No-See-Um Screen vs Regular Screen

09 Sep.,2024

 

No-See-Um Screen vs Regular Screen

No-See-Um Screen vs Regular Screen

Whenever you start a new screening project, you are faced with the decision of what kind of screen mesh to use. Do you want to prioritize visibility or durability? Which color finish best matches your home? Are you in need of solar protection or allergy filters?

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If your property is often plagued by insects, one of your primary concerns should be determining what level of protection you will need for that. 

Is standard fiberglass screening enough, or will you need a particular type of no-see-um screen, also known as tiny mesh or micro mesh? In this post, we aim to help you better understand the different types of tiny mesh and their uses so you can make an informed decision for your home project. 

What is a no-see-um screen?

While all of our screens provide insect protection, there are some types of bugs that are small enough to crawl through them. Though all of these bugs are often called "no-see-ums," the name actually refers to a specific type of tiny, blood-sucking, biting fly.

Other tiny insects that can cause this problem include gnats and sand flies. Coastal homes are most likely to have issues with these insects, which makes them the most likely to benefit from screen for no see ums. 

Types of No-See-Um Screen

We have several different options for those in need of no-see-um screening: 

  • No-See-Um 20x20 Fiberglass Mesh
    This is our standard no-see-um screening. It is more durable than regular fiberglass screen, but less so than some of the following options. It is extremely versatile and can be used anywhere you would put window screen. 
  • 24x22 Aluminum Tiny Mesh
    An even tighter mesh, this will protect against almost any insect as well as prevent a good amount of dirt and debris from entering your space. The aluminum material makes this a great economy option. This mesh material also provides excellent visibility and airflow!
  • 20x30 Solar Insect Screen
    On top of providing protection from even the tiniest pests, our solar insect screen also provides protection against 65% of UV exposure. Use it to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays and reduce your home's A/C costs. 
  • 20x17 Super Screen Tiny Mesh
    For places in your home where you want extra durability, Super Screen tiny mesh has you covered. Made from vinyl-coated polyester, this heavy-duty screen can stand up to the elements, time, and of course, tiny insects. 
  • 20x20 Super Screen No-See-Um Mesh
    The strongest no-see-um protection on the market. Keep even the smallest insects out of your home, porch, or pool enclosure for years to come with 20x20 Super Screen. 

No-see-um screen vs regular (fiberglass) screen

So is no-see-um screen a better choice than standard fiberglass for your next project? If most likely depends on what level of protection you require. Both screens can be used for windows, pool cages, patios, and screen doors, and both offer some level of insect protection. For a better idea of your options, breaking down the pros and cons of each mesh is always a good first step. 

Fiberglass Screen Pros and Cons

Fiberglass screen mesh is the most commonly used screening available, as it's flexible and inexpensive. 

Fiberglass Screen: Pros

  • Insect protection against larger bugs
  • Economy option
  • Easy to install

Fiberglass Screen: Cons

  • Standard durability
  • Only protects against larger insects

No-See-Um Screen Pros and Cons

If your home is often a target for no-see-ums, sand flies, gnats, or other tiny insects, you may be thinking about installing no-see-um tiny mesh. No-See-Um mesh is a popular choice for homes in low marshy or coastal areas, where these tinier gnats often thrive. 

No-See-Um Screen: Pros

  • Increased durability (even more so for tiny mesh Super Screen)
  • Longer lasting
  • Protection against even the smallest pests
  • 65% UV solar protection (when using tiny mesh solar screen) 
  • Increased daytime privacy

No-See-Um Screen: Cons

  • More expensive
  • Slightly reduced visibility

Learn more about your screening options

Deciding on the mesh that best suits your home's needs can be a tall order. Fiberglass and no-see-um meshes are just a couple of the dozens of screening solutions we offer. 

Our experts are here to walk you through our products and help you select the best option for your home improvement project. Call Metro Screenworks today, or visit our showroom in Highlands Ranch, Colorado!

Complete Guide to Insect Screen Mesh Materials

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.

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

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  • 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

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  • Most expensive mesh material
  • May dent or kink upon heavy impact