A Guide to Choosing the Right Window Screens

If any of your screens have holes in the screen mesh, mesh that has separated from the screen frame, or frames are worn or corroded, then you should replace them. Damaged window screens cannot keep insects out of your home properly. In addition, window screen damage can jeopardize home security and decrease your home's curb appeal.

Read on to learn how to choose new window screens that are right for your home and the needs of your family.

Window screen frames are typically composed of either aluminum, wood, or steel.

Wooden window screen frames are attractive, relatively durable, and complement wood-framed windows well, although they do require occasional maintenance to keep them in good shape.

Proper maintenance of wooden screen frames is similar to that of wooden window frames — you should apply a coat of waterproof latex paint or a special waterproof wood sealer to these frames on an occasional basis to prevent water damage in the form of wood rot or mildew growth.

Aluminum and steel window screen frames are much more popular than wooden frames because both are strong, durable metals that require no routine maintenance. When looking for frames that offer additional home security, choose frames made of heavy-gauge aluminum or steel that are much more difficult to pry off a window than a traditional screen frame. Security window frames often come with special screen mesh that is difficult to break with brute force.

You may be surprised to learn just how many screen mesh options you have when replacing your window screens. Screen mesh comes in many materials, mesh sizes, and colors. There are also many specialty screen mesh types on the market designed to improve your family's quality of living.

Fiberglass window screen mesh is the most popular and economical screen mesh type available. This window mesh option is flexible, which make it difficult to dent.

Choose heavy-duty fiberglass mesh that is made with thicker fiberglass strands than traditional fiberglass mesh to increase the strength of your screens. You can also choose fiberglass mesh in an extra-fine mesh size to keep even super-small insects, such as gnats or no-see-ums, out of your home.

Aluminum screen mesh is stronger and more durable than fiberglass screen mesh. Unlike fiberglass mesh, stiff aluminum mesh will not sag over time. However, aluminum screen mesh can develop dents upon impact. Aluminum screen mesh is available in many attractive colors.

While pricey, copper screen mesh is attractive and can add great curb appeal to your home. Copper screen mesh is also durable and very resistant to damage in the form of corrosion. Instead of developing damage when exposed to elements, such as salt spray, that can cause some other metals to corrode, copper naturally develops a protective patina instead of corroding.

Many California homeowners embrace specialty window screen mesh that blocks the sun's UV rays and heat. UV ray-blocking window screen mesh designs vary by manufacturer, although some can block up to 90 percent of the sun's heat and UV rays. This screen mesh can help lower home cooling bills and protect your family from the sun's skin-cancer causing rays.

If you suffer from seasonal allergies, then you can choose a screen mesh that blocks and attracts airborne allergens, including mold and pollen spores, before they enter your home. Unlike allergen-filtering window inserts that often need to be replaced on a regular basis, screens covered with allergen-filtering mesh can be removed and rinsed to remove allergens on a regular basis instead of being replaced.

Now that spring has arrived, consider replacing your home window screens if they show signs of wear and tear or you simply want better-quality screens that can improve your family's life. Contact the window screen experts Bob's Glass to schedule home window screen replacement today.