Comparison of Insect Screen Mesh Materials
Strength, durability, cost and outward visibility are some of the considerations to keep in mind when choosing mesh material. The right mesh material will depend on which factors matter more to you.
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Fiberglass
Fiberglass is one of the most commonly used mesh materials for insect screens. The reason for its popularity is simple &#; it is inexpensive and offers good outward visibility. Fiberglass is also lightweight, flexible and corrosion-resistant. Some manufacturers may coat the fiberglass with PVC to improve its strength.
The greatest disadvantage of fiberglass is that it&#;s not as durable as other mesh materials. It is prone to tearing/fraying at the edges and tends to stretch over time. When exposed to strong sunlight for long periods of time, its strength will deteriorate and discolouration may also occur.
Pros
- Cheap
- Good outward visibility
- Lightweight
- Flexible
Cons
- Prone to tearing/fraying
- Stretches over time
- Not as durable, needs to be replaced more frequently
- Strong UV rays result in discolouration and reduction in strength
Polyester
Polyester mesh has been gaining popularity as an alternative to fiberglass mesh. It is flexible, tear-resistant and less prone to sagging, making it stronger and more durable. It is usually also coated with vinyl, which serves as an additional protective barrier. Polyester mesh coated with a thicker layer of vinyl is often used in pet screens. The thick vinyl coating grants increased resistance to abrasions, which makes it difficult for pets to damage the screen.
A downside of polyester mesh is that the thick coating results in a decrease in outward visibility. It is also more expensive than fiberglass. And if you&#;re opting for vinyl-coated polyester, you&#;ll have to fork out much more.
Pros
- Flexible
- Tear-resistant and less prone to sagging
- Coated polyester is strong and durable
- Vinyl-coated polyester is suitable for pet screens
Cons
- Thick coating can result in decreased outward visibility
- Most expensive out of the non-metal options
Polyethylene (PE) / Polypropylene (PP)
Polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) are mesh materials that have caught on in recent years. Both plastics are used in a wide variety of applications and are similar in physical properties. When used to make screen mesh, they are commonly available as PE mesh, PP mesh or PE + PP mesh (made with a combination of PE and PP).
Both PE and PP are strong fabrics that are tear-resistant and less prone to sagging. PE is a good electrical insulator and is slightly sturdier than PP. Meanwhile, PP has a higher chemical resistance and is more lightweight. Both are mildew-resistant and offer good outward visibility. Like the polyester mesh, most PE/PP mesh sold are coated to further enhance their strength and durability. Coated PE/PP mesh is also UV-resistant and waterproof.
While PE/PP mesh has many strengths, one drawback is that they are not suitable for pet screens. The coating on PE/PP mesh is not as thick, which makes it less resistant against scratches and damage caused by pets. PE/PP mesh is also more expensive than fiberglass mesh.
Pros
- Strong and durable
- Lightweight
- Good outward visibility
- Tear resistant and less prone to sagging
Cons
- Costs more than fiberglass mesh
- Not suitable for pet screens
Aluminium
Another material used to make screen mesh is aluminium. While popular in countries such as Australia and the USA, aluminium mesh is rarely seen in Singapore. Aluminium mesh offers superior strength and durability as well as excellent outward visibility. It cannot be torn and its rigidity means you won&#;t have to worry about the screen sagging. The mesh often comes in a protective finish that is corrosion-resistant.
However, as you may have expected, aluminium mesh is very expensive. It may also dent/crease upon heavy impact.
Pros
- Excellent outward visibility
- Strong and durable
- Sturdy, will not sag
- Resistant to high temperatures
Cons
- Very expensive
- Can be permanently dented/creased upon heavy impact
Stainless Steel
Finally, we have the stainless steel mesh. Stainless steel is the strongest and most durable mesh material available. It is rust- and corrosion-resistant, offers excellent outward visibility and will not stretch or sag. Other than its natural colour, the mesh may also be powder-coated for a black finish which further improves visibility.
The main disadvantage of using stainless steel mesh is the cost. It is easily the most expensive mesh of the lot due to the premium material used. Additionally, the mesh may also dent or kink upon heavy impact.
Pros
- Extremely strong and durable
- Excellent outward visibility
- Corrosion-resistant
- Sturdy, will not sag
- Resistant to high temperatures
Cons
- Most expensive mesh material
- May dent or kink upon heavy impact
On a hot summer day, an open window or door goes a long way to help keep a space cool.
