Screens have come a long way since the screen door you probably had as a kid (at least if you were born in the 1900s, as the kids say now!) You have choices when picking screening for your enclosed patio, porch, or pool area. What you choose may depend on your needs and budget. Let’s take a deeper look at the types of screening available on the market today.
The type of screening you choose matters because different screens meet different needs and fall into different price categories. Fiberglass mesh screens, aluminum mesh screens, pet screens, and no-see-um screens all have a purpose. You just have to choose the one that is right for your project.
In this article, we will look at the various types of screening that you can choose from when having your patio, porch, or pool area enclosed. From fiberglass mesh to no-see-um screens, there is a variety to choose from, and we are sure there is one to fit your needs and budget.
Fiberglass Mesh Screens
Fiberglass mesh is the most common type of screen used. It is budget-friendly which is probably a big reason for its popularity. And we understand that in today’s economy, it is important to make your hard-earned dollar stretch. There is nothing wrong with choosing fiberglass mesh for your enclosures. It is flexible and offers good visibility. It is good at keeping out pests like flies and mosquitoes.
The downside to fiberglass mesh is that it stretches and tears more easily than other screen types. If you have children, pets, or a lot of foliage around your enclosure, this is something to keep in mind. You may need to choose a different type of screen to ensure durability.
Aluminum Mesh Screens
Since our name is Tripod Aluminum, you might think we are partial to aluminum screening. The frames of our enclosures are made of aluminum because it is durable and rust-resistant which is extremely important in Florida. If you live in Florida, you know that most things eventually rust! However, that does not mean that aluminum screening is our go-to screening. We offer a variety of screens so you can choose the type that is best for your project.
Aluminum mesh screens are a bit more expensive than fiberglass mesh screens. They are more durable, but they can also crease or dent during transportation or installation. They effectively keep out common bugs, but they may cause a glare which can be annoying to some people.
Pet Screens
Pet screens are usually made of vinyl-coated polyester mesh. It is 7 times stronger than fiberglass mesh or aluminum mesh. While offering the same benefit of protection from insects, pet screens are much more durable than typical screens. If you have a beloved furry family member who will scratch at your screening, then we highly recommend durable pet screening for your enclosure.
No-see-um Screens
If you live here in Florida, then you are probably all too familiar with no-see-ums. But maybe you are new here, so we will first address what no-see-ums are before talking about no-see-um screening. No-see-ums are very tiny biting flies. When we say tiny, we mean tiny. They are virtually undetectable with the naked eye, less than 1/16th of an inch long. But they are blood-sucking little bugs that can make you miserable, so they are not to be taken lightly! Because they usually travel in a group, you may receive many bites at once making for a miserable few days or more! They usually itch worse than mosquito bites even though they are smaller which is often how you know they are no-see-um bites.
Typical fiberglass and aluminum mesh screens do not have a small enough weave to keep out no-see-ums. Florida is one of the few states that has no-see-ums year-round. While other screens will adequately keep out typical pests like flies, mosquitoes, and bees, if you have a problem with no-see-ums where you live, then we strongly suggest using no-see-um screening for your enclosure. It will greatly increase your enjoyment of your outdoor living space. It is more expensive than other types of screening, but it is well worth it! Check out Tripod Aluminum’s latest project with no-see-um screening!
Tripod Aluminum – Many Options, All Great!
At Tripod Aluminum, we pride ourselves on using quality products to build your enclosures. This goes for the screening we use too. However, we understand, that different projects are designed for different purposes. We also understand that it is important to stay within your budget. To this end, we offer many options to meet our clients’ needs.
You may want fiberglass mesh to help keep the cost of the project down. You may choose aluminum for a little more durability. You may have pets that are rough on screens, so you need pet screening. Or, you may want to keep out even the tiniest of pests and choose no-see-um screens.
Whatever the project, big or small, Tripod Aluminum can handle them all! We have been in business in Melbourne, Florida, for over 30 years. We are your locally-owned company for patio enclosures, screen (porch) enclosures, and pool enclosures. With a variety of quality products, we know we can make your project exactly what you envision. We look forward to transforming your outdoor living space!
