Things to Consider When Choosing a Fly Mesh Screen

04 Nov.,2024

 

Things to Consider When Choosing a Fly Mesh Screen

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FLY SCREEN MESH

There are some aspects you need to take into account before choosing the right insect screen or mesh for your door and window screens for your house. This blog post will help you to understand the different types of fly screens available so you can select the best one.

TYPES AND RATING

Insect screens are the perfect solution if you are worried about insects getting into your house. However, these types of screens will not add any security to your house.

Here are some aspects you have to consider before buying them.

TYPES OF FLY SCREEN:

To choose the best flyscreen option for your doors and windows, you need to know what is important to you. Here is a short list of requirements matched with the best flyscreen option.

  • On a strict budget?: Standard flyscreens are the lowest cost option.

  • Do you live close to the beach or are allergic to sandflies?: Choose our Sand-fly mesh

  • Have pets but still want good visibility and ventilation: Choose Paw proof Lite fly screen mesh

  • Have cats or dogs that are constantly destroying your standard flyscreen?  Paw proof dog and cat resistant insect screen is your best insect screening option.

  • Want a nearly invisible insect screen?:  You&#;ll not find a better solution than our UltraVue® by Phifer &#;invisible&#; flyscreen.  

  • Need something a bit more sturdy and longer lasting than standard insect mesh? Choose Patio & Pool insect mesh.  Our Magnetic insect screens specify this mesh as standard.

  • Aluminium insect mesh &#; for Bushfire zones up to BAL 29 rating

  • Stainless mesh &#; for bushfire zones up to BAL 40 rating.

  • One Way Vision &#; For enhanced privacy.

 
FLY MESH COMPARISON

Check the chart below to understand which fly screen mesh is the best choice for your house. If you want to see the complete chart with technical specifications of each mesh download it here.

FRAME

There are three different types of insects screens on the market.  Fixed and Magnetic. Here are their characteristics:

Fixed insect screens refer to is an insect screen that is held taught by a fixed frame. Your typical window screen, hinged or sliding door are all examples of fixed insect screens.

Incredibly versatile, these insect screens can be specified with a huge range of options to suit your needs.

They are the most common flyscreens we sell and it&#;s easy to see why. They&#;re cheap, versatile and functional and there is a wide variety of options, accessories and colours that you can choose from.  

For awning windows that do not use a chain-winder mechanism, and for virtually all casement windows, we recommend using magnetic insect screens.

 
 

Magnetic fly screens are a favourite for use in &#;Queenslander&#; style homes and other styles that use push out awning and casement windows. Push out windows are those where the windows push out from the inside so screening externally is not practical while screening internally requires access through or around the screen to get to the window handles and catches.

A Magnetic screens border frame is flexible. It allows you to lift the screen to gain access around the screens for opening or closing your windows effortlessly.

Due to this flexible design, magnetic screens require a more robust insect mesh and we specify patio & pool fly mesh in all our magnetic insect screens.

Note: Paw proof and other stiff mesh materials like aluminium or stainless insect mesh are unsuitable for Magnetic insect screens.

BUSHFIRE ZONE

If your home is in a bushfire zone, your house needs to be BAL rating compliant (You can check the Guide to Windows and Doors in Bushfire Prone Areas here). There are aluminium or stainless insect screens available for this purpose. This way you and your family are as safe as possible. Note: Always follow directions from the Authorities during bushfires and have a bushfire plan in place.

PRICE

If you are looking for a cheap solution for your house, fixed fly screens are the cheapest ones you can install in your house.

Magnetic screens are slightly more expensive than fixed screens, but they&#;re still a budget-friendly option for homes that use push out awning and casement windows.

SECURITY

Fly screens aren&#;t classified as a security product. So if you are looking for some level of security besides being free from insects, you need to get security screens.

Read more about security screen ratings here to understand the different security screen grades on the market.

Keep in mind that insect screens are designed to provide ventilation while keeping insects out.

They will NOT prevent a child&#;s fall from a window. (Check here which Type and Grade of Screens are safely able to prevent children from falling out of any window).

Are you interested in learning more about retractable fly wire screens? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

Note: If you only have insect screens on your upper-level windows do not remove any window opening restrictors your builder may have installed without installing a Safety grade window screen in its place or your home will be in breach of the building code.

Get in touch with us to get a free quote for Fly screen mesh or Security screens:

How to Find the Perfect Retractable Screen for Your Space

Selecting the best retractable screen for your space can significantly enhance your outdoor experience by providing unobstructed views while keeping you protected from insects and debris. However, choosing the right screen requires careful consideration of several factors to ensure it meets your specific needs and budget.

Space and Purpose

First, you must know the precise measurements of the space you intend to put your retractable screen. You should also ensure it complements the architectural elements of your home and does not affect any of its features or the installation process.