But while providing air circulation and some relief from the heat, that opening becomes problematic when what&#;s outside starts making its way inside. For insects, birds, leaves, and large allergens (e.g. those puffballs from a cottonwood tree), an open window or door is an open invitation into a building.
A solution for wide-open windows dating back to the late s, screens keep an element of separation from the great outdoors. Like most window accessories, screens are not a one-size-fits-all product. There are several different types of window screens, each boasting different benefits for your commercial project.
5 Types of Window Screens
A window screen&#;s mesh material makes a big difference in selecting a mesh that lets you actually enjoy an open window. Of the different types of screens on the market -- all of which prevent pests from entering a space without significantly impeding airflow -- the most popular types of screens include:
- Aluminum
- Fiberglass
- Polyester
- Stainless steel
- Copper-bronze and brass
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Explore our available window screen options and pricing:
1. Aluminum Screens
Sturdy and strong, aluminum screens are as functional as they are long-lasting.
Boasting durability and low weight, this window screen material type allows for both air and natural light to freely enter a space. At the same time, aluminum screens require minimal maintenance and cleaning and resist rust and corrosion.
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Of the different types of metal screens, aluminum window screens are the most common. They come in traditional silver or a charcoal finish.
Because of their reflectivity, silver aluminum screens reduce visibility into a space -- an important consideration for those who want a privacy window screen mesh.
2. Fiberglass Screens
One of the most popular screen types for residential windows and doors, fiberglass window screens are designed for function.
Allowing air to flow into a room with little obstruction, fiberglass screens, such as Phifer&#;s UltraVue, also keep unwanted outdoor nuisances (insects) where they belong: outside.
Though a cheaper option than other window screen materials, fiberglass mesh screens can still resist certain types of damage during their useful life, such as:
- Dents
- UV ray degradation
- Rot and decay
- Brittleness from extreme temperatures
What sets fiberglass screens apart is their flexibility. When pushed against, fiberglass mesh stretches without immediately tearing. Its pliability preserves your investment.
As most fiberglass screens have a protective coating -- usually black -- they do filter sunlight more than other screens. With less sunlight entering a space, a room stays cooler.
3. Polyester
Another non-metal window mesh, polyester screens rank higher on the durability front.
While more expensive than fiberglass screens, polyester screens are worth the extra investment. During manufacturing, polyester screens are covered with a vinyl coating that upgrades their resistance to cuts and rips. Compared to fiberglass, polyester screens are approximately 7x stronger.
Under normal use, polyester screens are almost impossible to tear without a cutting tool. That&#;s why they&#;re ideal in homes with pets -- an overly enthusiastic dog or cat won&#;t be able to easily damage the screen.
4. Stainless Steel
For screens installed in high-traffic areas or frequently used commercial windows and doors, resilience is a must.
Stainless steel screens represent a long-term investment in integrity. Made from one of the strongest metals, these durable window screens stand up to the most common damages to screens, such as:
- Scratches
- Stretching
- Rips
- Corrosion
Even after years of exposure to the elements, stainless steel screens remain as rigid as the day they were installed. In addition to durability, stainless steel screens, such as SeeVue Insect Screen, deliver what you expect from a window mesh:
- Airflow
- A barrier for insects and other nuisances
- An almost unobstructed view of the outside
When manufactured with a thicker-gauge mesh, stainless steel screens provide enhanced security. Tough to cut through and able to withstand impacts, this heavy-duty window screen material stops unwanted intrusions.
5. Copper-Bronze & Brass
Considered specialty window screens, mesh screens made from copper-bronze and brass combine utility and design.
Primarily meant for aesthetic purposes, these screens add a pop of color to a window while still providing ventilation and a see-through barrier to the outside. Both types of screens are commonly used in period homes and historic restorations.
In addition to being visually appealing, copper-bronze and brass screens are rust-resistant, strong, and long-lasting.
Mesh & Strand Size for Screen Performance
While selecting the appropriate screen material is an important consideration for meeting application demands, so too are a screen&#;s mesh and strand size. Both factors impact a screen&#;s performance.
Screen mesh size is a measurement of the holes in a screen. A smaller mesh size means fewer things get through -- including air and light.
Strand size refers to the diameter of each wire comprising a screen mesh. A thicker strand size means more strength and durability. At the same time, thicker strands equal less outward visibility.
Getting the Most From Your Mesh Window Screens
An almost standard part of any window, a screen lets you fully enjoy natural air circulation without having to worry about unpleasant elements from outside getting in. By choosing the right window mesh screen for your commercial project, your screens can do more than keep pests out while letting air in.
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(Editor's note: This article was originally published in June and was recently updated).
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