How to Choose the Right Retractable Flyscreen for Your Home

Retractable flyscreens are a must-have for just about any home, as they keep out bugs and other pests, while still allowing for fresh air circulation inside the home. Retractable flyscreens are especially good for patio doorways, where you might want to open the screen fully while entertaining guests to allow for easier foot traffic in and out of the home. These screens can also be good for kitchen windows, as opening the screen can allow for more venting of smoke or steam. If you're in the market for retractable flyscreens for your home, note a few simple tips for ensuring you choose the right option.

Size of mesh

When choosing the size of the mesh of the flyscreen, note that a smaller mesh will allow you to keep out bugs and other pests, as well as wind, dust, sand, pollen and even a light rain. If you live in an area with poor weather conditions,  you might invest in a smaller mesh so that you can keep the home's windows open even when it's windy outside and still be protected from bothersome debris.

A smaller mesh will also block sunlight, shading the home. This can be good in very sunny areas, but if you prefer having as much sunlight in the home as possible and lots of fresh air circulation, opt for a medium or larger size mesh for your flyscreens.

Size of tracks

When choosing a flyscreen for a patio doorway, be especially mindful of the size of the tracks. Something too big could be a tripping hazard and detract from the view to the outside.

Aluminium versus vinyl or plastic

Most retractable flyscreens will be made of aluminium or a material like vinyl or plastic. Each of these will have its own advantages, and the metal of aluminium may have a more natural look that you appreciate. It's also good to choose aluminium screens if you have aluminium window frames so that all those materials match.

However, if you have vinyl windows, then vinyl flyscreens are a better option! Also, aluminium screens might be noisier, as you can often hear the sound of metal scraping against the cassette when the screen is rolled or unrolled. Thin and lightweight aluminium may also be prone to dents and dings from flying debris so that the screens might eventually not roll easily into a cassette. A vinyl or plastic screen can then be better for areas with very strong storms that could result in damage to the screens.