What type of screen door and window mosquito nets is ideal for your needs? How do costs affect the quality and durability of screen doors? What is the average installation cost, and how can you save smartly when choosing? Which screen doors are better, aluminum or PVC?
Today, there are many types of screen doors and mosquito nets available on the market. They can be made from various materials with different structural solutions, but they all share one purpose – to protect the interior from insects when the window is open. Experienced professionals recommend installing screen doors when windows are being installed.
So, if you’re replacing your windows, consider this additional expense, at least for a few windows you use for ventilation during the spring and summer months.
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Of course, screen doors can also be installed later, especially if your windows don’t have shutters, and they can even be installed on windows already equipped with shutters, though this requires assessing which solution will be most cost-effective.
Types of Screen Doors by Material
The most basic classification of screen doors could be by the type of material they are made from, such as aluminum or PVC. When buying products from reputable manufacturers, quality is satisfactory in both cases. However, if price is not an issue, aluminum is a better choice.
Unlike windows, screen doors are made from thinner profiles, highlighting the strength of aluminum compared to PVC. Additionally, aluminum screen doors are protected by powder coating, offering a much wider range of colors, making it easier to aesthetically match the screen doors with the color of your windows or façade.
For quality screen doors, the only element that might cause problems is the mesh itself. However, with proper handling, the mesh is durable. It is made from plastic reinforced with glass fibers, making it very resistant to mechanical impacts and UV rays. If the mesh is damaged, it can be replaced, while the aluminum profiles are practically eternal.
Types of Screen Doors by Construction
In addition to material, screen doors can also be classified by their construction. The most affordable and simplest option is fixed screen doors. These are screens mounted on a frame fixed to the outside of the window. This means the mesh is always there. An option is to remove the screen door at the end of the season to store it indoors and reinstall it when needed again.
This solution is practical only for certain types of rooms, such as utility rooms, basements, warehouses, and bathrooms. These screen doors can be of the magnetic type, making their installation and removal very simple. It’s only important that the window is easily and safely accessible.
For windows that are in constant use, screen doors with movable screens are a much better solution. This classification is a bit more complicated and could be defined into three groups:
- Panel Screen Doors
- Rolling Screen Doors
- Pleated Screen Doors
Panel Screen Doors and mosquito nets: These can be fixed, which we’ve already mentioned, and can be magnetically attached to the window when needed. Another option is a screen door on a panel (frame) with its own mechanism and hinges for opening, similar to a door. They are very practical for entry doors and terrace doors.
They can have a built-in spring to close automatically and can be pushed open when your hands are full. However, they are not the best solution for small terraces and balconies, as they require space to open, which is usually limited on smaller balconies.
Rolling Screen Doors and mosquito nets: These are a much better solution for places with limited space. They operate like a roller blind, with the mesh retracting into a small box located next to the window frame. They can move horizontally or vertically. Horizontal movement is more practical for balcony doors, as it eliminates the need to bend and pull the screen from the floor level.
You simply pull a handle located at door handle height. Vertically moving rolling screen doors are better for windows with a sill at arm’s reach. Rolling screen doors are ideal for windows but not always for balcony doors due to their slightly more complicated operation compared to the American panel screen door, which can be pushed open without using hands.
Pleated Screen Doors and mosquito nets: Functionally similar to rolling screen doors, pleated screen doors are better suited for large windows. They open by sliding left-right or up-down. Unlike rolling screen doors, where the mesh rolls into a hidden box, pleated screen doors fold like an accordion.
Their advantages include easy operation, higher quality, and better aesthetics. However, pleated screen doors are also the most expensive option.
Average US Prices for Screen Doors and mosquito nets with Installation
Panel Screen Doors (including American Style):
- Price Range: $150 – $500 per door
- Factors Affecting Cost: Material (aluminum vs. PVC), size, brand, and additional features like automatic closing mechanisms.
Rolling Screen Doors:
- Price Range: $200 – $600 per door
- Factors Affecting Cost: Horizontal vs. vertical rolling, material quality, size, and brand.
Pleated Screen Doors:
- Price Range: $300 – $800 per door
- Factors Affecting Cost: Size, material quality, brand, and ease of operation.
Sources: Aluroll, Ritescreen, Metro Screen Works