Questions You Should Know about window screen mesh fire resistance
Window Screen Buying Guide
From keeping bugs out to letting fresh air in, window screens are a must-have for any savvy homeowner. But with so many new options in window screen meshes, it can feel a little overwhelmingshould you choose polyester or copper; which is better for security?
The company is the world’s best window screen mesh fire resistance supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.
For all your questions, we put together this window screen buying guide to help you prioritize your needs and choose the perfect house window screens for you and your humble abode.
Weve broken down the guide into the following topics:
- Popular Screen Materials
- Key Functions of Window Screens
- Window Screen Frames
Lets dive into everything you need to know about the screen scene.
Popular Window Screen Materials
The mesh-like wire commonly found in window screens is typically made from one of the following materials, each offering their own unique set of upsides:
- Fiberglass Mesh screens constructed of fiberglass are known for their flexibility, which gives them a resistance to dents and creasing. They also offer excellent airflow and visibility and are widely regarded as the most popular choice.
- Polyester More durable than fiberglass, polyester mesh is known for being tear-resistant. Polyester is a popular choice among pet owners who worry about their furry little friends clawing and destroying their window screens.
- Aluminum Screens constructed of aluminum have a variety of upsides, the most important being their reputation for not sagging or rusting. This aluminum window screen variety also provides top-tier airflow.
- Stainless Steel Stainless steel is known as one of the toughest materials used in the screen mesh. In a high-traffic area where safety is a concern, this is a favorite choice.
- Copper Known primarily for its use as an insect screen, coppers popularity is booming along coastal areas. Its also quite popular for its distinct color, offering home designers a unique twist to incorporate into their plans.
Each material comes with its own advantages, some bolstering the most sought-after window screen functions. To that end, lets dive into those functions, so you can isolate your priorities and choose the screen mesh for your home.
Key Functions of Window Screens
When deliberating which window screen is the best fit, its important to assess the main function, or functions, you need most. Do you live in a humid area where heat is often trapped indoors? Perhaps you should focus on airflow. Need that extra layer of security to sleep comfortably at night? There are meshes built for you.
Conventional motives homeowners have for installing window screens include:
- Airflow
- Transparency
- Pest Control
- Security
- Energy Savings
Whether you have one central worry or a combination of two or more concerns, this guide will help you better articulate your needs when it comes time to shop for window screens.
Airflow
Lets first discuss the most common factor for buying windows screens: fresh air.
If taking in breezes on cool summer nights is your prioritywhile still eliminating the risk of attracting bugs, debris, or even intrudershomeowners should consider the limits window screens can place on airflow.
According to a study by the National Institute of Health, screens can decrease airflow anywhere from 16% to 77%. Nevertheless, that air wouldnt be coursing through your home at all if these windows were shut.
To that end, if the airflow is your primary concern, keep these basics in mind while you shop:
- Tighter mesh weaves, common in insect screens, will decrease airflow.
- Grey fiberglass mesh provides the best airflow
Transparency
Should you want to indulge in a breeze and open up your windows, but still keep some semblance of privacy, you might want to prioritize the transparency factor of the window screen. Nowadays, screens range in their mesh wire thickness, allowing more (or less) sunlight throughmeaning passersby can see more (or less) of whats inside your home.
Some options to consider for transparency are:
- One-Way Screens One-way screens, also known as a limited visibility mesh screen, let in sunlight almost like a one-way mirror. In other words, if youre inside your home looking out, youll have decent visibility. However, if youre outside your home looking in, youll have very limited visibility. In this way, you can still let in airflow and view the world outside without having to give up your privacy.
- High-Visibility Screens One of the most impressive new screen features is invisibility. High-visibility screens, for example, are screens with such thin wiring that you barely notice they exist at all. Phifer, a manufacturer of new high-visibility screens, describes this option as giving the look and feel of being outdoors while being indoors.
Pest Control
Insects are known for disrupting a beautiful day outdoors. But when those pests ruin a beautiful day indoorswell, then it feels personal. The solution? A window insect screen geared toward pest control.
That said, nuisance isnt the only reason to consider pest control screens. In fact, some pests, like mosquitoes, mice, and rats, are known to carry diseases. Thus, a window screen isnt just for comfort, its also for safety. Theres a reason why pest control is one of the most commonly cited reasons for installing window screens.
The good news is, they work. Properly installed window screens allow homeowners to enjoy the breezy benefits of an open window while blocking out those creepy critters.
If youve struggled with any of the following pests in your home, consider a polyester-based or fiberglass screen:
- Houseflies
- Birds
- Mice
- Rats
- Horse-Flies
- Cockroaches
- Centipedes
- Crickets
The added strength of polyester-based screens will help with the larger pests; the tightly interlaced fiberglass mesh will help with the smaller ones.
