Lockout the Insects With the Best Window Screens
Changing weather is an invitation to the annoying pesky insects that ruin your outdoor activities. Mosquitoes and bees swarm up the entire outdoor space, so you need to lock yourself in your room. However, these little insects will crawl their way in, causing an unhygienic environment and multiple diseases. You can avoid such stressful situations by installing the highest-rated window screens in 2022. Luckily, the screens made these days are innovative and more top-notch than previously. The robust material of the window screen makes it withstand a high amount of pressure. Back in the day, people considered steel to be the best material for window screens. However, times have changed, and these days aluminium screens are given more priority. You can gain more knowledge about the types, materials, and quality of the screen by reading our exclusive buying guide.
Best Window Screens Buying Guide
We have seen above some of the top window screens available above, but if you want to explore some options on your own, you need to have some prior knowledge about the product. Window screens are a good investment and you can use them for multiple seasons.You need to know the type of screen, the best material for screens, and other crucial features that make a window screen effective.
Importance of window screens
It is vital to have a screen installed in your windows, especially for those living in suburban areas or those who have built their house on the ground floor. Both these structures are highly open to flies, insects, and bugs. If you are unable to convince yourself to buy a reliable window screen, here are three of its biggest advantages:
Protection
As discussed initially, these screens can resist the entry of bugs and insects into your house. Furthermore, it also protects you from polluted debris. In case of a downpour, the mesh screen prevents water entry into your house.
Fresh airflow
You can enjoy the fresh air without having to worry about any pollutants or contaminants entering your home.
Reduces heat and sunlight
If you use a dense window screen, it can reduce the amount of sunlight that enters your home, which reduces the temperature. While it saves the cooling cost, it also protects your furniture from the rays of the sun.
Most-used window screen materials
Mostly all the window screens are made from mesh, but the material for the wire of the mesh can vary from brand to brand.
Fiberglass
As we stated earlier, fibreglass is the most used material for window screens. All the products listed are made from fibreglass. The evident reason for choosing fibreglass is its flexibility that enhances its resistance to creasing and dents. They also offer visibility and excellent airflow.
Polyester
If you want something even more durable than fibreglass, you can opt for polyester. The robust mesh withstands the wear and tear of weather easily. Polyester has gained popularity amongst pet owners because the material can stand against the clawing of your urry friends.
Aluminium
Mostly, we have seen that window frames are made of aluminium, but now screens are also made from it due to their resistance against rust. It also provides excellent airflow.
Stainless steel
It is known for being the toughest material for mesh screens, and is a favourite for people with safety concerns.
Copper
It gained popularity in coastal areas because of its effectiveness against insects. The material is also quite popular for its unique colour and design.
Each material has its list of pros and cons, so you need to make your choice wisely according to your requirements. Some of these materials bolster the primary functions of window screens, while others may not meet your expectations.
Required features of window screens
When choosing a window screen, you need to take care of a few features before making the final purchase. It is important to consider why you need the mesh screen and how you will use it. While people don't show much consideration about it, you need to buy a mesh screen according to the weather conditions in your area.
Airflow
We have been highlighting the airflow of a mesh screen from the beginning. Hence, it is a vital feature that you must check. You would not want to buy a mesh screen that makes you feel trapped and suffocated in your home.
If you are buying a screen during breezy weather, then your priority should be to get cool summer nights. You can eliminate the risk of debris, intruders, or bugs, but you need to balance the airflow too. According to a study, installing mesh screens can reduce airflow from 77% to 16%. You need to ensure that your mesh screen has the smallest percentage of airflow reduction.
You can check the tightness of the mesh weave; the tighter the weave, the less the airflow. To get the best airflow, experts recommend grey fibreglass mesh.
Transparency
Sometimes, people feel uncomfortable when they open their windows, reducing their privacy. Thus, if you want to indulge in a fresh breeze of the air while protecting your privacy, you can use window screens. The transparency factor of a mesh screen decides how much privacy it can offer to you. You will find various mesh thicknesses that decide the amount of light passing through the screens. The greater the thickness, the lesser the sunlight will be and the lesser the transparency. There are two types of screens to consider for transparency:
One-way screen - It is also known as limited visibility as it lets in the light like a one-way mirror. In simple words, if you look outside the window, you will have a fair amount of visibility. However, if someone looks at your house from outside, they will have limited visibility. It is the best option for those who want to allow airflow and block insects while private.
