Please Don’t Just Leave Your Window Open - Screen It

Are you one of those who often associate window screens with bug control? Window screens are really to keep those pesky guests from invading our homes, but window screens are really more than just that. They’re for filtering light and also offer some privacy.

Window screens are made with aluminum, plastic and the modern ones are those with vinyl-coated fiberglass. Screens are nice treatments for glass windows – you can slide them open and keep the screens closed to let the air in, but not the leaves and the dust.

Here are the different types of screens and what their best functions are:

Aluminum screens can be bought in lengths of 7 feet or 25 feet and come in widths of 24", 28", 30", 32", 36" and 48". Longer rolls come in more varied width choices, ranging from 18" to a wide 72".

Aluminum window screens come in gray, black and aluminum finish. If you like screens that are less noticeable from inside the house, black screen is a great choice. Black and dark colors reflect light less effectively than whiter or paler shades.

Aluminum screens are made with finished metal wire mesh. The aluminum screen promptly replaced the older galvanized steel screens because unlike galvanized steel, aluminum does not corrode.

Solar window screens are made of tightly-woven mesh and are made from vinyl-coated fiberglass. They are more efficient in keeping light and heat outside so they help you cut down on your energy bills. These screens also keep you from being visible from outside the house, while allowing you full visibility from inside. They are available in dark gray, silver, bronze, dark bronze and gold.

Vinyl-coated fiberglass screens – are made with spun-glass filaments that are coated with vinyl. It comes in dark gray, silver and aquamarine and is great for screening porches and pool areas. If you prefer to let in less light, choose the 18 x 14 mesh or the tighter 20 x 20, because these will let in very little light. It will also cut down on wind and breeze. These will not rust easily, but they are more likely to tear and stretch.

Vinyl-coated polyester screens – are great for heavy-duty barriers, especially if you have pets. They are strong enough to resist tearing and shredding attempts. The rolls come in black and gray.

There are other screens made from stainless steel, bronze, copper or brass and are typically more expensive than aluminum screens. They cost from $1 to more than $2 per square foot and come with a minimum order size. If you have aluminum frames, bronze, copper or brass will corrode it, so they cannot be used together.

Screen maintenance
Screens are quite durable. If you clean them once or twice a year with a brush and polish the frames, they should last a long time. Repainting the frames once in a while may also keep them in good shape. If your screen frames are made of wood, reinforce the corners with dowels, fasteners or screws to strengthen them.

Screens will somehow develop a hole so if there’s a tiny tear now, patch it up right away before it gets bigger. Loose corners and sags should also be repaired as soon as they appear. You can always remove the frame and bring it to your trusted dealer for repair.

For more window screens and blinds of all neat and high-quality designs, Sydney Blinds and Screens is for you.