6 Types of Window Screens to Keep Bugs Out While Letting Light In
Your guide to picking a perfect mesh
Different types of window screens provide different benefits. Whether your screen is flat, fixed, or retractable, choosing the best material for your window screen is key to making sure your windows withstand everything life throws at them. The right window screen for you depends on your lifestyle— you may need function over form.
From fiberglass to polyester, there are window screens for everyone. Learn more about the different types of window screens and how to choose the best ones for your windows. If you’re not ready to DIY your window screen project, consider hiring a local window screen replacement company to do the work.
1. Fiberglass
One of the most common window screens you’ll find is a fiberglass mesh screen. Fiberglass is a popular choice for window screens because it’s less expensive than other window screen materials yet strong enough for most purposes.
Fiberglass mesh resists damage from UV rays, mold, mildew, and extreme temperatures, making it suitable for a variety of climates, too. And because fiberglass screens are relatively flexible, they won’t dent or tear under normal use. However, although fiberglass is a long-lasting material, it’s not the best mesh for standing up to pets, kids, or wind-strewn debris.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy-to-find | Not the most durable |
| Affordable | Can be damaged by incorrect installation |
| Pliable | Vulnerable to UV exposure |
Best For: Minimal wear and tear
2. Aluminum
Another affordable option is an aluminum window screen. Aluminum screens are made of a lightweight metal mesh that lets air in, keeps bugs out, and increases privacy. Aluminum also holds up well to scuffs, dings, and bumps, making it a good choice for screen doors, including sliding screen doors. You can even paint it to match your decor.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lightweight | Can dent or crease |
| Heat-resistant | Prone to rust and mold |
| Strong | Needs frequent cleaning |
Best For: Homes in hot climates
3. Stainless Steel
Stainless steel window screens are tough and rigid, providing exceptional strength. As another metal option, stainless steel screens are rust-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and weatherproof, able to withstand impacts and provide security from unwelcome visitors (human or not).
Stainless steel is a good option for screen doors, screened-in porches, and pool enclosures, thanks to its long-lasting durability. Paws, claws, and jaws will have a tough time damaging a stainless steel screen, which makes it an attractive choice for pet owners.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong | Heavy |
| Secure | Stiff |
| Durable | Expensive |
Best For: Homes with pets and children
Outside of price, different window materials have different levels of insulation and energy efficiency. A window pro can guide you through the different features to pick the best option for your budget.
4. Bronze or Brass
Made of a copper-zinc alloy, bronze and brass window screens may seem like an unusual choice, but they’re actually a good option for coastal climates as well as for renovating period homes. Bronze mesh weathers incredibly well, taking on an attractive patina over time; you can buy pure copper screens, too, although these tend to be more expensive. A bronze window screen offers good protection against insects.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Attractive | Needs special installation |
| Resistant to salty air | Very expensive |
Best For: Coastal homes
5. Polyester
For a soft, flexible screen with superior durability, polyester window screens fit the bill. The polyester is coated with vinyl during manufacturing, producing a mesh that is extremely tear-resistant. This enhanced resiliency provides a nearly pet-proof material suitable for cat and dog owners.
An added benefit: Polyester window screens are weatherproof and very long-lasting. The drawback to the strength of polyester screens is the added cost; they are typically more expensive than fiberglass screens.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Tear-resistant | Decreased visibility |
| Weatherproof and long-lasting | Very expensive |
Best For: Homes in cold climates
6. No-See-Um
An extra tight weave makes no-see-um screens a good choice for keeping out tiny insects such as biting midges—also known as no-see-ums, since you can’t see ‘em (hence the window screen name). No-see-um screens are made of fine fiberglass mesh, with spaces too small for midges, mosquitoes, gnats, and other pesky bugs to get through.
The tight 20x20 weave also provides added daytime privacy. No-see-um window screens are a great choice, especially for coastal or marshy areas where these bugs love to hang out.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent bug protection | Decreased visibility |
| Increased privacy | Very expensive |
Best For: Homes in areas with high humidity
Frequently Asked Questions
The best type of window screen for your home depends on your region and your family’s needs. While fiberglass window screens are a popular, affordable, and easy-to-find choice, you may be looking for different benefits, such as a more high-end look, increased strength, or extended durability. The best window screen meets the demands of your home and its residents while staying within your budget.
Pet-resistant, vinyl-coated polyester is one of the strongest window screen materials available, with some manufacturers touting a 7x increase in strength compared to standard fiberglass screens. Stainless steel security screens are also extremely strong, but they’re not suitable for coastal areas due to the risk of corrosion from salty sea air. If sea air isn’t a concern, stainless steel is extremely tough.
A lace curtain may block some of the biggest insects from entering while still allowing a breeze to get through. If your concern is privacy, then curtains and blinds will provide better privacy than window screens; for UV protection, you can choose specialty windows or UV-blocking film. And if you just want an inexpensive, temporary solution, there are adhesive or magnetic screen panels you can install for an hour, a day, or a season.
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