Modern fly screens present a stylish and innovative solution to proofing your home against flies, mosquitoes and other insects that can bother you during Australia’s humid summer months. These days, there are tons of fly screen and fly door options on the market with a range of different materials, textures and colours to pick from. To choose the fly screen that is best for the job, you need to take into consideration your budget, the style of your windows and doors, and the environmental conditions of the location of your home.
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Here are some of the most important factors to consider when choosing fly screens, along with our suggestions for the best fly screens in Sydney!
The great thing about installing window and door dressings such as fly screens is that the project can be tailored according to your budget. If you want to go all out, you can cover all your windows and doors with a high-end, multi-purpose screen. EHI’s luxury fly screen, for example, is made of polypropylene and uses the latest in Japanese nanotechnology to deliver thinner, sheer strands with a softer impact that is nearly invisible to the naked eye. With a higher strand count than a standard screen, these screens keep out even the smallest of insects like midges and sandflies to ensure maximum comfort.
If you want to cut back on expenses, the best option is to install standard fly screens such as fibreglass, which is a great entry-level mesh for general purpose insect screening. Fibreglass screens can be installed on windows and doors in any area. The soft and flexible material will not rust, rot or corrode, and offers good visibility and airflow.
If you have curious pets around the house that may scratch or bite at the fly screens, the best option is to use pet mesh, a tough and durable material that will resist any damage caused by your furry companions’ sharp claws and teeth. EHI’s pet mesh is made from flexible fibreglass stronger than standard fibreglass and with a longer lifespan. The heavy gauge material is resistant to rust, rot, shrinkage and stains, and is ideal for high traffic areas in the house where pets and/or young kids are always running around.
If you want to invest in fly screens with superior strength and durability, aluminium screens are just what you need. Aluminium mesh is ideally suited for screening windows and doors that need extra strength. The powder-coated charcoal finish is non-flammable and fire-resistant, making it suitable for marine environments and bushfire-prone areas. There is also the option of adding tuff mesh for added durability. Tuff mesh is a strong, durable material that is less prone to damage caused by pets, and minimises outside glare while maintaining visibility.
Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) measures the severity of a building’s potential exposure to direct flame contact, radiant heat and ember attack. Some materials have a higher BAL rating, which strengthens defence against potential fire and heat risk.
Stainless steel screens are the best option for areas that have a high bushfire risk. Stainless steel offers up to BAL 40 protection and is corrosion-resistant, also making it suitable for coastal areas or homes with saltwater pools. The fine woven wire also provides excellent visibility. Aluminium mesh is another material suitable up to BAL 29, whereas fibreglass options are unfortunately not suited for areas that are prone to bushfires. Learn more about mesh options and uses here.
Modern fly screens are stylishly designed to seamlessly tie in with the decor of your home. As a sleek alternative to traditional fly screens, retractable screens have a slimline and innovative design that is as elegant as it is functional. At EHI, we have several options of retractable screen styles to choose from.
Element fly screens are a great pick for larger openings as well as alfresco entertainment areas. They come in either pleated or flat screen options. Pleated screens have a sturdy appeal and prevent accidental walkthroughs as they are more visible to the eye. Flat screens, on the other hand, have a more sleek, streamlined look and make for a smart choice as they allow plenty of natural light and fresh airflow. Brio screens are another retractable option that is well-suited for areas with larger openings such as a balcony, bi-folding or multi-panel stacking doors.
Ideal for outdoor areas, zipslide screens come with a top track system that includes dual wheels to allow a smooth, quiet and even rolling action. The screen has a unique locking system that allows it to be locked in position and adjusted as required. There is an option for a dual-screen design that features pet screen mesh, sunscreen mesh, privacy mesh or plain mesh for added functionality.
The centor screen showcases an elegant design that discreetly retracts into the frame when not in use. This easy-to-operate screen can comfortably be paired with existing doors and windows and doubles as a superior sunscreen and shade system. The screen mesh is available in a variety of styles and comes with the option of blockout material.
Ready to install new fly screens? Call us today for a free quote on 136 344!
Elite Home Improvements of Australia is a trusted supplier and installer of plantation shutters Sydney, blinds, roller shutters, flyscreens and security doors in Sydney. Discover our screen doors, fly screens, retractable screens and flyscreen repairs! Established in 1996, EHi delivers the best products and installation services on the market.
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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 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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If you are looking for more details, kindly visit high-quality aluminum screens for long-lasting use.