Window Screens

I have over 24 years in the mobile screening business. The above poster is just plain incorrect in his comments and understanding of screens. Here are some screen facts: 1. Fiberglass screen can last for up to 20 years without needing replacement. The biggest factor that determines screen life is how much sun exposure it gets over the years. West facing screens will wear out faster than north facing screens due to the constant sun exposure. 2. Fiberglass screen is not designed to keep pets out or kids in! It's purpose is to keep flying insects at bay! If you need a screen for pets and kids try Tiger Wire screen. It is stainless steel with a black powder coat and it is guaranteed pet proof. www.gotigerwire.com 3. 95% of all windows utilize fiberglass screen and are designed to accept an aluminum screen frame, not a wood frame. Wood screens are found on older homes and are becoming less and less common as homeowners upgrade their old wood "double hung" windows to the more efficient vinyl or aluminum types. 4. It is up to 4 times more expensive to repair a wood screen versus an aluminum screen. The reason is the time (labor) required to do it correctly. Wood is either painted or stained, has a custom molding/trim that may not be reusable because it is old and dried out. If so it may not come off with out cracking or breaking. This means you have to find the same type of molding to replace it, paint or stain it, then put it all back together. The labor is much longer. 5. As for Copper wire: Do you know what the cost of copper has done in the last 5 years? It is extremely expensive. Copper wire also turns a nice blueish green (Pantena) color after a few years. It is not easy to see through and everything you do see is a nice blueish green! Also if a pet or kid pokes a hole in it expect to pay big bucks! 6. All window manufacturers use fiberglass screen now. Wood screens are considered custom and very expensive.
— March 18, 2010 1:18 p.m.