Choosing the Right Screen Mesh-Part 2

It’s almost embarrassing how many choices we have in our everyday lives. When you’re grocery shopping, you have numerous choices for food. If you’re buying a car, you have numerous brands, makes and models to pick. Even something like the humble replacement window screen has a number of options available for the discerning customer.

Yesterday, we examined a few of the options available for screens, and talked about what traits certain materials bring to the table and why. Maybe you thought all screens were created equal. Believe us when we tell you, they’re not. Read on to learn more about what people can look for in a window screen, and why it can matter.

What to look for in a window screen:

Cost

Unless you’re independently wealthy, you probably look for ways to save money around the house. Energy efficiency isn’t just a good way to be environmentally responsible, it’s a great way to reduce energy costs. With solar mesh, up to 70% of direct sunshine can be effectively blocked. During summer days, less heat makes its way indoors, which means your air conditioning needs to work less hard to keep the interior of your home comfortable.

Mesh Count

We’ve all done battle with a bug, whether we’re swatting at a mosquito during dinner, or trying to get rid of gnats while watching a ball game. If insects are a source of annoyance for you, insect screen mesh, also known as mosquito screen, is a good choice. The mesh is tightly woven to keep out critters as small as gnats, but not so small that decent air flow becomes impeded.

Pet Resistance

Standard screen mesh isn’t designed to take too much damage, and if your household has pets, there’s a good chance it will have to absorb abuse from your four-legged friends. Pet mesh screens are much hardier, and they nearly feel like they are made from solid plastic. It can handle curious noses, bored scratching, and anything else if your dog or cat likes to hang out near the window. This mesh is wisely designed to also allow comfortable air flow.

Solar Protection

The sun is the source of our planet’s life and heat, but solar radiation can also do damage. If the sun shines on your screen for several hours daily, the color of the mesh will fade over time. Plus, if the sun is at just the right angle, it can cause annoying glare in your own home. Many screen have a degree of fade resistance build in, as well as ultraviolet resistance. On average, your replacement screen should resist fading for about 5 years.

Visibility

On the other side of the spectrum, what if you’re looking for the protection against the elements aspects of a screen, but you want the maximum amount of visibility? There are numerous mesh designs that provide a nearly invisible screen, while still providing some degree of protection. Additionally, screens made from aluminum and standard fiberglass tend to offer excellent visibility.

At Metro Screenworks, we love the idea of choice. We know that not every option is perfect for everybody, but that every option is perfect for somebody. If you have questions, or you’re looking for a specific kind of screen to suit your needs, feel free to contact us for assistance.