Window Screen and Door Screen help

Welcome to our Screening Guide

The aim of this guide is to give you an overview of what screens are, why they are used, the different types of screens and some guidance on what to look for when evaluating your options.

We’ve also added a few handy FAQs and links at the end for additional information.

What are screens?

Screens are systems designed to fit over windows and doors. There are a variety of styles, each fitted with fine woven mesh.

They create a physical barrier to prevent insects, pollen, pollution (and in some cases pets) from passing through, whilst allowing maximum light and air flow.

You have probably seen these on holiday, for example in Europe, the US or Australia and in films based in those countries as well.

Why use screens?

Screens work well because they are fitted at the point of entry and thus prevent things passing through in the first place. As they say, “prevention is better than cure” – much better to stop contaminants getting into your home rather than try to remove them once they’re inside.

So, for example:

Insects are kept out of a property which means there is no need for toxic sprays, fly paper or electrocution devices. This is much better for the environment as the insects remain unharmed and where they’re supposed to be which means they can continue doing their important work in the wild.
Pollen or pollution is kept out of a room because it is filtered from the air by the screen mesh before it can enter. This prevents it from circulating around a property where it is then difficult to control and remove.
UV screens stop damaging UV radiation from passing into the house which means the room is cooler and furniture isn’t damaged by the bleaching from the sun’s rays.

Which screen should I choose?

This depends on the nature of the problem you wish to solve.

There are a variety of screen types, all designed to deal with specific problems, but some screens will deal with more than one type of problem so it’s worth looking at all options before deciding.

More on this later, but for now we will talk through each screen type.

Insect screens - fly screens - bug screens

As the name suggests, this screen is designed to keep insects out when windows/doors are open.

When fitted with standard insect mesh the screen will stop the following insects:

Bees & Wasps, Bluebottles, Cluster Flies, Crane Flies, Daddy-Long-Legs, House Flies, Hornets, Ladybirds, Mosquitoes, Moths, Butterflies and Spiders

When fitted with a 30 x 20 midge mesh the screen will stop all the above + smaller insects such as Midges. We particularly recommend this mesh in parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland where Midges are present.

Pollen screens

This screen is for those who suffer from hay-fever or other pollen related allergies.

Generally fitted with Poll-Tex ®, a special pollen mesh, pollen screens are designed to filter a variety of grass, crop, flower and tree pollen.

This screen enables airflow whilst minimising the effects of pollen triggered allergies, and works especially well in bedrooms, where this combination is key to a good night’s sleep.

Poll-Tex ® mesh has been tested by the Charité hospital in Berlin, (one of Europe's largest University Hospitals) and awarded Pollen Mesh Certification.

Pollution screens

These screens are a new concept, made possible by the development of Respilon® Window Membrane.

This mesh protects against a wide range of contaminants including diesel particulates, smog, fine dust and many other airborne particles. They are a good choice for the following:

City living, buildings near roads, people with respiratory problems or heart disease and Hayfever sufferers. If you have neighbours that smoke near your property, the screen will also stop the smell of smoke from entering through a window or door.

Sun Control Screens

Strong sunlight can affect the home and working environment by heating rooms and buildings, creating glare, bleaching furnishings and making everyday living conditions uncomfortable.

These screens are fitted with a sun control mesh e.g. Suntex which is designed to moderate sunlight, filter UV and control temperature and light intensity. These screens can reduce heat by up to 80%.

Sun control screens are especially effective in conservatories, orangeries and rooms with large windows and bi-fold doors.

Pet Screens

Designed to keep pets in (or out) when a window or door is open.

Pet screens are fitted with an extra strength mesh to withstand scratching or clawing.

These can be used to control the movement of cats, dogs and birds whilst enabling good airflow and protection from insects.

Back to ……. which screen should I choose?

As mentioned earlier, each type of screen is designed to deal with a specific problem, but there is some cross-over so here are a few pointers:

Pollen Screens, Pollution Screens, Sun Control Screens and Pet Screens also keep insects out, although only an insect screen with midge mesh will prevent midges.
Insect screens, Pollen Screens, Pollution Screens and Sun Control Screens all offer a limited degree of pet protection although they are not scratch resistant.
Insect screens, Pollen Screens, Pollution Screens and Pet Screens offer some degree of UV protection, purely because the mesh creates a physical barrier.

