Window screens have a come a long way from the crude horse hair weaves that people used centuries ago to keep bugs and dust out. When the textile industry began producing screens with looms in the early 20th century, galvanized steel became a popular choice. This however, eventually gave way to aluminum - now the one of the most common screening materials. But there are a variety of materials on the market today, and it can be confusing as a buyer to decide which option to go with. This guide will help you identify the reasons to go with the one of the two most popular materials for your window screens:
Fiberglass Window Screening
This material is actually becoming more popular that aluminum screening. The vinyl-coated nature of fiberglass screening prevents it from rusting, staining, or stretching (which can result in tearing). This is great if you have small children or pets in the house, as the rough housing is less likely to damage your screen than if it were aluminum or some other material.
In the last 10 years, new developments in screens have yielded fiberglass solar blocking materials that reduce your need to run the air conditioning in hot weather. It can also block UV light, keeping your furniture and flooring from fading. However, this option does force you to give up a third of the normal amount of natural light.
Aluminum Window Screening
Aluminum remains a popular option for screening. Made from a mesh that is a fabric of rugged metal, a small aluminum rod is typical drawn into a thinner form and wound together on a loom (complex weaving machine). One this is done, a finish is applied that protects it from the outdoor elements and keeps it shining like new for as long as possible. This is a more economical option though it doesn't last as long as a typical fiberglass screen or stand up to as much physical pressure. With little children or even rowdy teens that like to throw balls in the yard, a little extra money spent on fiberglass might be a worthy investment.
There didn't used to be so difficult to make a decision on screening. You might go in your backyard and take hair from your horse or hay from the barn. But with modern technology, the consumer's real problem is deciding between materials due to the abundance of options. Hopefully, this quick guide has shown the reasons you might go with aluminum or fiberglass, two of the most common screening materials. For further assistance, contact a window screen repair professional.
