How to Choose Screening Material

When choosing types of screen, there are two main materials that screen can be manufactured from: fiberglass yarns and metal wires. Of course, some screens are manufactured out of polyester yarns as well. So, how do you choose between the three? Read along to learn more!

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What&#;s the Difference?

The very first insect screens were manufactured out of metal, so we&#;ll begin with metal screen. Generally manufactured out of aluminum, metal screen is a more traditional choice of screen material. It is very strong, making it ideal for geographical areas with insects such as grasshoppers that could pose a risk to eating through screens. Traditionally, metal screen delivers a more visually appealing 

experience when looking through them. Other metal screens are made from bronze, stainless and galvanized steel wire. 

Fiberglass screening began being manufactured in the late &#;s, and was developed for its forgiving nature. Fiberglass, coated with a vinyl protective layer, offers a durable, longer-lasting option in coastal climates, since it is not susceptible to corrosion. Over time, fiberglass screen has become a popular option for pool enclosures and patios. Generally, fiberglass screen is only available in shades of charcoal or gray.

In the early &#;s polyester fabrics were first produced by Phifer for outdoor furniture applications in our Phifertex® product line. Its strong, durable and weather resistant features in any outdoor application led to the development of other woven polyester products such as PetScreen®, TuffScreen® and SunTex® exterior sun shading fabrics.

Pros and Cons of Metal, Fiberglass, and Polyester

While all three types of screen weather well and offer clear views, there are certain characteristics of each screen that make them more preferable in certain applications.

METAL

Metal screen, while sturdy, is also not forgiving, meaning that if pets, people or other object impact the screen, it will dent permanently. The fact that metal screen isn&#;t forgiving, also makes it difficult to install in DIY projects. There&#;s a specific process that must be followed when installing metal screen, and most experts suggest hiring a professional to do the job. One more characteristic to keep in mind, is 

Bronze Screen

that metal screen generally comes in maximum widths of 60 to 72 inches. Therefore, if you&#;re looking for screen large enough to cover a wide opening space such as in pool cages, the 6-foot maximum width would not be ideal for projects with wide expanse requirements.

FIBERGLASS

Fiberglass, unlike metal screen, is very forgiving, and can withstand the hustle and bustle of people and pets and accidental bump-ins. This forgiving nature is also a great quality for DIY installs. So, if you&#;re wanting to screen in your back porch one weekend, this material is your better bet. The width range for fiberglass screen is vast, and can be as wide as 132&#;, making it a great option for larger installs such as

18x14 Fiberglass

pool and patio enclosures. Fiberglass is also more cost effective than aluminum.

However, fiberglass screen can have its setbacks as well, with fewer colors available and a greater vulnerability to damage from insects such as grasshoppers.

POLYESTER

The primary difference with polyester screening products such as Phifer PetScreen® is not only the different core yarn but how it is coated with the protective vinyl. While metal screens are painted after weaving and fiberglass yarns are coated with a liquid vinyl prior to weaving, polyester yarns are vinyl coated in an extrusion process which places more vinyl on the yarn when compared with

SunTex 80

liquid coating. The result is the ability to make a larger diameter and &#;softer&#; coated yarn. The larger polyester yarns are woven in all SunTex® sun shading fabrics and many popular pool and patio products such as TuffScreen® No-See-Um screening.

Where to Buy Metal, Fiberglass or Polyester Screen?

Are you interested in learning more about glass fiber window screen? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

If you&#;re in the market to buy metal screen, Phifer® offers Aluminum No-See-Um screen that is perfect for keeping most small insects out, and providing great visibility. As for fiberglass screen, UltraVue 2® is an excellent choice of screen that provides unobstructed views and is infused with Water Shed Technology® to keep screens clear by preventing water collection on the screen while also repelling dirt and debris. TuffScreen® is a very popular polyester mesh product for screen porches or pool enclosures where durability is a priority feature. To buy any of these products now, click here.

Check out these and other screening products at www.phifer.com. From our website, you can live chat with us or give us a call at 800-854- to ask questions or receive more information.

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 us or contact us by at 972-438-.

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