

An almost standard part of any window, a screen lets you fully enjoy natural air circulation without having to worry about unpleasant elements from outside getting in. By choosing the right window mesh screen for your commercial project, your screens can do more than keep pests out while letting air in. 

Looking for a partner for your next commercial project? 

Check out New Angle Beveling's services and capabilities. 

(Editor's note: This article was originally published in June 2021 and was recently updated).

Window Screens: Buying Guide

Window screens are the protective shields that are applied to the windows to resist the entry of bugs, flies, insects, and other things. Window screens in Houston TX is made up of mesh mainly of plastic wire that is stretched in the wooden window frame or in other metal. Window screens are also made of aluminum, metal wires, fiberglass, polyester, or nylon. There are also other materials that are used in the making of window screens but are less popular such as stainless steel, brass, copper, and galvanized steel. Some window screens are a stretch on the frames of wood or metal and some can be easily rolled when not in use.

Why there is a need to install window screens?

There is an essential need to install window screens mainly in the buildings that are located outer in the city and for the homes that are on the ground floor. These structures are much prone to insects and flies through the opened windows. Though, anyone can install window screens for the following advantages.

• Protection: Window screens resist harmful insects, bugs, flies, and debris from entering the home. When there is a downpour, an open window with a screen allows less water to come in than the one without a screen.

• Fresh airflow: You can get a fresh airflow as it is absolutely safe to open the windows during the day as well as night.

• Reduces sunlight and heat again: It is good to use dense window screens during the day heat and during extreme summers. It helps in saving the cooling costs and also protects the home furnishing from sun damage.

What types of window screens are the best?

Window screens Houston TX offers a wide variety of screens for different purposes and according to the different customer needs. When charcoal color is the most popular among the users, for the material they prefer aluminum wires. These wires are durable and strong and resist the entrance of dust and prevent corrosion.

How to buy window screens?

There are a variety of window screens available in the market. There are customers who want to have a clear view of the window and do not want the inconvenience of removing and reinstalling them. Thus they prefer a window screen that is stretched in a wooden or metal frame. While some want to keep their windows open for getting the fresh air so they prefer a window screen mesh that is rolled in when not in need. You can get these types of screens in the market.

• Half screen: This screen is the best for double-hung windows.
• Retractable screens: These screens can be easily glided.
• High transparency screens: These come with a finer mesh for a clear view.