About Window Screening

Aluminum Window Screen

Aluminum screening is resilient, rustproof, fireproof and meltproof (at temperature of a match). Aluminum comes in two colors —natural aluminum silver gray and charcoal (black). Black finish offers better visibility, but natural aluminum finish is preferred. Aluminum screening is available as a standard 18x16 mesh (number of strands per square inch), which is small enough to screen out most insects.

Fiberglass Window Screen

Fiberglass screening is rust and corrosion resistant, fireproof (at cigarette temperature), won’t stretch or shrink and resists impact. Fiberglass screening is also available in a variety of meshes and colors. Like aluminum, standard meshes are 18x16 and the two most popular colors are silver gray and charcoal. Fiberglass screening is also available in a fine-woven 20x20 mesh used primarily in coastal areas where very tiny flying insects (no-see-ums) are a problem. For large areas such as pool enclosures, a strong 18x14 mesh is also available. Some meshes and colors of fiberglass are also available on special order in 78" and 84" widths.

Solar Window Screen

Solar screening is available as a louvered aluminum material or a fiberglass ribbed-weave mesh. These products are used in place of regular insect screening and block out most of the sun’s heat and light while still serving as an insect barrier. In addition to offering energy savings, solar screen reduces glare and fading and offers daytime privacy. Aluminum screening can reduce incoming heat by as much as 87 percent, fiberglass solar screening by as much as 90 percent.

Purchasing Window Screen

For years, the standard packaging for insect screening was rolls of 100 lineal feet. Retailers cut off whatever length was required by a customer. While many retailers still carry both aluminum and fiberglass in 100' rolls, more are offering screening in precut and individual packaged rolls. Precut rolls are 84" in length, which is enough to repair most windows and doors. Each roll is packaged for the do-it-yourselfer with complete instructions. Most manufacturers also offer precut and packaged rolls in 25' lengths. Several new racks are currently available for measuring and cutting required amounts of screening material off large 100' rolls. These racks are available with counters that measure the screen as you pull it across a roller wheel and also with a cutting table to conveniently cut the screen once it is measured. Rack systems are also available for displaying the precut rolls.

DISCLAIMER: Check your state and local codes before starting any project. Follow all safety precautions. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and safety of the information in this document. Neither NRHA, any contributor nor Aubuchon Hardware can be held responsible for damages or injuries resulting from the use of the information in this document.

National Retail Hardware Association

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