In addition to getting the right fit for your space and architectural design, you need to consider the purpose of installing a retractable screen. Do you want protection against insects and other outdoor elements? Or do you want to have extra privacy in your space? Identifying the specific purpose will guide you in selecting the right type of retractable screen with appropriate features and functionality that meets your requirements.

Weather elements like wind, rain, and exposure to direct sunlight can also affect your screens, so understanding the climate in your area will help you choose a retractable screen that is durable and capable of withstanding weather conditions.

Screen Type and Material

Retractable screens come in different designs and are made from contrasting materials. Each screen has varying pros and cons depending on its size, purpose, and material.

Types of Retractable Screens

&#;Here is a list of the different types of retractable screens.

Single-Door Screens

These are limited to single-door entries and are cheaper to purchase and install. They also come with a sliding door, which is easy to open and close. However, since they limit the amount of natural light and air flowing into the living area, they won&#;t reduce much of your electricity bill.

Double-Door/French Door Screens

Screens for french doors are more costly to purchase and install than single-door screens but fit to slightly larger spaces. They come with a magnetic lock system that closes effortlessly and makes it difficult for kids and pets to unlock and wander off.

Large-Opening Screens

Large opening screens are expensive to purchase and install because they must be customized depending on the size of your open space. On the bright side, they reduce the electricity you use to keep your home cool by allowing sufficient airflow into your living space. They also provide more natural light and shade on a hot summer day.

Screen Material

The materials used to make retractable screens influence their durability, maintenance, and visibility. Depending on the purpose of your retractable screen, here are the different types of mesh fabrics to choose from:

  • Standard Fiberglass Mesh Fabric&#; It&#;s the most common type of mesh fabric. It comes in different colors and is durable and easy to maintain.
  • Solar Fiberglass Mesh Fabric&#; It&#;s perfect for heat transfer and reducing the amount of sunlight in your spaces. They are ideal for controlling weather elements.
  • TuffScreen&#; The TuffScreen or pet mesh is the best choice for pet owners since it&#;s a heavy-duty, scratch-resistant polyester mesh that offers the best defense against tears, punctures, and scratches.

When selecting a retractable screen, choose a formidable frame that can withstand the effects of wind blowouts. At Mirage, we make our screens wind-resistant by retaining the mesh and reinforcing it by the frame.

Another component of the frame materials is the brass bushing in our screen doors. This feature maintains the rolling screens, therefore, extending its lifetime.

Installation and Operation

Mounting a retractable screen on your doors can be challenging. Some mounting options that can make the process easier and ensure your screen is compatible with your existing structures include:

  • Installment During Construction&#; this mounting procedure is done when you install your screen during construction. The housing of your screen is incorporated into the building design and concealed by bricks, concrete, or decorative columns.
  • Surface Mount&#; here, you install the retractable screen on the surface of your existing structure. This gives it a disappearing look as it appears as part of the existing structure. Make sure to consult with a screen specialist when it comes to the installation of your retractable screen.

Ease of operation is another factor to consider. There are two ways to operate retractable screens. Those that are manually operated are prone to slamming as the mesh retracts, which can be irritating. The second option is to motorize them. In this case, the screens have inbuilt motors that allow you to control the screens using a remote or app. It makes them convenient to use, especially when you&#;re carrying things with both hands and can&#;t operate the screens manually.

Aesthetics and Design

Retractable screens add beauty and elegance to your outdoor space. They also significantly improve the overall aesthetic value of your home. Given that retractable screens come in different color options, frame styles, and endless customization possibilities, you need to choose options that match up with your home type and décor. Picking a screen that integrates with your existing décor and architectural style not only augments the beauty of your home but also eliminates visual barriers between your indoor and outdoor environment. This gives an unobstructed view without compromising comfort.

Budget and Long-Term Value

The cost of retractable screens can vary significantly. While some are cheap, others may cost thousands of dollars, so set a reasonable budget and pick a screen that is within this budget.

Once you have your budget, explore the long-term value and durability of your desired screen. Don&#;t just look at the initial cost; consider other factors like the cost of maintaining the door during its lifetime, what the warranty covers in case of damages, and energy efficiency. If not considered, maintenance, repairs, and energy costs will be much more eventually.

Also, ensure you get quality screens that will last long enough even after being exposed to elements like wind, rain, and UV rays and still provide utmost protection with no need for repairs.

Enjoy Great Unobstructed Views with the Best Retractable Screens

At Mirage, choosing the perfect retractable screens that meet your specific needs and preferences has never been easier. We offer different styles, fabrics, colors, and sizes that match your home and budget. Talk to one of our dealers today to find the perfect type of screen that will give you the comfort, privacy, and protection you need to enhance your home&#;s aesthetics and functionality. We have motorized screens as well.

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Contact us to discuss your requirements of XZH. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.