Which screen would you prefer for windows in your new home – aluminum or fiberglass? Appreciate knowing your personal preference and why.
Awaiting one quote for aluminum screen (no upgrade) and another for fiberglass screen (upgrade required if aluminum desired).
Scanned some previous posts on subject only to learn aluminum bends/tears easily while fiberglass is not as visible. Any other reasons to consider one over the other? Also was told insects will eat fiberglass by another sales person….now is that really true or perhaps just trying to obtain an upgrade on quote?
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I prefer (charcoal) alluminum in window screen where it's not subjected to constant touching, like a door screen is. The denting issue is not nearly the problem with windows as it is with doors, where people are forever "backing into" the screen portion to open the door with their hands full, or children running through the door full blast with one arm out like Jerome Bettis putting a stiff arm on a rookie cornerback.
The problem with fiberglass is it gets "fuzzy" after a while. I think it has something to do with ultraviolet rays damaging the fibers.
For my own house, or when customers ask my opinion, I prefer alluminum for windows and fiberglass for doors, expecting to replace the door screens every few years whichever type used.
You didn't mention it, but I guess you know about "pet screen" too, right? Very, very tough fiberglass, may even be nylon, I'm not certain, but they claim it will stand up to cats jumping up onto it like a Packer reciever doing the Lambeau Leap. The downside is the strands are much heavier than other screen material and block a lot of light. But if you have pets, you might look into it for the bottom panel of your door(s).
Jim, thanks for your thoughts. I suspected aluminum might be preferable, but with so many items being improved in the home building industry; just wanted to confirm my suspicions. Lot of changes since we built 25 years ago!
p.s. Yes, aware of the pet screen & need to have 3 screens replaced as result of dog and cat scratching at door & a crow pecking at window (guess he liked what he saw)!