When it comes specifically to screening, a one-size-fits-all is not entirely optimal. We have one of the largest arrays of window and door screens and screen material online today and there will no doubt be the exact material you need in our great selection.
Depending on the features, where the screen will be and what sorts of common everyday use it might meet all influence what kind of material chosen. This screen material guide will assist you in getting exactly what you need.
Materials are Used in our Screens
Fiberglass
Flexible yet tough, vinyl-coated fiberglass can be used in several screening projects and applications. One of the most popular and common choices for screen materials for pool cages, enclosures, and window screens. Unlike aluminum screens, fiberglass will not dent and returns to its original shape if pressed. It is also extremely affordable without detracting from curb appeal. It has great usage and has been used for both residential and commercial spaces. The most common colors are silver-gray and charcoal; black tends to produce the least glare.
Fiberglass Patio & Pool
While the material is the same as in normal fiberglass, pool & patio fiberglass window screens are made thicker and sturdier to be heavy-duty in these higher traffic areas.
Aluminum
A strong, low-maintenance, rust, and corrosion-resistant metal. Aluminum frames do not sag over time and tend to be the best choice for those looking for great ventilation and a crystal-clear view. However, if installed incorrectly or suffering from a heavy impact, it does tend to crease. Aluminum, however, makes up for that by lasting longer than some fiberglass screens.
One thing to note: aluminum screening may oxidize if used in coastal homes.
Commercial Bronze
Bronze window screens or commercial bronze are for homes or structures that are historic. Most often it is required that historically accurate materials be used in all fixtures or architectural accents considered of historic importance. Bronze window screens are also the perfect choice for Victorian or historic homes regardless, as they gather a beautiful patina that protects the screen over time and adds visual appeal.
Polyester
Polyester and extruded polyester yarn are most often used for specialty pet screens. Coated in PVC to make them nearly indestructible, this material is engineered to withstand the claws and enthusiastic jumps of beloved pets. In the case of cats, since it is resistant to being clawed, this often will discourage the cat from repeat attempts of clawing due to not being able to see his or her damage.
Honorable Mentions
No-See-Um Screens - The material in no-see-um screens can be made from many different materials, but this material was given its unique properties for being extremely useful in keeping out marsh bugs, very tiny gnats and other hard to see insects that regular material mesh may not be able to catch.
Florida Glass Privacy Screen
Contrary to the name, these fiberglass screens have a small difference in how they are made that make a huge contribution to privacy. Thickened fiberglass that has been reinforced to be heavy-duty also holds a tiny piece of laminate plastic in between each screen. This creates a privacy "glass," effect, allowing airflow and light to come through, but obscuring and keeping the area private.
Solar Roll up Shades and Solar Screens
Solar roll up shades are meant to be strong and durable enough to remain outside in any weather. Our solar roll up shades use Twitchell™ Textilene® to greatly reduce both the direct sunlight and rises in temperature that direct sunlight causes. This material also makes them pet resistant.
Solar screens also use Textilene® for their materials and are meant to be an attractive addition to both private and commercial spaces to keep out the heat as well as UV rays which often damage furnishings and carpets.
Best Areas for Each Screen Material
Universal Use
For an affordable, budget-friendly yet also durable screen material to replace many window screens, patio, or porch or pool screens, fiberglass would be a great choice to go with. If the home or building you are installing new screens at or replacing old with new does not have any pets then this is also a good choice.
For patios, porches, or pool screens, thicker fiberglass screens will be a better choice for installment due to their ability to withstand these high traffic areas.
Historic
For historic homes or buildings, or even the restoration and antique buff, bronze screens will no doubt be the right choice. Made with 90% copper and 10% zine, bronze screens weather to a gorgeous, dark finish. One can keep out pests without losing the elegant charm of nostalgia for an older, beautiful home. Additionally, homeowners on the coast near the sea will note how bronze screens do not suffer the same corrosion as other metal screens often do.
Pool, Patio, Porch
Several options are depending on what you will need and what each area may encounter over the years. Standard fiberglass screens are excellent when you are attempting to stick to a budget.
However, fiberglass screens specifically designed for the pool, patio, and porch are made of a much thicker, denser material to hold strong against weather, wind, the sun, and splashes of pool water.
Additionally, if your patio or porch is in full sunlight during the day you may want to seek out the added benefit of placing a convenient and cooling roll up solar shade. This can significantly improve your enjoyment of your time outside reducing glare and offering some protection against the sun.
For privacy, you may wish to consider using a partial Florida glass privacy screen. The privacy screens do the optimal work of keeping a pool, porch, or screened-in patio private when placed either at the bottom of the middle of a screen frame, giving the effect of frosted glass.
Pets, Toddlers, and Kids
When you need a screen to stand up to your pets' enthusiastic pawing, jumping, or clawing at the door whenever you come home, or even a screen that can withstand the energetic play of younger children you may want to invest in pet resistant screens. Created with PVC coated polyester yarn, our pet resistant screen can withstand over 400lbs. of breaking strength.
Inside Screen Use
In many homes, there is usually a singular room or rooms which see the most amount of sunlight given any day where the sun is shining. Many homeowners note the increase in temperature and the often too-bright glare. While blinds are semi-useful, many were not specifically engineered to repel UV rays that can damage furniture, paint, and walls over time. Custom Textilene® or 80% Solar screens were made to be used inside and to block out almost all harmful light while keeping rooms cooler, saving up to 30% on energy consumption and bills.
There are even options for homes or buildings that feature arched windows.
If you still have questions, feel free to email us or contact us by phone at 972-438-9100.
