subject: Screening Your Options: Style & Function For Your Windows [print this page] Window screening technology has come a long way from the days of aluminum frames and aluminum mesh. Although aluminum screens are durable and functional for many purposes, the popularity of vinyl windows and specialized needs has created a number of additional options for replacing screens on your home windows:
Vinyl frames: These match vinyl windows and are typically white in color. They are easy to clean and like vinyl window frames, cannot be painted or refinished.
Fiberglass mesh: This is typically used in vinyl windows and provides a sturdy, low maintenance screening option.
Solar screens: These screens are fabricated to prevent penetration of solar rays that are harmful to furniture, window treatments, and floor coverings. A bonus feature of solar screening is privacy; you have an unobstructed view, but no one can see into a window protected with a solar screen.
Extra strength screening: If you love pets, but are tired of replacing damaged screens, extra strong screening can withstand most damage caused by pets. Sturdy screening is also useful for screen doors that withstand a lot of traffic.
Roll away screens: If you have French doors, roll away screens allow you to put screens in place when needed, but they roll away otherwise. These screens can be installed indoors or out, and may be rolled up manually or using a mechanical mechanism.
Small mesh: If you're being assaulted by "no-see-ums" (tiny insects), using small mesh for your sun porch, patio, or window screens can help limit access by invisible but destructive intruders.
Window screens can be easily replaced in many cases, but screens are made to order, so it's important to make exact measurements before ordering screens. Some screening companies offer kits with screening mesh frames so you can build one yourself to your exact measurements.