This cross-over can be helpful where more than one problem is present, for example when you wish to keep insects out but also suffer from Hayfever.

Some meshes are more expensive than others, so people often 'mix and match' to limit the cost. So, for example, use a pollen screen in the bedroom to create a more comfortable environment for sleeping and a standard insect screen in the kitchen to keep insects out.

If you are unsure, we recommend you identify the issue that most concerns you and pick the screen that is designed to deal with that issue.

Window Screen Styles

There are a variety of screen styles, some designed for a specific window type and others for more than one. Here is an overview of each.

Framed screen - as the name suggests, this screen is made in the shape of a rectangular or square frame (a bit like a picture frame) and fitted with a mesh. This sort of screen is fitted onto the window frame to cover an individual window opening when the window is open. Fixing options can include magnetic strips, hinges or turn buttons.

Roller screen - this screen operates in a similar way to a roller blind, but with side channels. A cassette with mesh is fitted to the top of a window and the side channels run vertically from the cassette to the windowsill, to create a seal and guide the mesh as it is pulled downwards from the cassette. The screen is rolled down when the window is open and back to the cassette when the window is closed. It can be fitted into the reveal or directly onto the window frame.

Twin sliding screen - this screen is like the secondary glazing concept. An outer frame/track is fitted into the window reveal and two framed mesh screens fit into the frame. Each screen covers half the width of the window with an overlap in the middle to create a seal. Both screens slide aside to allow access to the window.

Pleated screen - as the name suggests, the pleated screen uses a mesh with a series of pleats rather than a flat mesh. The system consists of a top face fitted or reveal fitted channel which holds the mesh and side channels run vertically from the top channel to the window sill to guide the mesh as it is pulled downwards. The screen is pulled down when the window is open and pushed back to the top when the window is closed.

Door Screen Styles

There are a variety of screen styles, some designed for a specific door type and others for more than one. Here is an overview of each:

Hinged screen - this screen is made in the shape of a rectangular frame and fitted with a mesh. This is generally fitted onto the door frame with lift out hinges on one side and magnetic catches on the other. When you open your door, you close the screen to cover the opening. There are single or twin screen versions available

Roller screen - this screen operates in a similar way to a roller blind, but with top and bottom channels. A cassette with mesh is fitted vertically to the side of a door frame and the side channels run horizontally from the cassette to opposite side of the frame to guide the mesh as it is pulled across. Available as a single screen with a magnetic closing channel or a twin screen for larger doors such as French Doors

Twin sliding screen - this screen is like the secondary glazing concept. An outer frame/track is fitted into the door reveal and two framed mesh screens fit into the frame. Each screen covers half the width of the door with an overlap in the middle to create a seal. Both screens slide aside to allow access.

Single sliding screen - this system consists of a single sliding screen mounted on a top and bottom track. Designed for a traditional sliding patio door, this screen covers the opening when in use and sits over the fixed glass panel when the door is closed

Pleated door screen - as the name suggests, the pleated screen uses a mesh with a series of pleats rather than a flat mesh. The system consists of a top, bottom and side channels and single or twin meshes which pull across to cover the door opening. These screens work well with larger doors, especially bifold doors, because each mesh panel can be made larger than other screen styles.

Chain curtains - lengths of chain are hung onto a header bar to form a chain curtain. These can be used to cover full sized doors as well as the top section of a stable door. Often offered in a variety of chain colours as well as a mixed colour option

Mesh Strip Curtains – strips of finished strong mesh are hung onto a header bar to form a curtain. These can be used to cover full sized doors as well as the top section of a stable door. Can be offered in colours

How are screens supplied?

This depends on how involved you want to be in making and fitting your screens.

DIY Kits – low cost

If you don’t mind DIY and are keen to get going, then window and door screen kits are ideal.

