Keep Your Window Screens in Good Repair

Even the highest quality screen available will deteriorate over time; screen replacement or screen repair is a job that just about every homeowner will have to consider at some time. While not the most glamorous task on the planet, window screen replacement and repair does offer homeowners a few different options. Screen manufacturers have made vast improvements on their products in the past few decades, leaving you with a much wider variety of screens to choose from to better suit the needs of your household.

Insect Screen Replacement and Repair
Most of the screens that you see on a house are considered insect screens. This type of screen is meant to allow air flow, but block bugs and debris from coming inside. Insect screen mesh is now available in metal and fiberglass models as well as in different colors, so consumers can upgrade in style. One thing to consider with a job like window screen replacement is whether or not you need all the screens on your house to match. Since most people find this desirable, replacing all of your insect screens at the same time is usually the way to go. Households with pets might consider replacement screens specially designed for strength. Pet screens are available with up to seven times the strength of a normal insect screen, and will hold up far better to the abuse cats and dogs are likely to dish out.

If you have only one or two insect screens that are damaged, taking them out and bringing them to a shop that does screen repair is probably the best choice. However, if many screens need repairs, it may be worth it to have the service professional come to you. Also, many screen companies are strictly mobile, so there may be no choice or cost savings in not having a professional come to your home to make repairs. Rips and tears in the screen itself are usually good candidates for screen repair; major damage to the frame may require screen replacement.

Window screen repair is a job that you may be able to do yourself. Kits and directions for screen repair are often available at home improvement centers.

Benefits of Solar Screens
One popular choice in screen replacement is the solar screen. A solar screen is a unique woven mesh that can block up to 90 percent of the sun's hot rays before they enter your windows. It is an excellent choice for use on windows, doors, and porches. It's made of strong, extremely durable, vinyl-coated polyester fabric and first developed for use on outdoor furniture.

Much like a pair of sunglasses for your windows and doors, solar screens appear dark from the outside, but visibility from indoors is maintained. Especially in warmer climates that get a lot of sunshine, replacing normal screens with solar screens can actually save you money on cooling bills and create a more comfortable environment in your home. Additionally, solar screens can reduce fading on furniture, drapes, and carpets.

Solar screens require a heavier frame than traditional insect screen frames so older insect screens cannot be fitted with solar mesh. Solar screens are also more expensive than insect screens, so you may only want to install them on areas of the house that are consistently exposed to direct sunlight.

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