Why Fiberglass Window Screens are Still a Top Choice

We look out our windows onto the world daily. During the right season, we may open our windows to let the fresh air sweep into our living spaces for a bit of a refreshing change. When dirt, dust, and debris stick to our windows, we clean them. But when was the last time you thought about or remembered your window screens?

It is so easy to forget when window screens work well that they are even there. But they are still one of the most important innovations for homeowners since their inception. We wouldn’t be able to enjoy fresh air during certain seasons as without a window screen, biting, buzzing insects would make themselves at home inside. If you lived in an area of the world surrounded by nature, without a window screen there’s a good chance you could find yourself nose to nose with a curious squirrel, raccoon, birds, or any other wildlife that could stroll or fly into an unscreened window.

Many years ago, having a front or backyard porch may have afforded gorgeous spring, summer and fall views—but without a screen, pests, rodents, and more were likely to quickly disrupt what was meant to be a relaxing part of your home.

Did you know that parasitic diseases caused by insects were largely eradicated by the 1950s in the U.S. due to the widespread usage of window screens? While they still protect us, fiberglass window screens can do so much more these days and are still a top choice for property owners all over the world.

How Fiberglass Window Screens Are Made

It begins with fiberglass, a common type of fiber-reinforced plastic using glass fiber. These fibers can be randomly arranged, flattened into a sheet, or woven into a fabric. Fiberglass is a synthetic material and has been around for a very long time. At least 80-plus years.

The fiberglass is then turned into a single screen wire. A single strand in fiberglass window screens is then vinyl-coated and then woven with other strands to create a mesh. That mesh has a certain size which is determined by the number of vertical and horizontal strands of material per square inch. The mesh size, plus the diameter of the fiberglass strands then determines the amount of light and ventilation that will pass through fiberglass window screens.

The Benefits of Fiberglass Window Screens

Traditional, older window screens were most often made from metal. These screens are rigid, difficult to remove, and can be easily damaged by bending. Fiberglass window screens were created to provide a much more innovative solution to many of the problems that came with the traditional window screens. For example: since fiberglass screens are flexible, a little pressure against them while installing or a small bump won’t bend the screen. Additionally, fiberglass screens, unlike their older metallic counterparts do not need to be painted and you do not need to worry about the weather eroding the paint and having to touch it up year after year.

They are also far more attractive on homes than the older versions. You also get to enjoy:

• Additional protection along with insect safeguarding. Fiberglass window screen mesh helps keep out more than just insects and critters. Small debris, like dirt, leaves, grass, and other minuscule objects that can get kicked up in a gust of wind is kept out thanks to your fiberglass window screens. In some cases, certain fiberglass screens can be considered solar now helping to block some of the UV rays that can harm skin, furniture, and fade carpets and paint.

• Fiberglass window screens are still the best in-home ventilation to allow fresh air into your home when you need or want it.

• Fiberglass window screens can help regulate heat and sunlight in locations where the climate is very hot. Dense window screens can help filter out UV rays that cause damage to furniture, carpets, and more. It can also reduce cooling costs. Some fiberglass screens not only minimize but can block the entry of UV rays ranging from 75% to 90% while enhancing privacy without obscuring views.

Plus, when you install and properly maintain fiberglass window screens in your home, they can last up to 10 to 15 years! With all the benefits above as well as how long fiberglass window screens last, it’s obvious why fiberglass window screens are still a top choice for homeowners around the globe.