Window Screens
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| Window Screens | |
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| Window Screens for Replacement Windows | |
| Description: | |
| Window screens cover the open area of an operating window when it is ajar to prevent infiltration or insects or other debris or creatures = |
Window screens are an integral part of any operating window today. They are generally included as a standard part of a replacement window order and fit securely into the exterior track of the window frame.
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[edit] Window Screens
Window screens, also called "bug screens" or "insect screens" cover the opening of an open window. They keep insects from entering any screened-in area. Window screens are generally included in any room in a house that has windows including porches, a pool room or a garden room. Window screens also guard against other debris such as leaves and dust and even against birds and other animals who might otherwise enter the house. When a window is open and a screen is attached, the room receives full ventilation without providing access to other living and non-living things that could otherwise fly or walk in from the outside.
[edit] Materials
The frame of a screen window is generally constructed from fiberglass or aluminum, even when the window itself is made from another framing material such as wood, wood clad, vinyl or composite materials. Nylon, bronze and polyester screens are also available and offer extra strength. Fiberglass screens are less expensive and generally don't mark or dent if they are pushed.
[edit] Fiberglass Window Screens
Fiberglass screens are made from vinyl-coated fiberglass threads. They are available in charcoal or in silver gray shades. They are opaque and flexible and can install easily in an aluminum frame or in a proprietary screen-framing systems.
[edit] Metal Window Screens
Metal screens, including aluminum screens, are available in charcoal, and black finishes. Aluminum screens are the least visible to the eye but it can dent and crease easily.
[edit] Bronze Window Screens
Bronze is an alloy which doesn't easily corrode or oxidize in the salty air along the coast. As it ages it turns color from bright bronze to dark brown (within a year of installation) and then, sometimes, to green.
[edit] Stainless Steel Window Screens
Stainless steel screens are also corrosion resistant but they are a significantly more expensive screen material than fiberglass, metal or bronze.
[edit] Nylon Window Screens
Nylon window screens are rustproof and waterproof. They resemble metal mesh screens but are stronger and more weather resistant. They do not tear or freeze.
[edit] Colors
Bronze screens are bright gold when first installed and their color then turns dark. Fiberglass screens are light gray or charcoal and appear opaque-colored from the interior of the house. Aluminum screens come in charcoal or black.
[edit] Considerations
Window screens can corrode easily and for this reason, screens installed in coastal areas should be manufactured with a corrosion-resistant material such as bronze. Synthetic non-corrosive screens are also available for coastal areas.
[edit] Energy Efficiency
Denser screen materials can reduce solar heat gain and sunlight and offer energy savings in heating dominated climates. These screens are marketed as "solar screens" and reflect heat and glare from the sun. The screens allow for full vision through the screens from both the home's exterior and interior. Some solar screens are manufactured from vinyl-coated polyester.
[edit] Screens for Replacement Windows
Screens for replacement windows are generally removable screens which can be taken off for washing. They fit within window tracks of the window which are located below the open sash.
[edit] Storm and Screen Window Combination
Homeowners who choose to install storm windows can now generally include dual-purpose storm/screen windows. The protective glazing of a storm/screen window slides down during the wintertime to protect against drafts and wind while in the summertime, the storm window slides up within the frame and the screen component slides down to protect against insects and other debris and animals.