Window screens act as barriers that protect against outside elements such as insects, rodents, and debris. Some screens are placed on the interior of the house, while most are placed on the outside, allowing the window to be operated from the inside. Milgard screens are built with precision to keep out pesky bugs while still letting in plenty of light and fresh air.
Is your idea of a window screen a dull mesh that takes away from your house’s aesthetics? Are you apprehensive about concealing your elegant new windows with drab screens that also block your treasured view of the outdoors? The good news is that modern window screens are far from the bulky mesh that was used in previous years. For instance, we offer the PureView screen, which consists of significantly smaller yarn, thus offering better visibility and allowing for more natural light. Before delving into the details of this screen, let us look at the general attributes of window screens.
The Purpose of Screens
Window screens are also referred to as insect/bug/fly screens depicting their primary function of keeping these small intruders out of your house. In the warmer months, flies, mosquitos, bees, spiders, and other bugs are abundant and can turn your house into a nightmare. Window screens San Diego serve the purpose of keeping the insects out, without inhibiting the ability of the window to bring in light and fresh air.
Aside from nature’s pests, Milgard screens also keep debris, leaves, birds, and rodents from accessing your house. In addition, window screens serve the following purposes:
♦ Improve sanitation
Crawling/flying insects get into the house in search of food and could end up sharing in your dinner. These uninvited guests crawling and perching on your food can cause contamination, food poisoning, waste and spoiling. While most insects are generally harmless, some carry disease-causing microorganisms. From malaria to more serious ailments like the Zika virus and dengue fever, window screens are a smart and functional repellent and help keep your home safe and clean.
♦ Enhance privacy
The mesh used in window screens gives them a translucent haze, making it difficult to see the inside of your house. On the other hand, Milgard screens seek to create meshes that offer the least possible view obstruction from the inside and have largely achieved that with the PureView screen.
♦ Better security
Security screens are made from a heavy gauge aluminum or stainless steel. Such screens are permanent and deter intruders from accessing your home. Do you keep your windows closed imagining a burglar lurking nearby? With these screens protecting your family, you can take in the fresh air while feeling safe and secure in your home.
♦ Saving energy
We offer solar or sun screens which block out the sun in areas where there’s no other form of shade. Solar screens block out up to 90% of heat during summer. This means that you do not need to have the air conditioner running 24 hours. Ultimately, improved energy efficiency translates to lower power bills.
♦ Curb appeal
Screens do not have to be dull and monotonous. New models include decorative screens that come in various shades and styles to complement your home’s design. Should you be looking to sell, a set of good quality screens will make your home stand out and raise the asking price.
These are just some of the reasons why window screens should be part of your budget as you purchase new windows. Installing the screens on new windows ensures that you can reap these benefits from the onset. Let’s explore the various types of screens that you can choose from.
Types of Screens
There are different types of screens that you can choose for your new windows San Diego. Screens can be classified according to the materials they’re made of. The most common materials include fiberglass, aluminum, steel, copper, and brass. Aluminum is a popular choice as it’s lightweight and highly resistant to rust. Fiberglass is relatively inexpensive and equally resistant to corrosion and rust. Fiberglass also comes in many different shades, allowing customization for purposes such as solar screens and sun screens. Milgard screens utilize these two durable materials, with a fiberglass mesh and aluminum frame. Their combined benefits make the screens an excellent choice for your new windows. Window screens can also be classified according to their purpose:
♦ Solar/sun screens
Solar/Sun Screens block up to 90% of heat during the hot season. These screens are sold in shades such as brown, gray, and black in order to block out the light. Solar screens are an ideal choice if your house is located in an area with little to no shade. While slightly more costly than some other options, their value is quickly compensated for in energy savings due to reduced cooling needs.
♦ Retractable screens
Simply roll them into place when you need them, then fold them back when you don’t. With this ease comes convenience. But what if the window is out of reach? If you have vaulted ceilings with high windows, your installer will provide a means of rolling them up and down. Additionally, retractable screens tend to last longer since they’re only deployed when needed, reducing the rate of wear and tear.
♦ Security screens
At first glance security screens may seem no different than their counterparts, but these marvels are built to withstand impact. Security screens are made of thick aluminum or stainless steel. The screen is firmly bonded to the frame sending a warning to potential intruders. The increased premium on these screens is well worth the peace of mind they will bring to your home.