High-visibility screen – This type of window screen provides the most visibility. The high-visibility screen has a thin mesh that you will hardly notice the wiring. It makes you feel like being outdoors while staying indoors.
Pest control
If you are fond of gardening, you will know that pests destroy the charm of your garden in no time. To prevent pest attacks on your beautiful indoor décor, you can use a window screen that has special pest control. Not only this, but pest control also prevents the entrance of diseases into your home. The mesh size is vital if you aim to use the screen for pest control. The smaller the mesh size, the more you can stop the entry of smaller pests.
What Is the Best Window Screen of 2022?
Fenestrelle Window Screens
– Best Overall
If you are tired of the window screens that fall apart within a few weeks, you need to switch to Fenestrelle. The high-quality screen frames are adjustable and can fit a window of up to 40 inches wide. Furthermore, the mesh material of the screens allows fresh air to flow in and keep your room airy while it blocks the entry of insects and bugs. The screen has a white aluminium, powder-coated box frame with a fibreglass screen so you can rely on it in harsh weather conditions. The white frame also adds grace, making it look attractive. One of the vital things that concern users is the installation of the window screens; fortunately, these screens by Fenestrelle are the easiest to install. You need to open your window and inset the screen by expanding it according to the window’s width. The best part is that if you feel that you are not satisfied with the quality, you can return it immediately and get a full refund.
- Adjustable and expandable
- Robust and durable
- Easy to install
- Get a full refund if you’re not satisfied
- Some users complained that they only received one screen, although the package includes two
Senneny Window Screens
– Runner Up
As discussed earlier, fibreglass is the most popular mesh screen option these days, so our next product is also made from this in-demand material. You can use the multifunctional screen for windows and porch screens, screen doors, patio screens, and pet screens. The mesh window screen size is 18 by 23 inches, but you can adjust it as per your requirement. Furthermore, the mesh density allows fresh air to cross through it while blocking pests and insects. The best part is that the screen has reduced visibility from the outside while easily allowing you to see the view outdoors. While the installation process is fairly easy, you can refer to the picture online to see the steps for perfect installation.
- Adjustable and expandable
- Allows passage of fresh air
- Easy to install
- Reduced visibility from the outside
- The screen is not sent in the form of a roll, as shown in the advertising picture
MAGZO Window Screens Replacement
– Honorable Mention
When looking for window screens, people precisely look for mesh and durability. The MAGZO screen has both. This fibreglass screen is made from an inorganic non-metallic material. The mesh size is 48 by 99 inches; you can cut and use it according to your requirements. Unfortunately, the mesh screen is not sent in the form of a roll as shown in the picture, so you will see visible folding after almost every 9 inches. On the bright side, the company is honest enough to mention this in the product description and according to them, the folding marks will disappear in a few hours. The screen is easy to install, and if needed, you can wash it as well. You can make the most out of the screen by using it for the patio, porch, garden, and pool.
- Easy to install
- Can be washed
- Allows fresh air to enter
- The screen is not sent in the form of a roll; instead, it is folded
Frost King WB Marvin Window Screens
– Also Consider
Frost king makes mesh window screens that can extend from 21 inches to 37 inches, so you can use them as per your requirement. The bright coloured mesh screen is zinc plated to avoid catching rust. The best part is its installation because, according to some users, a two-year-old child can also install it with ease. Furthermore, the varnished wood ends and galvanized rails provide the screens with an attractive design. The tanned corners of the screen are a bonus point for its looks. Unfortunately, these beautiful window screens lack robustness, and many users have complained about their longevity.
- Does not catch rust
- Attractive and beautiful frame design
- Easy to install
- Not as durable as other options
The last product on our list is by Meniacle, and the most promising thing about this company is that it makes customizable window screens. It is vital to get the perfect fit for your window so it can block the entry of insects from every corner. Not only the size, but you can also customize the frame colour. While the company asks for a margin of 1/16 inches in your customized size, some users have complained that the difference was much more than that. To be on the safe side, the brand recommends that you measure the screen’s size from the old screen.
- Customize your favourite frame colour
- Size is also customizable
- Some users received the window screen with size errors
Best Window Screens FAQs
A: Fibreglass window screens are the best as they allow optimal visibility, airflow and block insects.
A: Mesh count tells about the number of mesh in a single row. For instance, a 20 by 20 mesh count would indicate 20 rows in a screen with 20 openings in one row.
A: Black is the most popular colour for window screens as it provides visibility outwards and reduces glare.
