What is the Advantage and Disadvantage of insect screen vs regular screen

Florida is home to 47 species of no see ums or biting midges. At less than one-eighth of an inch in size, these tiny pests may have difficulty catching your eye, but they have no trouble making their presence felt. Their bites are irritating and painful, and for some unlucky souls, they can trigger long-lasting lesions. If their nips interfere with your enjoyment of your outdoor living spaces, you are probably wondering if there is a way to keep them away. There is!  As your local screen enclosure experts, Dulando Screen & Awning has the necessary facts. Here is an article about the pros and cons of no see um screen for your patio or pool enclosure.

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No See Um Screen vs. Regular Screen

What sets a no see um screen apart from a regular screen?
It starts with size and material.

Regular screens that are in good repair do a great job of keeping most insects out. However, the minuscule size of no see ums allows them to slip through the holes in the weave of regular screens. No see um screens are a tighter weave and there are more holes in the screen. This increases your protection against biting no-see ums without sacrificing comfort, aesthetics, or durability.

Types of Insect Screening

With nearly 50 species of no-see ums, it’s no surprise that you have several options for insect screen material to keep these nuisances out of your spaces. At Dulando Screen & Awning, we always use top-quality Phifer screens. Phifer offers a few possibilities for no-see ums:

20×20 No See Um Screening

This fiberglass screen is the standard choice for a product that keeps no see ums at bay. It uses glass yarns finer than those found in regular fiberglass screening that have been coated with vinyl. This material choice allows for a denser weaving with smaller holes that keep even the tiniest insects out. Don’t worry, it may keep insects out, but you’ll still enjoy plenty of airflow. Fiberglass remains flexible and won’t rust or stain. This screen is available in charcoal for optimal aesthetics. See the difference between 18/14 Screen and 20/20 Screen.

Phifer Tuffscreen

A vinyl-coated polyester screening, Tuffscreen can stop most small insects while protecting privacy. It’s durable and stylish in black. Phifer TuffScreen® Heavy-duty Mesh Screen spans wide spaces easily. Its heavy-duty vinyl coating blocks out insects but leaves your view unobstructed.

Pros of No See-Um Screens

What are the pros of no see um screens? If you’re weighing no-see um screen vs regular screening, you can generally expect no see um screens to offer greater protection from insects large and small. This means you will not need to use as many chemical repellants.

You will also tend to enjoy more privacy. Depending on the screen that you select, you may also get more sun protection. It’s also worth noting that no see um screens tend to have great durability and lengthy lifespans. This can help to offset their higher initial cost, making them amazing value. As top-quality screens, they can often outperform other regular types of screening.

Cons of No See Um Screens

What downsides come with no-see um screens? Because of the materials and technology involved in their construction, they are one of the more expensive types of screening. Also, their denser weave can sometimes cause a slight reduction in visibility.

Whether you’re weighing the pros and cons of a no-see-um screen or are curious about how to screen a porch or patio, Dulando Screen & Awning is ready to answer your screen enclosure questions. Contact us today to learn more about our services. Dulando always offers a free in-home design consultation.

If you’re planning to replace your screens then it’s important to consider the type of mesh you’re looking for. Whether you’re looking for a screen that seamlessly complements your room, protection against pesky tiny insects, or maximum durability — it’s important to understand the size and uses of each mesh type.

In this article, we'll explore the pros and cons of a no-see-um screen compared to a standard screen, helping you make the right choice for your home project.

No-See-Um Screens: What Are They?

No-see-um screens are designed to keep tiny, irritating insects out of your living space. They are particularly effective at preventing the entry of these minuscule insects. Now, let's explore the different forms of no-see-um window screens available for your needs.

Common Types Of No-See-Ums

1. Solar Insect Screen (20x30) 

If you're looking for a surefire solution that not only keeps tiny insects at bay but also provides added benefits like 65% UV ray protection, consider custom solar insect screens. The 20x30 mesh screen offers excellent insect protection while also providing daytime privacy.

 2. Traditional No-See-Ums Screens

These screens feature a specialized mesh with incredibly fine openings, designed to block out tiny insects while still allowing air and light to flow through. They are commonly used in windows and doors to keep no-see-ums, mosquitoes, and other pests out.

Pros

Effective Insect Protection

No-see-um screens offer reliable protection against tiny insects like no-see-ums, midges, and sandflies.

Enhanced Visibility

These screens maintain good visibility both indoors and outdoors, ensuring that you can enjoy the view without obstructions.

Reduced Use Of Chemical Repellents

With no-see-um screens, you may find yourself using fewer chemical repellents, reducing exposure to potentially harmful substances.

Cons

Higher Cost

These specialized screens are generally more expensive than fiberglass mesh, which might affect your budget.

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May Reduce Airflow

A no-see-um screen mesh may reduce the amount of airflow, particularly when compared to standard screen frames.

Limited Availability

No-see-um screening may not be readily available in all regions, making it harder to acquire.

Applications

1. Porch Enclosures

No-see-um screens are perfect for enclosing porches, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors without the annoyance of tiny insects.

2. Windows

Installing these screens on windows keeps your home well-ventilated while keeping fleas and gnats out.

3. Gazebos and Sunrooms

Make your outdoor structures more comfortable with no-see-um screens, ensuring uninterrupted relaxation.

Regular (Fiberglass) Screens

Regular (fiberglass) screens are the standard choice for window screens. They are made of woven fiberglass mesh and offer a balance between visibility, durability, and insect protection.

Pros

Cost-Effective

Regular screens are budget-friendly, making them an excellent choice for those looking to keep costs down.

Easy Availability

You can easily find standard screens in most regions, making replacements and repairs convenient.

Adequate Insect Protection

These screens do provide some level of insect protection, particularly against larger insects like flies and mosquitoes.

Simple Installation

You can typically install regular screens yourself, saving on installation costs.

Cons

Less Effective Against Tiny Insects

These screens are not as effective at keeping out tiny insects like no-see-ums, which may still find their way indoors.

Reduced Visibility

Compared to no-see-um screens, regular screens can obstruct your view slightly.

Applications

1. Windows and Doors

Fiberglass screens are a common choice for windows and doors, providing a basic barrier against insects.

2. Home Ventilation

They are suitable for general home ventilation when full insect prevention is not a primary concern.

FAQs 

1. Do fiberglass screens keep midges out?

Regular fiberglass screens are not as effective at keeping out tiny insects like midges (no-see-ums). For midge protection, it's advisable to use specialized no-see-um screens.

2. What screen mesh size should you choose for blocking mosquitoes?

For blocking mosquitoes and other tiny insects like no-see-ums, a mesh size of 20x20 per square inch is recommended.

Wrapping Up

Choosing between no-see-um screens and regular screens depends on your geographical location and specific requirements. If you live in an area with frequent no-see-um activity and prioritize protection from these tiny insects, opting for no-see-um screens is a smart move. On the other hand, if you reside in regions with minimal no-see-um activity, standard fiberglass screens provide a practical and budget-friendly solution.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website is fiberglass natural or synthetic.