Types and Benefits of Window Screens

Windows allow sunlight to enter the home while improving the security of your house. But the windows alone may not provide enough benefits to your home. As a result, many homeowners also install window screens. Here are the benefits and types of window screens for your home.

Types of Window Screens

Multiple types of window screens exist on the market today, each one containing unique materials. Here are the main types of window screens.

 1. Fiberglass Window Screens

Fiberglass window screens are cheaper and more lightweight than most other materials. You can select the screens from a white variety of colors and styles.

Metal window screens include stainless steel, brass, copper, bronze, and aluminum. While all these types have various benefits, aluminum is the most common due to its corrosion resistance properties and relatively lower price. Another option is stainless steel with an attractive appearance.

If you don’t mind paying more, you can select bronze, brass, and copper screens for the best performance and high durability.

    2. Retractable Window Screens

Retractable screens combine the strengths of window screens and storm windows. When you want to use the screen, you just pull it down and affix it securely. Once you’re done, the screen will retract fully. Retractable window screens are highly beneficial in screen doors, sunrooms, and porches.

Benefits of Window Screens

Once you install window screens, you can expect the following benefits.

    1. Improve Indoor Air Quality

Dust particles and harmful gasses can accumulate in your house and cause air pollution. For instance, exhaust, smoke, and smog can enter your home and cause indoor air pollution. Here are other common causes of air pollutants.

• Biological pollutants
• Indoor particulate matter
• Pesticides
• Pet dander and saliva
• Bacteria and viruses
•  Mold and mildew

Quality window screens can help prevent some of these substances from getting inside your home. The screens allow air to pass through the windows but can stop pests, bugs, trash, and leaves from entering your home.

    2. Better Security

Multiple things can cause problems to your windows, including errant baseballs, intruders, and debris. The window screens will provide another protection layer to guard the windows against debris or harm. For instance, some window screens contain coated steel instead of aluminum or fiberglass to enhance the security of your home. Hence, intruders won’t push, cut, or break your windows to gain entry into the house.

 

 

     3. Sun Blocking

Screens on their own are not able to block UV rays from the sun. However, screens can block heat from the sun that may have otherwise entered the house.

     4. Keep Bugs Out

A screen without any holes can help prevent bugs from entering the home. In fact, the initial purpose of window screens was to protect against common bugs, such as mosquitoes and flies. Hence, window screens can help protect your family from specific diseases like malaria.

Window screens can also prevent larger pests like birds, squirrels, and raccoons from entering your home. Many of these pests can steal food, destroy items, and even injure people. Some of them are even known to transmit specific diseases like rabies.

     5. Increased Energy Efficiency

Window screens provide extra protection against blazing UV rays and winter gusts. Screens also make it possible to leave the windows open if the weather is nice. This helps you utilize outdoor air to make your home cooler and prevent excessive usage of the HVAC unit. The result is less energy consumption and utility bills.

Getting Started

Are you looking to improve the appearance and functionality of your home? 1st Choice Windows & Siding can help you with your next home improvement project by providing superior siding and window products. Our contractors also carry general licensing and insurance. Contact Us to get started.