♦ Adjustable/half screens
As the name suggests, these screens are not fixed but can slide from side to side. Adjustable screens are common in double-hung windows, which have two movable sashes. The screen is adjusted depending on the portion of the window that’s open. These are some of the most affordable and functional screens that you can install in your new windows.
♦ Pet screens
If you have cats and dogs who can reach your windows, consider fortified screens that can withstand the effects. Pet screens are built from vinyl-coated, heavy-duty polyester, which is up to 7 times stronger than the standard screen and can resist the wear and tear of pet claws. While US Window & Door does not currently offer this option, your market may have these available.
Which type of screen is best for your new windows in San Diego? Well, that depends on a number of factors, including your budget and the type of windows you’re considering. Still unsure? Give us a call and let our experts help you select the best fit.
Care for Your Screens
Screens accumulate a significant amount of debris over time, in turn clogging the mesh spaces. Dirty screens block fresh air and let in less light, making the house feel dull and stuffy. Cleaning the screens is one of the most important parts of caring for them.
Do I need to remove the screen for cleaning? During your regular cleaning, you can clean the screen by wiping them with a towel or using a soft brush attached to a vacuum cleaner.
However, if you’re planning for a deep clean, it is advisable to remove the screens and take them outside. No matter what type of screen you’re using, the removal should be relatively easy. Most screens have tabs or spring clips on the sides, which, when pushed in, allow the screen to pop out.
Remember, the screen is flexible and fragile, so avoid leaning on the window when removing them. You could end up damaging the screen, yourself, or both. If you can’t reach the window, use a stable ladder. Climbing onto furniture to reach the window is not recommended as it compromises your stability. Pro Tip: If you’re cleaning multiple screens, label them with masking tape and a marker so you know exactly which screen goes on which window. Take the screens outside to avoid making a mess. A concrete surface is best, as opposed to grass, as the detergents used can be rinsed off afterward. The supplies needed for cleaning include a vacuum, water hose, soap, towels, and a soft brush. The cleaning procedure is as follows:
♦ Start by vacuuming the dry screens to get rid of the particles of dust, lint, pollen, or spider webs stuck in the grid. Pay special attention to the frames as well and get rid of those particles stuck in the crevices. Vacuuming when dry eliminates more debris as the particles are lighter.
♦ Spray the screen with a garden hose to eliminate the remaining debris. Use moderate water pressure to avoid damaging the fragile mesh material. Spray from the top downwards and repeat as necessary.
♦ Make a cleaning solution of dish soap, mild detergent or white vinegar mixed with water. Use a towel to apply the solution onto the screen, then scrub with a soft brush to remove the build-up in between the mesh spaces.
♦ Rinse with a hose, spraying from the top to the bottom until you’ve cleared the cleaning solution before leaving the screen to air dry.
♦ Pop your screens back in place using your handy tape labels and enjoy a brighter, fresher, airier house.
Here’s another care tip for your San Diego window screens – remove them during winter. Screens come in handy during the warmer months by keeping debris, pollen, and pests out when letting in fresh air. During winter, the windows are almost always closed thus serving little purpose. They may even block limited light and heat from getting into the house.
Snow and ice during winter can damage your screens and cause tearing and sagging. Snow can get trapped in between the window and the screen when the screen is placed on the exterior of the house. Even when the screen is on the inside, condensation can occur between the screen and the window. In both cases, the moisture can lead to the formation of mold and mildew, which gradually damages the window, especially if the frame is wooden. There’s little to gain from keeping the screens on during winter. Our recommendation – clean them and store them somewhere safe; they’ll be in pristine condition for spring.
Let’s Wrap Up
PureView Screen is one of the best options for your home and windows that Milgard offers. This innovative product contains smaller yarns and, as a result, allows in more light than your standard screen. It also allows a better view of the outdoors. The fine mesh is almost unnoticeable, allowing the features of your new windows in San Diego to be displayed in full elegance. PureView Screen also adapts well to a wide range of climates, as the fiberglass fabric is durable and corrosion-resistant. Sound like a product you’d like to have in your home? Get in touch with us today for a consultation and start your journey to a peaceful, private, elegant and energy-efficient home.
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