Generally speaking, a kit will come with all the parts needed to make and fit your finished screens. Each kit will include a tool for inserting the mesh and a comprehensive set of instructions. Window screens are usually straight forward to make, whilst door screens can be more complicated and suited to someone with DIY experience.

Made to Measure screens – medium cost

If you’re not keen on making your screens, but you're happy to measure and fit, then made to measure screens are a good option.

A made to measure screen is built in a factory to your measurements. Your screen will be packed and shipped, ready for you to unpack and fit.

Fitted screens – higher cost – full service

This is where a company visits you to discuss your requirements, measure, provide a quote and, if you decide to go ahead, fit. The process should work something like this:

Contact you to arrange a site visit.
Carry out a survey and establish which windows/doors need screening.
Confirm your requirement e.g. Fly Screen, Pet Screen etc; the style of screen and specific colour requirements.
Take accurate measurements and deal with your questions.
Provide a quote detailing your requirements.
When you wish to go ahead, book the fitting and take a deposit.
Fit the screens, check satisfaction and take the balance.

Things to look out for when choosing a supplier:

Do they have proven screening experience and expertise?
Are they well established with a long history in the industry?
Where are they located? Are you happy to deal with overseas suppliers?
What service options do they offer?
Can they provide independently verified customer reviews?
Do they offer a warranty?
Can they guarantee a good product quality?
Do they have a showroom so you can see the screens?
Are they easy to talk to and happy to answer questions?

Our top 6 FAQ’s

Do Screens block the light?

Screens will reduce the light to a certain degree, and this depends on the mesh chosen. Modern high visibility meshes have a minimal effect on light and airflow, although a finer mesh such as Midge Mesh will affect light and airflow more.

If you wish to see for yourself, ask for a FOC sample.

Can screens be fitted to the outside of a building?

Yes – if the screens are made from powder coated aluminium frames and weatherproof mesh and fixings they can be fitted externally.

However, this will depend on whether your windows/doors open inwards or outwards. if your window/door opens outwards the screen is fitted on the inside of the property and vice versa if the window/door opens inwards.

How are screens fitted?

Screens are usually fitted directly to the window/door frame (face fitted) or into the surrounding reveal/recess surrounding the window (reveal fitted)

Fixings include adhesive magnetic strips or catches and hinges or turn buttons depending on which type of screen is chosen and how it is fitted. Some screens will require a screw fixing.

Can I have white insect mesh?

Some suppliers offer White mesh, but bear this in mind ….

White mesh is highly noticeable in the same way as a traditional net curtain so when the screen is in place the mesh is that much more obvious.

A black/charcoal insect mesh which gives good visibility through the screen itself is hardly visible and doesn’t show the dirt as much.

Will my window or door handles be a problem?

These can be an issue, but with some thought, this problem can be overcome.

Some screens, e.g. roller screens are not affected as much because when they are being used, the window/door is open, and the handles are out of the way. When the window/door is closed the screens is rolled away.

Will fitting screens invalidate my window or door warranty?

The face fitting option may require you to screw a fixing into the window/door frame. You may wish to check with your supplier, if your units are still within the warranty period, to make sure this doesn’t invalidate the warranty. This does vary from supplier to supplier.

Something to consider….

Building regulations require all new windows to have air vents. This consists of a large, routed hole through the top of the window, front to back, covered by a vent. Therefore, a couple of small screws fitted through the front of the frame shouldn’t have a detrimental effect if they are clear of the glazing unit.

What next?

Think about:

what you want your screen to do e.g. keep insects out or pets in!
where you want to fit your screen(s) – windows, doors, louvres?
which styles of screen you prefer
whether you want a DIY Kit, Made to Measure screen or a fully fitted service
Your budget

That’s it – you’re ready to get going!

If you would like to “talk screening” we’re happy to help. Please contact us by phone or email and one of our friendly customer services team will be happy to assist.

Useful BLOGS

https://www.streme.co.uk/blog/controlling-insects-in-summer

Hay fever relief with Streme Pollen Screens | Streme

Air Pollution prevention with Streme Pollution window and door screens | Streme