Who Knew? So Many Screening Options for Windows and Patio Doors

It’s the season when everyone wants to open up their windows and patio doors to summer weather – but only if pets and children stay in and pesky insects stay out! This, of course, means ensuring you have window and door screens installed that are free of rips, tears, or other defects. If you don’t have screens already or your screens have worn down over the years, it’s time to consider your replacement options so that you can enjoy the fresh air and a great view without worrying about bugs and other pests. Today, there are a variety of window and door screens available that are designed to suit specific needs. Whether strength is a top priority or you’d like one that offers the very best view, you can find an option that suits your preferences.

Your Window and Door Screen Options

There are several quality screening options for windows and doors that emphasize your outward view, allow for better airflow and ventilation, and provide effective protection from insects.

• Standard fiberglass screen. This is the type of insect screen most people are familiar with because it has been the industry standard for decades. It is woven from permanent glass yarn which has been coated with a protective vinyl to ensure lasting color, beauty and flexibility. Fiberglass screen will not rust, corrode or stain.
• OptiView® screen. OptiView is a fiberglass screen that has finer thread and offers better visibility for a sharp, more brilliant outward view with enhanced insect screen performance. The finer thread provides greater openness and better airflow, allowing natural light and fresh breezes to flow through. It is suitable for all window and sliding door. 
• PetScreen®. For high-traffic areas, PetScreen is a great choice. This is a heavy-duty, vinyl-coated polyester insect screening that resists tears, punctures and stress caused by pets, making it ideal for use in patio doors in addition to windows. In addition to being very durable, PetScreen also offers great visibility.
• Aluminum screen. Aluminum screen is a traditional window  screening product that provides durable, long-lasting protection
  against insects, including grasshoppers which can damage fiberglass screening. The mill and charcoal finishes are uniform and make for easy fabrication into window and door applications, while the black finish offers excellent visibility and reduced glare.

Aluminum or Fiberglass Screens?

Fiberglass screen mesh is a common material, thanks to its lower price point and flexibility. Additionally, fiberglass will not dent or crease when met with light impact from branches or other debris. However, it is more prone to tearing than aluminum. Fiberglass is also a great option in all climates, contributing to its popularity among homeowners all across the United States.

On the other hand, the primary benefit of aluminum screens is their exceptional durability. This material is much stronger than fiberglass and less likely to be torn from tree branches and other debris. However, aluminum is more prone to denting from these impacts, which may detract from the beauty of the screen or your view out of the window or door.

Overall, fiberglass screen is less expensive and resists rust and stains, while aluminum is considerably stronger. The best choice for your home will depend on where the screen will be used and how much traffic the area will see. Additionally, where you live and what the local climate is like may make one option better than the other. For example, fiberglass screens will hold up better in coastal areas, whereas aluminum is prone to oxidizing.

Get the Best Views Around

Sunrise screening options can be the finishing touch on your home’s individuality and the design décor you’re creating with windows and doors. All Sunrise screens are made in the U.S.A. Find an authorized Sunrise dealer near you to learn more about Sunrise windows and patio doors.