FAQs
Do Fly Screens block the light?
Fly Screens will reduce the light to a certain degree and this depends on the mesh chosen. Modern high visibility insect meshes such as BetterVue® have a minimal effect on light and airflow whereas a finer mesh such as Midge Mesh will affect light and airflow more. If you wish to check for yourself we can send a FOC sample.
Are the screens easy to see through?
All meshes are designed to be as easy to see through as possible, but visibility varies because the thickness of the woven strands and the distance between them differs with the intended use.
Here are some examples:
Insect mesh, particularly
BetterVue® is very easy to see through because the strands are fine and spaced further apart than say Midge mesh
BetterVue® is designed to keep insects such as mosquitoes, wasps, flies and bees out whereas midge mesh will keep smaller insects such as midges and no-see-ums out as well. To achieve this the strands in midge mesh need to be closer together and therefore visibility is reduced.
Pollen mesh and Respilon mesh (used in our Clean Air Screens) are designed to trap particles so the strands are fine but also very close together which reduces visibility but ensures they are effective at doing what they are designed to do.
Pet mesh has a thicker strand than other meshes, to ensure maximum strength, but the strands are further apart so visibility is good.
If you wish to check for yourself we can send a FOC sample.
Do you offer White insect mesh?
We don't offer White insect mesh as standard for a couple of reasons:
- White mesh is highly noticeable in the same way as a traditional net curtain so when the screen is in place the mesh is that much more obvious. We use BetterVue insect mesh which gives good visibility through the screen but the mesh itself is hardly visible.
- BetterVue mesh is Black and therefore less likely to show dust and dirt than White mesh.
What's the difference between Fly, Pet, Pollen, Pollution and Sun Control Screens?
Designed to keep insects out when a window or door is open. Most consist of a frame and a mesh, the choice of mesh will depend on the type of insect(s) that need to be kept out. On this web site all fly screen products have a help page with guidance on choosing the correct type of insect mesh.
Designed to keep pets in (or out) when a window or door is open. These tend to be framed screens (we do not recommend roller screens as pet screens) fitted with an extra strength mesh to prevent scratching or clawing. On this web site we have a seperate section for pet screens and all screens within that section are supplied with specialist pet mesh.
Designed to filter different types of pollen and act as an effective tool, alongside others, to help combat the effects of reactions caused by airbourne pollen. Most consist of a frame and a specialist pollen mesh. On this web site we have a separate section for pollen screens and all screens within that section are supplied with specialist pollen mesh.
Designed
to filter UV and act as an effective tool, alongside others, to help
reduce heat levels in a room. We offer screens and blinds all with sun control mesh or material.
Comparison
Although each kind of screen is designed to deal with a specific issue, there is some cross-over between them:
- Pet Screens, Pollen Screens and Sun Control Screens also keep insects out
- Fly screens, Pollen screens and Sun Control Screens offer a degree of pet protection
- Fly screens, Pollen Screens and Pet Screens offer some degree of UV protection
This cross-over can be helpful where more than one requirement is necessary, for example when someone wishes to keep insects out of a bedroom but also suffers from hayfever.
The more specialist mesh e.g. Pollen Mesh is more expensive so customers often 'mix and match' i.e. use a pollen screen in the bedroom to create a more comfortable environment at night when sleeping (with the added benefit of keeping insects out) and a standard insect screen in the kitchen.
The best option is to match the screen to the requirement because this will ensure maximum effectiveness
What kind of window screens are there?
Windows come in all shapes and sizes so we offer different types of fly screens for windows and a range of sizes, fixing options and frame colour.
The style of window will often determine the type of screen you use.
So, for example, if you wish to screen a fanlight window you would be able to use a framed screen or a roller screen but not normally a sliding screen.
To help you find the right product we have matched styles of windows with types of screens - you can use the filters on the category page to help you work out which type(s) of screen best suit your windows.
Some screening terms that may help:
- framed screen - a screen made the shape of a rectangular or square frame (a bit like a picture frame) fitted with mesh. This sort of screen is generally placed onto the window frame to cover the open space when the window is open.
- roller screen - operates in a similar way to a roller blind. A cassette with mesh is fitted to the top of a window frame. Side channels run vertically from the cassette to the window cill to create a seal and guide the mesh as it is pulled downwards from the cassette.
- twin slider - Similar to the secondary glazing concept. An outer frame is fitted into the window reveal. Two panels with mesh fit into the frame, each covering half the width of the window with an overlap in the middle. Each screen slides aside to allow access to the window.
With each type of screen you will have a number of options to choose from
- Size
- Fixing type
- Type of mesh
- DIY kit vs. made to measure
All product pages have a detailed help page to guide you through these options.
What kind of door screens are there?
As with windows, doors also come in all shapes and sizes so we offer different types of fly screens for doors and a range of sizes, fixing options and frame colour.
The style of door will often determine the type of screen you use.
So, for example, if you wish to screen a back door you would be able to use a hinged screen or a chain screen.
