Mar. 17, 2025
Fiberglass screen material has long been a common choice for porches because it's less expensive than metal screen. It's also easier to install because of its flexibility and doesn't crease or dent like metal screen mesh is prone to do. Some styles of fiberglass screen are available in roll widths up to 108' wide. The major downside to fiberglass screen materials is that it is not very resistant to abuse, will breakdown over time based upon UV exposure, and it can be damaged with improper installation.
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The 4 most common fiberglass screen material include:
- High Clarity Screen: Excellent view / very low durability.
- Standard Window Screen: Good view / average durability.
- Pool & Patio Screen*: Good view / good durability.
- No-See-Um Screen**: Acceptable view / good durability.
Modern polyester screen materials are used far more than any other material with respect to porch screen applications. Polyester screen material has all the same benefits of fiberglass screen material (easy to install, flexible and doesn't crease or dent) but it has the added value of superior durability. You literally cannot rip, tear or damage it. About the only way to damage polyester screen material is with a knife or sharp poker. All polyester screen materials are also "pet resistant". Additionally, polyester has a 10-year minimum expected life span - but +20 years is more realistic. It is also available in rolls far larger than Fiberglass ' upwards of 10 or more feet wide.
The 3 most common polyester screen materials include:
- Pool & Patio Screen: Good view / superior durability. Considered the standard material for porch, patio, deck, and pool enclosure applications. Will prevent all typical bugs such as flies, mosquitoes, bees, etc. ( SHOP HERE )
- No-See-Um Screen: Acceptable view / superior durability. Used in applications where black flies (below left) or no-see-ums (below right) are present -or- when privacy is desired. Because the weave is tighter to stop smaller bugs, view is reduced noticeably. ( SHOP HERE )
- "Super" No-See-Um Screen: Acceptable view / superior durability. Offers the ultimate insect protection. Extremely tight weave stops even the tiniest of insects. Also used in applications where additional privacy is desired. Because the weave is extremely tight, view is reduced noticeably more than standard "No-See-Um screen". ( SHOP HERE )
You should make your decision based upon budget, application, expected useful life, and potential abuse, etc. All 6 of the most common screen materials noted above will all work perfectly with SNAPP® screen and are all commonly available from most home centers or building suppliers.
Our recommendation to all customers is to use our Polyester Pool & Patio Screen, our Polyester No-See-Um Screen, or our Polyester "Super" No-See-Um Screen. Not because they are the only materials we sell, but because all three products have proven track record of durability and expected life. While the Polyester Screen may be more expensive up front, the useful life of the product makes it a far better value.
How will our Polyester Pool & Patio Screen look when installed ? (Most porches on the PHOTO PAGE have Polyester Pool & Patio Screen installed)
Basic cleaning is required and should be performed as needed based upon your location and exposure to pollutants, debris, and usage. At a minimum, seasonal cleaning should be performed to ensure no buildup of pollen or debris.
Extrusions and screening should be hosed off as required to retain a clean appearance. Best practice is to hose off from the inside spraying water outwards if possible. If a more intense cleaning is required, mix 1 cup of mild detergent with 1 cup of bleach with 3 gallons of water. This can be applied with a soft sponge or soft car washing brush ' after first spraying off as much debris as possible with your hose. Wipe or brush down all extrusions and screening using moderate pressure ' heavy or intense scrubbing is not required. Hose off all areas thoroughly with clean water and let air dry.
Never power wash or use any harsh or caustic cleaners, stiff or abrasive brushes or scouring pads. The use of any other product or cleaning method beyond that which is specifically noted above may cause damage to screening or the applied extrusion finish.
When choosing types of screen, there are two main materials that screen can be manufactured from: fiberglass yarns and metal wires. Of course, some screens are manufactured out of polyester yarns as well. So, how do you choose between the three? Read along to learn more!
The very first insect screens were manufactured out of metal, so we'll begin with metal screen. Generally manufactured out of aluminum, metal screen is a more traditional choice of screen material. It is very strong, making it ideal for geographical areas with insects such as grasshoppers that could pose a risk to eating through screens. Traditionally, metal screen delivers a more visually appealing
experience when looking through them. Other metal screens are made from bronze, stainless and galvanized steel wire.
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Fiberglass screening began being manufactured in the late 's, and was developed for its forgiving nature. Fiberglass, coated with a vinyl protective layer, offers a durable, longer-lasting option in coastal climates, since it is not susceptible to corrosion. Over time, fiberglass screen has become a popular option for pool enclosures and patios. Generally, fiberglass screen is only available in shades of charcoal or gray.
In the early 's polyester fabrics were first produced by Phifer for outdoor furniture applications in our Phifertex® product line. Its strong, durable and weather resistant features in any outdoor application led to the development of other woven polyester products such as PetScreen®, TuffScreen® and SunTex® exterior sun shading fabrics.
While all three types of screen weather well and offer clear views, there are certain characteristics of each screen that make them more preferable in certain applications.
Metal screen, while sturdy, is also not forgiving, meaning that if pets, people or other object impact the screen, it will dent permanently. The fact that metal screen isn't forgiving, also makes it difficult to install in DIY projects. There's a specific process that must be followed when installing metal screen, and most experts suggest hiring a professional to do the job. One more characteristic to keep in mind, is
Bronze Screen
that metal screen generally comes in maximum widths of 60 to 72 inches. Therefore, if you're looking for screen large enough to cover a wide opening space such as in pool cages, the 6-foot maximum width would not be ideal for projects with wide expanse requirements.
Fiberglass, unlike metal screen, is very forgiving, and can withstand the hustle and bustle of people and pets and accidental bump-ins. This forgiving nature is also a great quality for DIY installs. So, if you're wanting to screen in your back porch one weekend, this material is your better bet. The width range for fiberglass screen is vast, and can be as wide as 132', making it a great option for larger installs such as
18x14 Fiberglass
pool and patio enclosures. Fiberglass is also more cost effective than aluminum.
However, fiberglass screen can have its setbacks as well, with fewer colors available and a greater vulnerability to damage from insects such as grasshoppers.
The primary difference with polyester screening products such as Phifer PetScreen® is not only the different core yarn but how it is coated with the protective vinyl. While metal screens are painted after weaving and fiberglass yarns are coated with a liquid vinyl prior to weaving, polyester yarns are vinyl coated in an extrusion process which places more vinyl on the yarn when compared with
SunTex 80
liquid coating. The result is the ability to make a larger diameter and 'softer' coated yarn. The larger polyester yarns are woven in all SunTex® sun shading fabrics and many popular pool and patio products such as TuffScreen® No-See-Um screening.
If you're in the market to buy metal screen, Phifer® offers Aluminum No-See-Um screen that is perfect for keeping most small insects out, and providing great visibility. As for fiberglass screen, UltraVue 2® is an excellent choice of screen that provides unobstructed views and is infused with Water Shed Technology® to keep screens clear by preventing water collection on the screen while also repelling dirt and debris. TuffScreen® is a very popular polyester mesh product for screen porches or pool enclosures where durability is a priority feature. To buy any of these products now, click here.
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