Vol I - Issue I

Connecticut Screen Works^® quarterly newsletter
Providing product information, useful tips and more

Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World - Alabama

Connecticut Screen Works Screen Wall System®
Manufactured and shipped KD'd
Field Assembled and Installed by The Parks Construction Co.

Feature Subject...

"Screen Material: Beyond the typical aluminum and fiberglass"

When it comes to screen material, choices have become more and more abundant. From pet resistant materials to high quality stainless steels the choices are both endless and confusing and your selection can affect your project budget greatly.

Most persons are well aware of the home center or hardware store inventories consisting of the “standard” fiberglass, aluminum, and sometimes, polyester “pet” type materials. A consumer would not normally be aware of “specialty” materials, as we refer to them, without some research. These can be hard to find since most home centers, glass or screen shops generally will not stock these products unless there is a level of demand for the material. Even here at CSW, we only inventory materials in our facility that are used on a daily basis or that move off the shelves on a regular basis.

"Typical" fiberglass and polyester "pet" type screen shown.

Fabric Material: Fiberglass and polyester based materials are now offered in a wide variety of weaves, gauges, and colors. Many of these are particularly useful when your attempting to stop very small bugs or reducing heat gain from the sun or gaining added privacy. Most of these materials will offer a certain level of all three factors. Color options are well past the standard gray and black. Many vibrant colors are now offered that can provide a unique “look” to your property. All of these products will have a PVC type coating. Some coatings can meet very stringent fire code ratings that are very important in many applications. These materials tend to be strong to extremely strong and their lifespan will vary greatly based upon direct sun exposure and abuse.

Metal Materials: Steel (including stainless), Bronze, Copper, Aluminum, etc. - the list is endless. Most of these “specialty” materials have actually been around for years, some for generations. What has changed is the choices of applied coatings. Where at one time your choices were unfinished metal or simply plain paint - your choices now include proprietary coatings, epoxy paint coatings, PVC coatings, polyester coating, clear coating, and more. All coatings are basically designed to reduce the obviousness of the screen, improve the longevity of the screen or both. Applied coating also help to hold the woven strands in place. Copper and Bronze materials for example, offer the traditional historic look many customers are looking for. Coatings are now available that will preserve the bright finish longer or uncoated materials may be used so the historic and protective patina will form faster. All metal materials tend to have a longer life span than the fabrics but this will vary greatly based upon atmospheric conditions and abuse.

PVC coated stainless steel and uncoated bronze shown.

In a nutshell, bright silver, black and gray are no longer your only color options, no longer is fiberglass and aluminum your only material choices. Your choices are endless depending on your creativity, application, desired outcome and of course – how deep your wallet is.

Some of the newer color options now available shown.

Maintenance Hint...

Now is a good time to remove your window screens and clean off the dirt and pollen from the summer and fall seasons. Normally a good spray from a garden hose is all that is needed. If heavy cleaning is required, mix a small amount of dishwashing detergent into a gallon of water and lightly brush your panels down with a soft brush (a car washing brush works great). Never use industrial type or aggressive cleaners – these can damage your screen and/or frame finish. Brush on, let sit for a few minutes, brush a second time, and rinse with clean water. Let your screens air dry in an upright position.

Even if you are in a part of the country that requires screens year round or if you have a porch – now is still the best time of year to clean your panels.