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Discover average window screen replacement costs, key price factors, and ways to save and budget for your window screen project.
6 Types of Window Screens to Keep Bugs Out While Letting Light In
Your guide to picking a perfect mesh
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Your window screen material choice depends on your home's needs, with fiberglass offering affordable flexibility while stainless steel provides maximum durability for pets and kids.
Fiberglass screens are the most budget-friendly option, while specialized materials like bronze, polyester, and no-see-um mesh cost significantly more but offer enhanced protection and longevity.
Different screen types suit different climates, with aluminum handling heat well, bronze resisting salty coastal air, and polyester withstanding cold weather without becoming brittle or damaged.
Hiring a local window screen replacement professional provides guidance on selecting the best material for your climate and installing screens correctly to prevent damage from improper setup.
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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
Photo: ronstik / Adobe Stock
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
Photo: Piman Khrutmuang / Adobe Stock
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
Angi Tip
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
Photo: Youril / Adobe Stock
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
Screen repairs reviews from real Angi homeowners in Columbus, OH
5.0★ avg. • 2 total reviews
- Julio V.
Positive experience. As previously stated, the replacement/repair could not be completed (no fault of the plumbing tech) b/c misinformation was rec?d by property management maintenance. Thanks to the plumbing tech for your efforts. Appreciate you!
The Waterworks - Brent C.
Carpet repair done well. Scheduling was easy. Showed up on time.
BR Flooring Installation - Austin Y.
I would recommend this company to anyone! He showed up on time, was friendly, completed a very difficult repair on our dryer vent cover, was responsive, and pricing was extremely fair and competitive. I would have him back to do any of our repairs or cleanings without hesitation!
U.S.A. Dryer Vent, LLC - Micki B.
Everything from initial contact to completion was absolutely top notch. We contacted the business during off hours to leave a message, and the owner still reached out to feel out the issue within minutes. We were scheduled and repaired within 48 hours. I cannot say enough about the...
Supreme brick & chimney - Donald L.
Ace Fireplace Services came to the rescue for my chimney repair. They were quick to pinpoint the issue and worked their magic to fix it. My chimney is now in excellent shape, and I'm a satisfied customer.
Ace Fireplace Services - Michael H.
Description says they handle window repair including rotten hardwood - they called me back right away but didnâ t leave a voicemail. I followed up 3 days later and they said they donâ t do that kind of work.
Window-Gurus - Paul C.
Great guys. Spend a lot of time repairing and prepping our walls before doing the new paint. Home looks great now.
- Pantelhs V.
They did an excellent job with the repair, took care of all communication with the insurance company and had car rental service also with a very reliable, quality care
Three C Body Shop - Heber H.
We recently had our office sidewalk repaired and CT Concrete did an "Outstanding" job. They were quick, friendly and the job is "flawless". I would highly recommend CT Concrete for any of your concrete/sidewalk needs.
- Michael S.
Mr. Bunting repaired one broken brace (the "sticks" that connect the legs of a chair to make it stronger), and replaced another on two high end antique replica Windsor chairs I own. The one that was replaced required him to turn a new brace on a lathe to be the same as the missing brace would...
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