WHAT WE USE
Best Screens for Pool Cages
Refreshing your pool cage with the right screening material is essential. Not only does it maintain the area's cleanliness, but it also provides an effective shield against intrusive insects and other pests.
Choosing the Right Screen Material for Different Applications
Screens are available in a wide variety of materials, each designed to cater to specific requirements and settings. Whether your goal is to ensure privacy, prevent insect intrusion, or enhance weather resistance, the appropriate screen material can be transformative. Learn about their distinct characteristics, and decide which one is the ideal match for your needs.
Fiberglass 18x14 screens:
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Material: Made from woven fiberglass threads coated with a protective vinyl to ensure longevity and resist weathering.
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Mesh Size: The 18x14 mesh size offers a good balance between visibility and protection. It's slightly more open than the typical 18x16 mesh, making it suitable for larger insects.
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Visibility: Due to the specific mesh size, this type provides decent airflow and visibility. It won’t block the view as much as tighter mesh screens.
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Durability: Fiberglass screens are known for their durability. They don't corrode, rust, or stain.
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UV Resistance: Fiberglass screens have commendable resistance to UV radiation, helping to prevent degradation or fading from prolonged sun exposure.
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Maintenance: They are relatively easy to clean and maintain. Over time, they can become brittle or tear, but generally, they last quite a while.
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Cost: Fiberglass screens, in general, tend to be more cost-effective compared to other materials like polyester.
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Use Cases: Ideal for windows, doors, and patios. The 18/14 mesh is particularly useful in areas where larger insects (like grasshoppers) or snakes are a concern.
When considering a screen for a particular application, it's always best to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of the specific mesh size and material. For many homeowners, the fiberglass 18/14 screen strikes a good balance for everyday use.
Fiberglass 20x20 screens:
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Material: Constructed from woven fiberglass threads, these screens are usually coated with a protective vinyl to ensure they last long and resist the effects of weather.
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Mesh Size: The 20x20 mesh size means the openings are smaller, offering improved protection from smaller insects while still maintaining airflow.
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Visibility: Since the mesh is finer, there might be a slight reduction in visibility compared to more open meshes. However, it still provides a relatively clear view from the inside.
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Durability: Fiberglass screens, in general, are known for durability. They don't corrode, rust, or stain, though over time, they may become brittle or might tear.
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Maintenance: These screens are low maintenance and can be cleaned easily.
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Cost: Typically, fiberglass screens are more cost-effective compared to other materials like aluminum, though the exact price can vary depending on the specific mesh size and other factors.
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Use Cases: The 20/20 mesh is particularly suited for regions or applications where tiny insects, like no-see-ums or sand flies, are a concern. It's a popular choice for windows, doors, and porches in such areas.
For those who are located in regions with tiny pests or are particularly concerned about smaller insects or pine needles, the fiberglass 20/20 screen might be an ideal choice due to its finer mesh size. As always, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons based on the specific needs of the application and personal preferences.
Polyester 16x14:
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Material: Made from woven polyester threads, these screens might be coated or treated to increase their durability and resistance to environmental factors. These screens often exhibit better resistance to weather elements compared to some other materials.
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Mesh Size: The 16x14 mesh size is designed to provide good protection against insects while maintaining a balance of airflow and visibility.
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Visibility: This mesh size provides a clear view from the inside and ensures good airflow, making it ideal for windows and doors.
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Durability: Polyester screens are known for their strength and durability, often being more resistant to tears and punctures than fiberglass screens.
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UV Resistance: Many polyester screens have been treated for UV resistance, ensuring they won't degrade rapidly from prolonged exposure to sunlight.
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Maintenance: Polyester screens can be cleaned easily and typically resist mold and mildew.
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Cost: Generally, polyester screens tend to be priced higher than fiberglass, but their enhanced durability can often justify the higher cost.
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Use Cases: Given their robust nature, polyester 16/14 screens can be used in various applications, including windows, doors, and patios. They are especially recommended for households where a bit more durability is desired, or where there's a possibility of regular wear and tear.
Choosing polyester 16/14 screens can be a strategic decision for homeowners who want a long-lasting, resilient screen that offers clarity, protection, and ventilation.
Polyester 17x20:
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​Material: Constructed from woven polyester yarns. Polyester's intrinsic properties make it well-suited to withstand various weather conditions, potentially outperforming fiberglass in this regard.
