When choosing which type of mesh you have your retractable screens made with, you need to consider a few things. What are you ultimately trying to get out of your retractable screen? Are you looking for purely insect protection or sun protection? Do you have no-see-um insects or small critters in your area that can get through normal screen mesh? This blog will outline the differences between regular screen mesh and no-see-um screen mesh and help you decide what is best for you.
What is a No-See-Um Screen?
A noo-see-um screen is a type of mesh that is woven very tightly to prevent even the smallest insects from getting through. Unlike regular screen mesh, the weave is much closer together on no-see-um screen which will allow less air to flow through, but will not allow no-see-um insects, nats, or other small critters to pass through and enter your home. No-See-Um mesh is a good option in certain areas that have these types of pesky bugs and critters.
What are Regular Screens?
Regular screen is a type of mesh screen that is traditionally made for insect protection and to allow fresh air to flow through the mesh grid. Regular screen is made of polyester or fiberglass and is a great option for your retractable screen door if you are looking for insect protection while still allowing fresh air into the opening you have it installed on. Retractable screens with regular mesh can be installed on a variety of openings such as entry doors, French doors, double doors, bi-folding doors, and more!
Types of No-See-Um Screens
There are a variety of different types of no-see-um screens, the type that is best for you depends on the opening you are installing them on and the configuration of your home. Read below to learn more about the types of no-see-um screens, and what applications and purposes they are best used for.
Retractable
Retractable no-see-um screens are a great option for you if you’re looking to allow fresh air into your home without the smallest insects getting inside. Retractable no-see-um screens are aesthetically pleasing as they retract across the opening they are installed on when in use, and retract back into their housing when you’re done with them. These types of no-see-um screens will naturally blend into your home and are seamless for your entire family to use.
Magnetic
Magnetic no-see-um screens are another type of no-see-um screen that you can consider having installed in your home. The no-see-um screen would be held by a magnet, which would also allow fresh air into your home while keeping small insects outside.
Custom Fit
Custom fit no-see-um screens would be a good option for windows or other fixed openings as they can be made to the exact size of the opening. Custom fit screens would ensure that they will work perfectly for the configuration and size of the openings you are having them installed on, while the no-see-um screen will allow fresh air inside and keep small insects out.
Pet-Friendly
Pet-friendly no-see-um screen options are a great addition to your home when you have furry pets running around. Typically, pet-friendly no-see-um mesh is a vinyl-coated polyester mesh that is scratch resistant so your pets will have a hard time tearing through the mesh! The weave of pet-friendly no-see-um mesh will be similar to regular no-see-um mesh in terms of allowing fresh air into your home.
No-See-Um Screens vs Regular Screens
No-See-Um Screens Pros and Cons
- Pros: Some of the pros to the No-See-Um screens are that they are very effective. Also enhanced visibility as the mesh is not very thick so you can easily see through it with no obstructions.
- Cons: There are minimal cons to this type of screen. If you are looking for more privacy, this wouldn’t be the screen type for you.
Regular Screen Pros and Cons
- Pros: A regular screen protects against insects and keeps the airflow in the home. They are made with a polyester or fiberglass material for the mesh which makes it also easy to clean and maintain.
- Cons: The only thing with a regular screen would be that it doesn’t create privacy for your space. The mesh is made of polyester or fiberglass but doesn’t have as tightly woven mesh which makes it more transparent. Just depends on what you are looking for.
No-See-Um Screen Applications
The application of a no-see-um screen just depends on what you want. It will fit into the application you would like. It fits with standard retractable screens along with large opening retractable screens.
- Standard doors
- French doors
- Sliding doors
- Large opening doors
- Bi-fold doors
- Multi-panel sliding doors
- Patios
Regular Screen Applications
The same goes for regular screens they will pair nicely with any of the following applications
- Standard doors
- French doors
- Sliding doors
- Large opening doors
- Bi-fold doors
- Multi-panel sliding doors
- Patios
When to Choose No-See-Um Screens vs Regular Screens?
When it comes to choosing between a no-see-um screen or regular screen, it really varies on what your needs are. If you live in a place with many no-see-ums or small insects you may opt for that mesh type. But if you are just wanting a simple screen for everyday where you get insects but not as small of insects, opt for the regular mesh type made of fiberglass or polyester. If you speak with a professional Mirage installer, they will be able to educate you on the best option for you and your home.
To learn more about the benefits of no-see-um mesh read this blog – Get Rid of No See Ums.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The type of screen system you have installed in your home with no-see-um mesh depends on what your needs are and your budget. For example, retractable screens with no-see-um would be a more expensive option than a fixed no-see-um screen, but a retractable screen would be more aesthetically pleasing to your home.
Yes, regular screens will keep insects outside of your home. No-see-um screens have a tighter mesh weave than regular screens so they will keep out the smallest bugs and insects from entering your home.
No-see-um mesh screen has a tighter weave than regular mesh screen. Typically, no-see-um mesh will have a 20×20 weave while regular insect mesh will have a 18×16 mesh weave.
No-see-um screens work to keep small insects out of your home as the mesh is a tighter weave than regular screen mesh, which doesn’t allow them through. No-see-um screen mesh can be used in a variety of screen systems that can be installed on a range of applications such as windows, doors, outdoor patios, etc.
No-see-um screens are worth it if you have no-see-um insects, nats, or other small insects in your area. These small insects would be able to get in your home if you use regular insect mesh. No-see-um mesh will be a similar price to regular insect mesh. Speak to your Mirage retractable screens dealer about having a retractable screen installed in your home with no-see-um mesh.
