Window Screens

[memrph]

The best Jerry, The best

My spring project (ok one of them) is to replace all the window screens in the garage and house from the builder specials.

What do i want in a window screen in order of importance.

1. bug resistance so i don't have to get up when the wife screams there is a bug, and go kill it.

2. visibility (or lack of screen visibility)

3 ventilation (i hope i didn't have to say this)

4. durability

5. solar reflection (not necessary, but who does not like to save money)


i am consider the 20x20 or 20x30 from these folks.
http://www.metroscreenworks.com/screenwire.php

also looking at, but can't find a mesh rating.
http://phifer.com/insectscreening/windows-doors-porches/product/42/ultravue

any thoughts would be great i have learned so much, the next house will based entirely off french cleats

 

[Zeke]

Some of your preferences contradict one another. Visibility and solar reflection will be mutually exclusive. The solar variety might cut down on air flow as well, but I don't think you'll notice. When you say durability is this longevity or pet proof? I think a bright aluminum would be good for everything summed up but it won't stay bright for long.

I like natural (not charcoal) fiberglass. It reflects a little, is easy to see through and does the rest just fine unless you have rambunctious pets. Buy stout frames and learn to replace the mesh yourself. You can buy a whole roll of material (lifetime supply ) for not too much.

 

[Bookworm]

Gotta use the metal screening hereabouts. The grass hoppers eat the fabric and fiberglass type.

 

[wasfuzz]

The "Pet Proof" stuff works great, but it is very dark colored. You can see thru it ok, but you can not beat it for longevity. You can throw a baseball at it and watch the screen strech and pop back in to shape. It is a ****** to cut, you will wear out utility blades putting it in. I have some that I put in about 9 years ago and it is still going strong, and my 150# Rottie bounces off of it routinely.

 

[coljar]

Those copper ones look nice, but I guess I've never gave them much thought. A screen was a screen.

 

[memrph]

Some of your preferences contradict one another. Visibility and solar reflection will be mutually exclusive. The solar variety might cut down on air flow as well, but I don't think you'll notice. When you say durability is this longevity or pet proof? I think a bright aluminum would be good for everything summed up but it won't stay bright for long.

I like natural (not charcoal) fiberglass. It reflects a little, is easy to see through and does the rest just fine unless you have rambunctious pets. Buy stout frames and learn to replace the mesh yourself. You can buy a whole roll of material (lifetime supply ) for not too much.

sorry folks should have been more clear, i realize there are trade offs, like visibility vs solar etc.

i definitely need bug resistance, and good visibility. anything that comes along with those 2 is just a bonus.

Thankfully the dog leaves the screens below but i have seen cats occasionally climb them for something that caught their eye. so they have to be bullet proof, but don't want to replace every year or 2. Thanks