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Mesh Size: With a configuration of 17 horizontal threads and 20 vertical threads per inch, this mesh size focuses on finer protection. The denser weave is designed to ward off even smaller pests, making it particularly effective against tiny insects.
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Visibility: Due to the finer 17/20 mesh size, there might be a slight reduction in visibility compared to more open mesh screens. However, it will still offer a reasonably clear view from the inside.
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Durability: Polyester's strength ensures a higher resistance to wear and tear, making these screens ideal for high-traffic areas or where a more robust screening solution is required.
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Maintenance: Being sturdy, polyester screens resist damage during cleaning and are generally easy to maintain.
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Cost: Given the benefits and quality of polyester, these screens might come at a premium compared to standard fiberglass screens.
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Use Cases: The finer mesh of the 17/20 screen makes it particularly suitable for areas plagued by tiny insects, such as no-see-ums or sand flies. It can be effectively used for windows, doors, porches, and other openings where insect protection is a top priority.
In summary, choosing polyester 17/20 screens is an excellent option for those seeking enhanced insect protection without compromising on the durability and benefits that polyester materials bring.
Privacy Screen or FloridaGlass:
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Material: Florida Glass is typically made from woven fiberglass, laminated with a plastic or vinyl material on one side.
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Debris Blockage: The laminated layer also helps to block out debris such as grass clippings, thus keeping your pool or patio area cleaner.
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Water Resistance: The lamination makes the screen water-resistant, preventing water from passing through, which is especially helpful during rains. It stops water from splashing into patio areas, ensuring a drier space.
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Durability: While the screen is sturdy and durable against wear and tear, the lamination might peel over time, especially if ex posed to intense sunlight and heat.
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Visibility: From the inside, visibility is relatively clear. However, the external view is obscured due to the lamination, providing privacy. Making it ideal for pool and patio enclosures where privacy is desired.
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Maintenance: These screens are easy to clean, but care should be taken not to damage or peel off the laminated layer during cleaning.
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Cost: Florida Glass or Privacy Screens tend to be more expensive than traditional screens due to the added features and benefits they provide.
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Use Cases: They can be installed in typical screen enclosures, and homeowners often use them in the lower sections of pool and patio enclosures to block out dirt and debris.
If you reside in a region like Florida, where privacy, debris protection, and keeping out rainwater might be concerns for your patio or pool area, then the Florida Glass or Privacy Screen might be an apt choice. It combines the advantages of standard screens with the added benefits of privacy and water resistance.
Pet Screen:
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Material: Pet screens are often made of stronger, more durable materials, like heavy-duty vinyl-coated polyester, which is several times stronger than traditional screens.
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Durability: Due to their robust construction, pet screens are resistant to tears, scratches, and damage from pets. They can withstand pushing, scratching, and biting from most domestic pets.
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Visibility: While pet screens are thicker and more robust than regular screens, they still offer reasonable visibility and airflow, though perhaps slightly less than standard screens due to the denser weave.
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Maintenance: These screens are designed to be easily cleaned. They can resist the usual dirt and grime that pets might introduce.
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UV Protection: Many pet screens offer UV protection, preventing harmful UV rays from entering while resisting fading from prolonged sun exposure.
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Mesh Size: The mesh size is typically larger than ultra-fine screens but strong enough to prevent pets from pushing through or tearing it.
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Cost: Pet screens are generally more expensive than standard screens due to the enhanced durability and specialized materials.
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Use Case: They can be installed in standard screen doors, windows, or patios. Some homeowners choose to use pet screens in lower sections only (where pets might scratch) and standard screens in the upper parts.
For pet owners who've faced issues with their pets tearing or damaging screens, pet screens are an excellent investment. They offer peace of mind, knowing that the screens will withstand the energetic play or curious nature of pets.
Choosing the Right Screen for Your Pool Cage:
Navigating the myriad of screen options for pool cages can be overwhelming, but making the right choice is crucial for optimizing protection, visibility, and durability. Whether it's the ultra-fine mesh of the Polyester 17/20 for warding off tiny insects, the privacy-enhancing features of the Florida Glass screen, or the rugged resilience of pet screens, each type caters to distinct needs. Beyond just insect prevention, factors such as UV protection, weather resistance, and maintenance ease play pivotal roles in the decision-making process. Engaging with the comprehensive guide on different screen types will empower homeowners to make an informed selection tailored to their specific pool environment and preferences.
