Doors and windows allow the flow of breeze and natural light into the interior spaces of your home. However, opening up your doors and windows can potentially allow a party of unwanted guests in your home: flies, mozzies, organic materials brought in by the wind, and even the view of prying neighbourly eyes.
The best way to curtail these threats is to install quality fly screens. Here is a guide to choosing the right ones for your home.
The Difference Between Fixed Screens & Retractable Fly Screens
Screens are a popular choice for attaching to doors and windows. However, there is a difference between fixed screen and retractable screens. You should understand the difference before making a purchase decision.
Fixed Screens
Fixed screens cover your doorways or windows and stay in the same position permanently. For optimal protection, they can be designed using a variety of quality materials. They are installed using rivets, screws or welded frames. They might even have the added function of fire protection.
Retractable Fly Screens
Retractable fly screens, conversely, are not fixed in their place. Instead, their design allows them to roll away when not in use. The screen folds onto itself and is kept in a cassette. For window usage, you can slide the retractable fly screen open or closed as needed. For doorways, the screen can be shut and opened when you come home or leave. This way, they can serve as a versatile barrier during the day and can be closed along with the door when locking up at night.
What Works Best
Retractable fly screens provide considerable convenience for doors, whereas fixed fly screens are great for windows that don’t require much opening.
Keeping Out Bugs
Both styles are highly efficient when it comes to keeping out pests. They are both produced using fine mesh and successfully keep out bugs like flies and mozzies.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Both screens are easy to clean and maintain. All you have to do is wipe them down with a damp cloth to keep them clean. You can also choose to have them professionally cleaned.
Subtlety
Retractable fly screens can be fully retracted, while fixed screens are stuck in the one place. Although retractable fly screens are better for subtlety, fixed screens can also come in a variety of unobtrusive colours and styles.
Convenience
Both styles can provide you convenience depending on what you’re looking for. For example, for upstairs areas, fixed screens might be a better option as they don’t require managing. For any doors that enter into an outdoor space, retractable screens are best so that you can quickly open them when necessary.
Ventilation
Both styles offer a great amount of ventilation. You can keep out pests whilst allowing fresh air to circulate throughout the home.
Installation Compatibility
You can buy both fixed and retractable screens in a variety of colours, shapes and sizes. So it’s never a big deal looking for a screen to suit your home’s design, as long you choose a respected provider like Jim’s Flyscreens & Blinds.