To help you find the right product we have matched styles of doors with types of screens - you can use the filter (top right) on the category page to help you work out which type(s) of screen best suit your door.
Some screening terms that may help:
- hinged screen single - a screen made in the shape of a rectangular frame fitted with mesh. This screen is generally fitted onto the door frame with hinges and covers the open space when the door is open.
- hinged screen double - a set of two hinged door screens, each made in the shape of a rectangular frame fitted with mesh. Both screen doors are fitted onto the door frame with hinges and close together with a seal in the middle.
- chain screen/curtain - lengths of chain are hung onto a header bar to form a chain curtain.
With each screen you will have a number of options to choose from
- Size
- Fixing type
- Type of mesh (except chain screen/curtain)
- DIY kit vs. made to measure
All product pages have a detailed (printable) help page to guide you through these options.
What is the difference between Standard insect mesh and Midge mesh
Standard insect mesh - 18 x 16 holes per square inch
Standard insect mesh is designed and manufactured
to ensure maximum visibility (through the screen) ensuring as much light
passes into the room as possible. Examples of insects this mesh will keep out:
- Bees & Wasps
- Bluebottles
- Cluster Flies
- Crane Flies
- Daddy-Long-Legs
- House Flies
- Hornets
- Ladybirds
- Mosquitoes
- Moths
- Butterflies
- Spiders
We recommend this mesh for all areas of the UK except in parts of Scotland where Midges are present and other parts of the UK where Corn Flies and Thunder Bugs/Thrips are present.
Midge mesh - 30 x 20 holes per square inch
Midge mesh has a tighter weave than Standard Insect Mesh to ensure Midges, cannot penetrate, however, the visibility and airflow is reduced slightly.
This mesh will keep out the same as Standard Insect Mesh + smaller insects such as Midges,
We recommend this mesh in parts of Scotland where Midges are present and other parts of the UK where potentially smaller insects can be found.
Please note - genuine Midge mesh is 30 x 20 - anything less e.g. 20 x 20 or 18 x 16 will not keep midges outCan your screens be fitted to the outside of a building?
Yes - all our screens have powder coated aluminium frames and weatherproof mesh and fixings so they can be fitted internally or externally.
How do I measure?
The way you measure will depend on the product you choose. Each product has a measuring guide which is reached by selecting the "How to Measure" tab in the order section on the product page.
Can you help me price my Screens?
You can price and purchase your screens on the web site but if you need advice you can also contact us directly using one of the following:
- Call 01628 481 919
- Chat facility at the bottom right of all pages
- Email/Contact Form
How long will it take to receive my order?
Processing and delivery times depend on the product ordered.
Every product page has a delivery and despatch section, just below the images, which gives details of the delivery lead time and how the order will be shipped.
If you wish to check how your delivery is progressing you can contact us by selecting "check my order delivery date" from the subject drop-down menu or by calling 01628 481919
Do you have a showroom?
We have a showroom in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. You can see samples of our full range of screens including motorised systems. Find out more
Do you have a fitting service?
Yes, we cover most areas of the UK with our trusted partner companies - find out more here. Most of our products are also available as Do it Yourself kits or Made to Measure screens.
How do I clean my screen ?
To clean your screens and keep them in good working order please follow the guidelines below.
General mesh maintenance
Your mesh may collect dust which can be brushed off with a soft brush. It can be cleaned occasionally using a mild soap and water. We advise against using a vacuum cleaner to clean mesh.
.Aluminum Framework
All framework can be cleaned using a mild cleaner and a soft cloth.
System specific cleaning and maintenance
Framed Screens
If more thorough cleaning is required for example when the Screens are used in kitchens where grease may accumulate, remove the screens and lay on an outside surface such as a driveway and lightly spray the mesh and frame with a household grease remover. Hose off with water, shake the excess water off and let the fly screens air dry. Take care not to get cleaning chemicals on to any adhesive fixings, however water will dry off. Lubricants should not be used on plastic components such as hinges.
Commercial Sliding Screens
The lower tracks used for sliding windows should be vacuumed occasionally to keep them free of debris. Furniture polish (or other silicon lubricant) can be sprayed occasionally on to the lower tracks to assist the screen gliding
Residential Sliding Screens
The lower tracks used for sliding windows and doors should be vacuumed occasionally to keep them free of debris.
Furniture polish (or other silicon lubricant) can be sprayed occasionally on to the lower tracks to assist the screen gliding
Roller Window Screens
As the mesh cannot be easily removed from this style of screen you will need to hold the mesh down whilst cleaning to prevent it from retracting back into the cassette.
Roller Door Screens:
The bottom Guide should be vacuumed occasionally to keep it free of debris. As the mesh cannot be easily removed from this style of screen you will need to hold the
mesh closed whilst cleaning to prevent it from retracting back into the cassette.
What are the frames made of?
The framework for all our screens styles is powder coated aluminium making them lightweight and giving them strength and longevity. This also means they can be fitted internally or externally.