Let's Talk Screening!
We are often asked what type of screening you supply with the Porch Screening Systems or the Hard Top Screen Enclosure systems. Depending on the size of the openings, we will supply the standard 18 x 16 mesh count or the 18 x 14 mesh count (larger openings) fiberglass screening.
Mesh Count:
Within a 1″ x 1″ square of screening, the number of openings across the top is called the ‘warp openings’ and the number of openings down the side is called the ‘fill openings’ of the mesh. Together, the warp and fill numbers determine the ‘mesh count’ of the screening. The mesh (or wires) is made of fiberglass, aluminum, or a synthetic material like plastic or polyester, and each is used in accordance with the purpose of the screen type.
Purpose:
Screening is primarily intended to protect against insects, such as mosquitoes. However, technological advances have enabled a combination of effects, including privacy, sun protection, strength, airflow, and viewability. The following graphic helps you understand the strengths and weaknesses of each screening type available to you… Screen Selection Chart (WEB page). Screens are used for a variety of purposes; for instance, smaller screens are used to keep out tiny insects such as gnats. Solar insect screens not only keep out bugs but also reflect solar heat and sunlight, blocking up to 90 percent of it from entering your home during summer months.
Air flow is a category of consideration when selecting screens. Increased surface area (thicker strands) will obviously decrease air flow. However screening is never designed to stop wind. You will be better served to purchase some sort of window insert for your openings if you wanted to stop the wind.
Standard Fiberglass Screening
This is the standard type of screening used in the screens for the average home. Strong, effective, and quite transparent. Unless otherwise noted, this is the screening we will include in your screen walls only or hard-top screen room kits.
Fabric Thickness: .0125 inch
Openness: 59%
Light Transmission: 69%
Burst Strength: 92 psi
Pool & Patio Fiberglass Screening
The traditional choice for patio and pool enclosures. Designed for applications that require extra strength. This screening is sent when your screen wall openings exceed 48″ wide.
Fabric Thickness: .017 inch
Openness: 58%
Light Tranmission: 60%
Burst Strength: 154 psi
Solar Insect Screening
Phifer Solar Insect Screening offers the ultimate in insect protection while also blocking up to 60% of the sun’s heat and glare. This fabric also improves daytime privacy while offering excellent outward visibility. Phifer Solar Insect Screening works whether windows are open or closed.
Mesh Weight 7.0 oz/yd2 (235.6 g/m2)
Fabric Thickness .015 (.381mm)
Opennes Factor Approximately 32%
UV Blockage Approximately 68%
No See 'Ums Fiberglass Screening
Known as the NO-SEE-UMS screen, this fiberglass screen is a tightly woven 20×20 mesh designed to keep out smaller flying insects. While densely woven, this screen still allows good ventilation and visibility and provides some daytime privacy.
Yarn Diameter (inch) .013
Openness (%) 45
Fabric Thickness (inch) .016
Burst Strength (psi) 216
Pet Screening
Phifer PetScreen, pet-resistant insect screening, is tear and puncture-resistant to prevent damage by dogs and cats. Ideal for use in high-traffic areas, PetScreen installs like regular insect screening. PetScreen is excellent for use in patio and porch enclosures as well as windows and doors. PetScreen provides excellent outward visibility and is not harmful to pets.
Bursting Strength (psi) 538
Composition Vinyl-coated polyester
Mesh Weight 11.2 oz/yd2 (380 g/m2)
Fabric Thickness .036 (.914mm)
Openness Factor Approximately 36%
UV Blockage approximately 64%
SunScreen Exterior Shading Fabric
Phifer SunScreen is woven vinyl-coated fiberglass screening, manufactured primarily to reduce solar heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter. SunScreen absorbs and dissipates up to 70 % of the sun’s heat and glare before it reaches the window. SunScreen is easily installed on any type or size of window and also serves as insect screening.
Composition 35% Fiberglass, 65% Vinyl on Fiberglass
Fabric Thickness .019 (.48mm)
Mesh Weight 8.5 oz/yd2 (288 g/m2)
Openness Factor Approximately 25%
UV Blockage Approximately 75%
SunTex 80 Sun Screen
SunTex exterior shading fabric absorbs and dissipates up to 80% of the sun’s heat and glare, and is made of strong vinyl-coated polyester. Initially developed for outdoor furniture, SunTex is mildew- and fade-resistant and requires only occasional cleaning with mild soap and water. Ideal for use as a shading fabric on windows, doors, and porches, SunTex is also pet-resistant.
Composition 31% Polyester, 69% Vinyl on Polyester
Mesh Weight 13.5 (oz/yd2)
Fabric Thickness .040 (in)
Openness Factor Approximately 25%
UV Blockage Approximately 75%
SunTex 90 Sun Screen
SunTex exterior shading fabric absorbs and dissipates up to 90% of the sun’s heat and glare, and is made of strong vinyl-coated polyester. Initially developed for outdoor furniture, SunTex is mildew- and fade-resistant and requires only occasional cleaning with mild soap and water. Ideal for use as a shading fabric on windows, doors, and porches, SunTex is also pet-resistant.
Composition 31% Polyester, 69% Vinyl on Polyester
Mesh Weight 17.2 (oz/yd2)
Fabric Thickness .039 (in)
Openness Factor Approximately 10%
UV Blockage Approximately 90%
Phifer Super Solar Screening
Super Solar Screening absorbs and dissipates up to 90% of the sun’s heat and glare, and is made of strong vinyl-coated polyester. Phifer Super Solar Screening offers the ultimate in shading protection by blocking up to 90% of the sun’s heat. Super Solar Screening works whether windows are open or closed. It helps keep carpets and draperies from fading and also helps save energy.
Composition 43% Fiberglass; 57% Vinyl on Fiberglass
Mesh Weight 11.9 oz/yd2 (283.5 g/m2)
Fabric Thickness .025 in (.457mm)
Openness Factor Approximately 10%
UV Blockage Approximately 90%
Phifer Tuff-Screen
Tuff Screen is easily installed in window screens and doors. Tuff Screen is great for pool and patio enclosures and for keeping your pets in and other animals out. You can even use it for golf ball protection. Tuff Screen is one of the most advanced screen mesh products on the market today.
Yarn Diameter (inch) .018
Mesh Weight (oz/sq yd) 7
Fabric Thickness (inch) .026
Openness (%) 45
Bursting Strength (psi) 305
Composition: Vinyl on Polyester
Get back to Where you Were...
The manufacturer reserves the right to send material that is longer/wider than ordered.
As a DIY application, the customer will make the final cuts on site to achieve the desired finished size.
We Are Here For You!
We have access to all the engineering for all our components, so we can help ensure what you build lasts a lifetime! Our people are not commissioned, so there are no sales pressures and no need to ‘upsell’ you on something you actually don’t need. We are here to help and get you the DIY materials you need to accomplish your goals!
