At Schumacher Homes, we’ve learned that some of the most everyday details have a huge impact on how people enjoy their homes. That includes your window and door screens. They let fresh air in and keep bugs out, all while preserving the view of your home’s outdoors.
But that’s not all, especially with how today’s window and doors push their benefits even further. They help you maintain privacy, increase your home’s energy efficiency, and keep kids and pets safe. Here’s a look at the most common types of screen materials, and what benefits they offer.
Screen material pros and cons
Fiberglass and aluminum rank as the top options. Each has different characteristics, though, that make them better suited to different needs. Solar screens have also become a popular option for homes that need extra relief from the heat.
Fiberglass — Fiberglass is the most popular screen fabric material. It resists corrosion, rusts, and stains to maintain a clear, undistracting view through your windows and doors. It’s flexible, too, so it won’t crease or dent. The tradeoff, though, is fiberglass screens stretch and tear more than aluminum.
Aluminum — Made of metal mesh, aluminum screening is a more rugged option. Like fiberglass, aluminum resists rust and corrosion. It’s extra rigidity also keeps it from sagging and stretching. The downside: Aluminum is vulnerable to dents and creases, which can distract from the look you want.
Solar (aka “sun” screen) — Solar screens help you save energy by managing heat gain through your windows and doors. They do so by tightly weaving together fabric such as vinyl-coated fiberglass or PVC-coated polyester. In addition to reducing your air conditioner’s load, solar screens offer more daytime privacy, and protect furniture and carpet from fading. However, some find solar screens too dark or too hard to see through for their liking.
Which type of screen should you use?
Now that you understand the high-level pros and cons of each screen material, let’s take a look at some common scenarios homeowners have to consider when picking door and window screens.
For kids and pets — Choose a tough screen fabric, but also one that won’t create an injury risk if it gets damaged. Something like a heavy-duty, vinyl-coated polyester is a good choice. It’ll gently resist paws and small hands.
For use beyond windows and doors — Porches, pool enclosures, gazebos and more can all benefit from screen protection. Solar screens are a choice popular here, especially for spots that combine high daytime use with lots of sun exposure.
For versatility — What if you want a screen to protect your doors and windows at certain times, then disappear at others? Enter the retractable screen. With the push of a button, the screen retracts to unobstructed views through your windows and doors. You can even install large ones for your patio or garage.
For more tips on picking the right window and door screens to enjoy your home’s outdoors, check out this Tips & Trends video.
About Schumacher Homes
Schumacher Homes, based in Canton, Ohio, is America’s largest custom homebuilder, with operations in 32 markets in 14 states across the country. The National Housing Quality award winning company has built over 19,000 homes, customized to fit each family’s lifestyle, since its founding by Paul Schumacher in 1992. Schumacher Homes takes each customer’s inspiration and gives it a home. Each Schumacher Homes location includes a one-stop shopping design studio and model homes displaying the latest in architectural and product trends. Stop in today, be inspired and receive your no obligation price quote.