The most common materials used for insect screening material are aluminum, fiberglass, and in some cases PVC (for solar insect screens). Fiberglass is flexible, economical and easy to install. It will not crease, dent or unravel. Fiberglass mesh is also more opaque than aluminum mesh, allowing for greater visibility.
One key difference between types of Window Screen material is the MESH SIZE. You'll see dimensions like 18×16 mesh (standard); or other sizes like 18×14 (good for pool, patio & porch insect screening) and 20×20 (no-see-um screens). So for an 18x16 mesh, this means that within one square inch, there are 18 horizontal fibers and 16 vertical fibers.
All orders for window screens are custom made to your specifications.
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Screen doors are a great option for those looking to enhance their front, patio, or sliding doors without breaking the bank. But choosing the best materials — from frame material, mesh, and hardware — for a screen door can be challenging.
Whether you’re remodeling and installing new screen doors or repairing your existing doors, there are many mesh options on the market today, and it can be overwhelming trying to determine the best material for your project.
These are some important questions to ask yourself as part of your decision-making process:
Key Questions to Ask
How important is maintaining aesthetics and your view of the outside?
What safety concerns do you have?
What size mesh will you need? Consider your location and common species of insects in your area.
What type, quality, and color of mesh material will you need?
In settings where screen doors are installed, consider not only keeping insects out but also creating, preserving, or enhancing the view to the outside. In most cases, choosing a mesh that is as invisible as possible is the first priority.
Then there is ventilation to consider. In locations like the main entry where swinging screen doors are an appearance issue, retractable screen doors are an option. Often, the main door provides the only fresh air on one home side.
Retractable screen doors are an affordable, practical option to swinging screen doors. Researching manufacturers will point the way to the retractable screen door that fits your style, functional needs and budget.
Most don’t take safety into account when considering screen doors, but accidents are common. — people and pets often walk through screen doors.
One product addresses safety uniquely. VisiScreen has a woven density marker invisible from a distance that becomes visible up close, preventing walk-throughs. Genius offers VisiScreen on its Milano retractable doors.
Screen doors keep bugs out if the mesh is fully intact. Mesh size depends on the number of openings per inch — a #4 mesh has four openings per square inch, while a #16 mesh has 16 openings.
Mesh gauge refers to the size of the openings. Standard 18 x 16 .011 diameter mesh blocks common insects on doors. Sometimes a standard mesh block isn’t small enough to block the tiniest of bugs. In Florida, 20 x 20.013 mesh stops tiny bugs but reduces airflow and light passage. You should match the mesh to the pests common in your region. Hardware stores and manufacturers can provide guidance on which mesh is most suitable for blocking the smallest of critters from entering your home.
You have many material options to consider when choosing the right mesh for your screen door. Vinyl, fiberglass, aluminum, and specialty meshes each have their own pros and cons for your screen door.
Vinyl-coated fiberglass mesh is the standard for doors and windows. It’s easy to install, durable and affordable, and comes in charcoal or gray. Aluminum wire mesh is similar to fiberglass mesh except that it’s more expensive and more durable than fiberglass and comes in charcoal, black or silver options. Fiberglass outsells aluminum three to one as it costs about half as much. You can find specialty options like BetterVue, UltraVue, and Super Screen.
Today’s Homeowner Tips
To choose mesh type you should evaluate material pros and cons like durability, longevity, degree of visibility, cost, and installation needs. Contact manufacturers to request free samples to choose the best mesh type for your home.
Proper installation and maintenance keep your screen door working its best. From our experience, DIY installation requires basic tools like screwdrivers and snips. If you’re installing mesh from a kit, follow the kit instructions (you can use kits to patch holes inexpensively but for large rips replacement is better). Extra hands can be helpful when maneuvering large pieces of mesh.
Consider hiring a pro if you’re inexperienced, especially for complex jobs like retractable screens. Cost ranges between $150 and $300 depending on the project scope.
With proper research on climate, home, bugs, and budget, you’ll be able to choose the proper customized mesh for your screen door needs. Durable, quality mesh provides years of safety, security, and comfort and adds to your home’s aesthetics.
Vinyl-coated fiberglass is most common for doors and windows. It balances durability, visibility, installation, and cost.
Use a soft-brush vacuum attachment or scrub gently with mild soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive tools.
On average, replacement screen mesh costs $3 to $8 per square foot. DIY kits start around $20. Add $150 to $300 or more to hire a pro installer.
18 x 16 .011 blocks common insects. Go heavier for smaller bugs. Match the type of screen you choose to your climate’s pests.
Yes. Use a pet-resistant mesh or secondary pet screen on high-traffic doors. Train pets and trim claws regularly.
Use a patch kit with a spline and tools. Patch with leftover or replacement mesh cut to size. Kits under $10 fix minor damage.