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Screen doors are a great option for those looking to enhance their front, patio, or sliding doors without breaking the bank. But choosing the best materials — from frame material, mesh, and hardware — for a screen door can be challenging.
Whether you’re remodeling and installing new screen doors or repairing your existing doors, there are many mesh options on the market today, and it can be overwhelming trying to determine the best material for your project.
These are some important questions to ask yourself as part of your decision-making process:
Key Questions to Ask
How important is maintaining aesthetics and your view of the outside?
What safety concerns do you have?
What size mesh will you need? Consider your location and common species of insects in your area.
What type, quality, and color of mesh material will you need?
Aesthetics and View
In settings where screen doors are installed, consider not only keeping insects out but also creating, preserving, or enhancing the view to the outside. In most cases, choosing a mesh that is as invisible as possible is the first priority.
Then there is ventilation to consider. In locations like the main entry where swinging screen doors are an appearance issue, retractable screen doors are an option. Often, the main door provides the only fresh air on one home side.
Retractable screen doors are an affordable, practical option to swinging screen doors. Researching manufacturers will point the way to the retractable screen door that fits your style, functional needs and budget.
Safety Concerns
Most don’t take safety into account when considering screen doors, but accidents are common. — people and pets often walk through screen doors.
One product addresses safety uniquely. VisiScreen has a woven density marker invisible from a distance that becomes visible up close, preventing walk-throughs. Genius offers VisiScreen on its Milano retractable doors.
Mesh Size
Screen doors keep bugs out if the mesh is fully intact. Mesh size depends on the number of openings per inch — a #4 mesh has four openings per square inch, while a #16 mesh has 16 openings.
Mesh gauge refers to the size of the openings. Standard 18 x 16 .011 diameter mesh blocks common insects on doors. Sometimes a standard mesh block isn’t small enough to block the tiniest of bugs. In Florida, 20 x 20.013 mesh stops tiny bugs but reduces airflow and light passage. You should match the mesh to the pests common in your region. Hardware stores and manufacturers can provide guidance on which mesh is most suitable for blocking the smallest of critters from entering your home.
Material Considerations
You have many material options to consider when choosing the right mesh for your screen door. Vinyl, fiberglass, aluminum, and specialty meshes each have their own pros and cons for your screen door.
Vinyl-coated fiberglass mesh is the standard for doors and windows. It’s easy to install, durable and affordable, and comes in charcoal or gray. Aluminum wire mesh is similar to fiberglass mesh except that it’s more expensive and more durable than fiberglass and comes in charcoal, black or silver options. Fiberglass outsells aluminum three to one as it costs about half as much. You can find specialty options like BetterVue, UltraVue, and Super Screen.
Today’s Homeowner Tips
To choose mesh type you should evaluate material pros and cons like durability, longevity, degree of visibility, cost, and installation needs. Contact manufacturers to request free samples to choose the best mesh type for your home.
Installation and Repair
Proper installation and maintenance keep your screen door working its best. From our experience, DIY installation requires basic tools like screwdrivers and snips. If you’re installing mesh from a kit, follow the kit instructions (you can use kits to patch holes inexpensively but for large rips replacement is better). Extra hands can be helpful when maneuvering large pieces of mesh.
Consider hiring a pro if you’re inexperienced, especially for complex jobs like retractable screens. Cost ranges between $150 and $300 depending on the project scope.
So, Is Choosing the Right Screen Mesh Important?
With proper research on climate, home, bugs, and budget, you’ll be able to choose the proper customized mesh for your screen door needs. Durable, quality mesh provides years of safety, security, and comfort and adds to your home’s aesthetics.
FAQs About Screen Door Mesh
What is the most popular screen mesh material?
Vinyl-coated fiberglass is most common for doors and windows. It balances durability, visibility, installation, and cost.
How do I clean screen mesh?How do I clean screen mesh?
Use a soft-brush vacuum attachment or scrub gently with mild soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive tools.
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