Doors and windows are instrumental in creating a light and airy living space. That said, when you open your door, you are unwittingly letting in a host of pests into your home. In Australia, mosquitoes can carry life-threatening diseases that they can pass on to people. Of course, our family’s health is important to us. So, we need to find a way to get some vitamin D into our house without making our interiors vulnerable.
One of the best ways to do this is by installing a stable fly screen door. Now, you must know that there are plenty of options available to you. If you want to get the best value for your money, you’d want a product that fits your lifestyle and your needs. You also need to ensure that you’ll get an insect screen that can last for a long time. So, we’ve put together this article to show you the essential factors to consider when finding the perfect fly screen doors for your home.
The type of frame
When you start shopping for insect screens, you will find that there are three different types of frames available:
- Fixed fly screens
- Retractable fly screens
- Magnetic fly screens
These types of frames have different characteristics. You need to understand their qualities to ensure that you’ll get a suitable design for your home.
Fixed fly screens
A fixed frame can hold the insect screen to ensure that it will stay in place even with the strong winds and rain. Fixed fly screens typically have a hinged or sliding door design. They are the most popular type of insect screen because they are affordable, practical, and versatile. What’s more, it is available in a wide range of colours, options and accessories.
Retractable fly screens
What’s excellent about retractable insect screens is that they disappear when you need them to. Their design allows convenient access and incredible durability. With a pull of a cord or the touch of a finger, you can effortlessly glide the door. Retractable fly screens also offer the perfect balance of wind and sun protection without interfering with the views.
Magnetic fly screens
Magnetic fly screens for doors are also among the most popular options. Many homeowners love the magnetic screen border frame because it is flexible. You can lift the screen effortlessly to gain access around it. However, they’d need a stronger insect mesh because of their flexibility. You should also know that stiff mesh materials like stainless steel or aluminium are unsuitable for this type of frame.
Fixed or retractable: which is better?
These days, most homeowners opt for retractable fly screens for the convenience they offer. On the other hand, fixed fly screens are also quite popular for hinged and sliding doors. Let’s look at some of the qualities you need to consider:
Keeping pests out
Whether you choose fixed or retractable screens, you can expect protection from insects. Both options have a fine mesh that can effectively deflect pests like mosquitoes, flies, bees, and wasps.
Cleaning and maintenance
Retractable and fixed screens are both easy to maintain and clean. You’ll only need a damp cloth to wipe them down.
Convenience
You need to assess what you want to achieve in terms of convenience, especially since both options offer this benefit in their unique way. For instance, fixed fly screens are more suitable for upstairs windows, especially since you won’t have to manage them. On the other hand, if we’re talking about doors that open into a patio or any outdoor space, then retractable screens are the better option. They offer the convenience of a thin barrier that you can open or close whenever necessary.
Unobtrusive
You can fold away retractable fly screens completely. On the other hand, fixed screens will stay in place. Because of the nature of a retractable screen’s design, it wins on points in unobtrusiveness. That said, you can still find fixed screens in inconspicuous frames and colours that blend into your door design.
Ventilation
Fixed and retractable screens both offer excellent ventilation benefits. They can keep out garden debris and insects while permitting a high flow of fresh air. You can open your door and keep the screen shut to let light and breeze in.
Durability
Usually, the strength of the screen depends on the brand or the manufacturer. So, you must find a trusted supplier of fly screens for doors in Rockingham.
Security
Keep in mind that you cannot consider fly screens as a security product. So, if you want protection from insects and burglary attempts, the best option is to purchase a security screen door. That said, remember that not all security doors follow through with their promise. You need to ensure that the product meets Australian Standards like AS5039-2008. This way, you can rest easy knowing that the product has passed various tests, including the following:
- Dynamic impact test
- Knife shear test
- Salt spray test
- Anti-jemmy test
- Probe test
- Pull test
You must make the most out of your investment. So, hire a professional installer who can mount the screen according to the regulations of AS5040. In this way, you can guarantee the quality of the product and the installation.
Isabelle handles content and marketing of Rockingham Home Security and she’s a contributor to home security and renovations blogs. She raises awareness on ways to increase home security and smart home renovations that will benefit homeowners in the future.
