Spring is right around the corner, and most of us are looking forward to airing out our homes for fresh air and welcoming the sounds of nature. If you’re one to keep your windows and doors open for long periods of time, you may want to think about installing a screen on that frame. A window or door screen will help you keep insects, rodents and birds at bay. It disrupts an intruder's attempt of breaking in as well. Screens also help safeguard your home from harsh weather conditions, and if it looks good and is maintained well, will increase the appeal of your home too.
This guide will help you choose the best door and window screens for your home and needs.
What material should you pick for your door or window screen?
This all depends on what you will use it for. Here are some popular options:
- Glass: These are used on both commercial as well as residential properties. One great advantage about glass is that you don’t have to worry about rust, and it’s easy to clean. Be extra careful if you have overactive pets and children around, and choose sturdy glass. Install these in your bedroom or dining area for a view.
- Copper mesh: This material looks attractive and is strong, so will last longer if taken care of properly. Copper doesn’t rust as quickly as other metals, so it is a good option for those of you who live in humid or wet climates. Copper does cost more than other materials, so choose it wisely.
- Aluminum mesh: Strong, durable and good-looking, aluminum screens are a very popular choice across the country. Because they are thinner than most, they are almost invisible to the eye from a distance, and come in different colors and sizes.
These mesh options can be used on any frame, but you can also choose to add an extra layer of protection to your door or window screen.
Two-layer doorway
This is especially useful if you have a house with a porch or outdoor area. Install a second door on the same frame that you can keep closed, while the main door stays open. This way you get fresh air into your home, while keeping a layer of protection in place from stray animals and insects. You will also have a clear view of the outside, and can see anyone walking up to your property too.
Sliding screens
A sliding screen can be installed to any window or door frame, as long as your foundation is solid and there is plenty of room on either side for it to move across. This is a popular option for kitchens and rooms with a balcony. If you don’t have space for a door to swing out, then consider a sliding screen that will sit comfortably against the wall.
Half-and-half
This stylish option gives an old-school barnyard look to your home, and is useful if you have a kitchen door or large window to style. Some even choose to use it as a partition between the kitchen and dining area. The bottom half of the frame will be solid, and the top half will be a screen of your choice. If you have a pet, you may want to keep the top half solid, and have the bottom screen a moveable mesh that they can use as a panel to go in and out of the house as and when they please. Experiment with wood, metal and color options that suit the rest of the room.
Choose the screen that suits your lifestyle
Whichever screen you go for, make sure it complements your home and family needs. A metal screen in a rustic, wooden home will look out of place. Similarly, wooden blocks in a humid or wet climate won’t last as long as it should. If you live in a high-rise building, you may want to install a screen to protect your children.
Make sure you reach out to a well-established screen company to do the installation for you. And to ensure that the screen fits in well with your home’s aesthetic, reach out to our design team who will walk you through your best options.
Got Questions?
How do I measure a door screen?
Start by measuring from one inside corner of your door frame, and work your way to the other edge. Try to have steady hands and straight instruments for accuracy. It is recommended to leave a centimeter of trimming area on either side so you can adjust the screen during installation and cut off the excess.
How are door and window screens installed?
Once you get a screen that is for the shape and size of your unit, take down your old screen along with the door or window frame and lay it down on a flat surface. Roll the screen starting from one side and slide it into the grooves of the other side. Different models of screens come with their own instructions, so we recommend asking a professional for help to maintain accuracy.
Which door screen is best for privacy?
Most door screens aren’t built to block prying eyes from looking in, although they do provide a certain element of privacy. Use screens with thick, colored wiring and heavy mesh to obscure the view, while allowing you to look outside comfortably.
What measures shall I consider while choosing door or window screens?
Some factors to consider when choosing the right screen for your home should include the frame of the unit, the heaviness of the mesh, color scheme, panel support and usage.