When talking about flyscreen, many people immediately think of the old-style netting or mesh screens used to keep out flies, mosquitoes, spiders, and bugs from their homes. Although called flyscreens, these useful window and door additions keep out many flying and crawling insects that might otherwise invade your indoor spaces. They also double as a visual barrier to small pets and very young children who tend to wander off without supervision.
Summer – the season of cooling breezes AND insects!
Summer is a wonderful time of the year when we can keep our windows and doors open to the cooling breeze and allow fresh air to circulate throughout our homes. It’s almost like a natural spring clean in itself. Forget the fans and air conditioners and leave it up to nature to clear out stale odours which have built up over months of wintry weather. Unfortunately, open windows and doors allow easy entry for a variety of flying or crawling insects, particularly at night. And who wants to have to fight off the outdoor ‘wildlife’ with toxic insect sprays or other chemical appliances which are possibly harmful to pets and have a rather unpleasant odour?
But aren’t flyscreens old-fashioned and ugly?
Flyscreens have evolved dramatically over time, from being something of a blot on the appearance of one’s home to being a subtle addition which goes almost unnoticed. Modern versions come in a range of colours and materials, with aluminium and fibreglass being the two most popular materials available, whilst polyester is also available. Aluminium is probably the most economical choice in the long term as it is resistant to corrosion from harsh weather conditions but has the disadvantage of being dented and bent relatively easily. It is also lightweight and easy to install. Fibreglass, although more expensive, offers a higher degree of visibility and protection against insects, is more robust and is not easily damaged by the normal wear and tear of everyday life.
Are there different colours available?
Whilst white or silver may be obvious choices, darker colours such as bronze, charcoal, or black absorb more light and allow for better visibility to the outside, which is an important consideration when the outside view is important to you. A fine black mesh, contrary to what one might think, offers the clearest outward visibility, as well as protecting against UV rays, thus minimizing sun glare. A further consideration is that black mesh is the least visible colour when viewed from either side.
Do I have to have these screens up all year round?
A fly – or insect – screen does not have to cover your windows and doors year-round. During the cooler months, these screens can be removed and stored away. Because many of them are magnetically attached to window or door frames, they are easily attached and detached when no longer needed. Magnetic screens on doors are extremely convenient, as they automatically close behind you, saving the bother of having to reattach them to the frame when going in or out. Magnetic flyscreens can be attached to wooden windows using self-adhesive magnetic strips on the frame which attach seamlessly to the screen.
Aren’t door screens bulky and difficult to move around?
Many modern door flyscreens are fully retractable and are referred to as roller screen doors. These doors comprise a roll of mesh that is contained within a housing or cassette which is manoeuvred into position by being pulled along top and bottom tracks. The mesh unrolls as the cassette is extended, creating a barrier against insects. This is both a sleek and modern solution which requires no further assembly once it is in place and is neatly and unobtrusively stored during the cooler months when insects are not a problem.
I live in an eco-estate with baboons and monkeys. Can I keep them out with a screen?
Some homes are plagued by monkeys and baboons trying to enter in search of food. There is nothing as annoying as finding that your home has been invaded by these pesky invaders, leaving a trail of destruction behind them. There is no need to harm these animals, nor any need to keep your doors and windows closed during the warmer months, as some companies are now offering wildlife screens with a strong clamp mechanism which prevents the screen from being opened from the outside. Bear in mind, though, that a normal fly screen will not be strong enough to deter them!
Can I use flyscreens as an additional security measure?
Flyscreens can also double as a security measure, presenting a visible deterrent to potential intruders. Security screens are, of course, stronger and have more robust mesh screens, often with a triple locking system to keep potential home invaders out. A non-corrosive stainless-steel mesh is used in security screens, and when mounted on the outside of doors and windows, prevents glass from being broken by rocks and bricks thrown by potential intruders. Security screens are fitted with high-quality locks, giving you peace of mind at any time of day or night. It would make sense, therefore, if you live in a high-risk area and are considering installing flyscreens, to go that extra mile and opt for combined security and flyscreens which will keep you and your family safe from many-legged or two-legged intruders at the same time.