Tip: If youre dealing with the smallest of peststhink gnats and biting midgesyoull want to consider 20 x 20 fiberglass mesh. While the tightness of this screen will reduce the airflow and sunlight coming through, it will be worth not having to deal with no-see-ums.
Security
In the United States, there are an estimated 3.7 million household burglaries each year. Oftentimes, simply having window screens works as an added roadblock and can impede burglars. If you reside in a high-traffic area, security window screens can help to alleviate the risk.
A security screen is specifically designed to impede forced entry. These mesh and see-through fabrics are typically made from woven stainless steel threads attached to a metal screen frame using an interlocking system of clamps.
Want more information on customized epoxy coated mesh supplier? Feel free to contact us.
Additional resources:What can I put on top of my fence for security?
3D Welded Wire Mesh Fence
Revolutionize Pedestrian Bridges with Expanded Mesh: More Safety, Durability!
The end result is a heavy-duty screen that denies access to burglars, while still providing the comforts of standard window screens.
This evolution of window screens as a centerpiece of home safety is showing no signs of slowing down, either. Here are some new developments worth keeping an eye on:
- Child-Safety Screens Many of the same technological advancements used to prevent forced entry by intruders also work to prevent falls caused by children leaning or pressing onto window screens.
- Fire Resistant Screens Finer metal screens are being adopted in wildfire-prone areas. They have been proven successful in helping windows handle the excessive heat from nearby fires and blocking small embers from entering the home.
Energy Savings
What hasnt been mentioned up until now is the other major benefit to installing window screens on your homethey can save you money. By reducing the amount of sunlight flooding into your home in the summer months, you can dramatically reduce the need for air conditioning and lower your utility bills.
If this is your priority, then a solar screen is your golden ticket. Solar window screens can block up to 90% of the suns rays.
But what if you live in a colder climate and you want to trap heat in? Solar screens placed on the inside of windows (rather than on the outside) are perfect for keeping heat in.
Heres how solar screens multifunctionality meet a variety of needs:
- Screen on the Inside of a Window Ideal for cold climates. The interior set screen will absorb the sunlight, trapping the warmth inside your home where you need it.
- Screen Tacked on Outside of a Window In hot climates, a solar screen tacked on the outside of a window will trap heat before it enters your home, and reduce the amount of sunlight coming in.
- Screen Hung Outside of a Window with a Gap For a maximum cooling option, place a gap between the outside screen and the window. This separates the heat captured in the screen from the glass itself. The cooling effects work particularly well in breezy environments.
Window Screen Frames
Once you settle on the central purpose for your window screen, its finally time to think about the frame your screens will rest in. While there is an aesthetic aspect to frame selection, a large part of the decision comes down to which type of frame function you prefer.
Here are few frame functions to consider:
- Outswing window screens
- Fixed screens for windows
- Sliding window screens
The width and thickness of your frame will likely be dictated by your screen choice. For instance, a heavy-duty security screen will require a broader, more sizable frame.
Tip: Retractable window screens are trending. Unlike traditional window screens, the retractable version can be slid, and sometimes even rolled, away from the window when not in use.
Restoring, Repairing, and Replacing Window Screens: Glass Guru
With a better understanding of the functionality and types of window screens available, you might be ready to restore, repair, or replace yours. If you need help from a local specialist with window screen repair or screen replacement, consider the experts at the Glass Guru. We can help you navigate everything from the cost of various window screen combinations to a professional installation.
Sources:
Bureau of Justice Statistics. National Crime Victimization Survey. https://www.bjs.gov/content/pub/ascii/vdhb.txt
National Institute of Health. Wind Tunnel Analysis of Air Flow Through Insect Screens. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC/
The Glass Guru. Window Screens. https://www.theglassguru.com/services/screens/window-screens/
Lansing Housing Products. Child Safety Screens. https://www.lansinghp.net/child-safety-screens/
Phifer. High Visibility Screens.
https://www.phifer.com/screening/features/visibility/
Every Solar Thing. Solar Screens. https://www.everysolarthing.com/blog/solar-screens/
Replacement Window Screen Buying Guide
Fiberglass Screens
They're flexible, durable plus they resist dents, unraveling, creasing and corrosion. Fiberglass screens provide good air flow as well as good outward visibility with minimal sunlight glare.
Aluminum Screens
These screens are also durable and dont tear as easily as fiberglass. Aluminum screens are rust resistant and wont sag.
Polyester Screens
They're resistant to tears and more durable than fiberglass. Polyester screens are also rust, heat, fade and pet resistant, and work great as solar shades.
Stainless Steel Screens
They're an excellent choice for high-traffic areas. Stainless steel screens are corrosion and fire resistant, provide good ventilation and great outward views.
Copper Screens
These an excellent choice for coastal regions and inland. Theyre durable, strong and used for insect screens. Copper screens provide beautiful architectural accents, and youll likely see them installed on historic landmark homes.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Flame Screen Mesh. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
Comments