What is aluminium fly screens for windows and Why Do We Use Them?

This guide is part of our series to outline everything that you need to know about our mesh products. We hope that you find it helpful and that it answers any questions that you may have.

gaite Product Page

As well as these help guides, please do contact us if you need any assistance at all. We&#;re always happy to help.

Aluminium insect mesh is one of the most popular mesh specifications that we offer. It is used the world over to keep insects out of homes and work places.

Let&#;s discuss why&#;.

An aluminium fly screen is a type of screen that is used to keep insects and other flying pests out of a building while allowing fresh air to circulate. The screen is made of aluminium mesh that is stretched over a frame, which can be mounted in a window or door. Aluminium fly screens are durable and long-lasting, and they are resistant to rust and corrosion. They are easy to clean, and can be easily removed for cleaning or replacement.

They are also available in different mesh sizes to suit the user&#;s needs. They are mostly used in homes, commercial buildings, restaurants, cafes, and other similar places.

Insect mesh is designed to block insects from entering a building without hurting them. The mesh creates a physical barrier that insects cannot pass through, but it does not harm or kill them. The mesh is made of a lightweight, flexible material that does not have sharp edges or points that could potentially harm the insects.

It&#;s worth noting that, if the mesh is coated with chemical, the repellent will not harm the insects, but it will discourage them from coming into contact with the mesh. The repellent will act as a barrier to the insects, making it less likely for them to get through the mesh.

However, it&#;s important to be aware that, once insects are inside a building, they may become trapped and could die if they cannot find a way out. To avoid this, it&#;s important to open the fly screens and windows to allow trapped insects to escape.

It is designed to block a wide range of flying insects, including:

• Mosquitoes: The mesh is small enough to prevent mosquitoes from entering the building, while still allowing fresh air to circulate.
• Flies: The mesh will block common flies, including house flies and fruit flies.
• Wasps and hornets: The mesh can also prevent wasps and hornets from entering the building.
• Moths: The mesh will also block moths from entering the building.
• Beetles: Some species of beetles also have difficulty passing through the mesh.

It&#;s worth noting that the mesh size of the aluminium fly screen is a factor in the insects that it can block. A mesh with smaller holes will be more effective at blocking smaller insects, while a mesh with larger holes may not be as effective. Additionally, the mesh can be coated with chemical, to repel insects and make it more effective to block them.

Aluminium insect screen can be used as a midge mesh, although it is important to consider the size of the mesh openings. Midge mesh is typically made of a finer mesh material than regular insect mesh in order to block smaller flying insects such as midges. The mesh openings of midge mesh are smaller and finer than those of regular insect screen, typically around 1.5 mm or less, while regular insect mesh is typically 1.8 mm or larger.

Regular insect mesh can block larger flying insects such as mosquitoes, flies and wasps, but might not be as effective at blocking smaller insects such as midges, which can pass through the larger mesh openings.

So, if you want to use insect screen as a midge mesh, it is important to ensure that the openings are small enough to effectively block midges. The smaller the openings, the better the mesh will be at blocking midges.

Additionally, insect screen can be coated with chemical repellents that will discourage midges and other small flying insects from coming into contact with the material.

Aluminium is a non-ferrous metal, meaning it does not contain iron and will not rust. Aluminium is a highly durable and long-lasting corrosion resistant material. It can withstand exposure to moisture and other environmental factors without rusting or corroding, which makes it a great choice for fly screens. However, aluminium fly screens can still get dirty, and if not cleaned properly or frequently enough it can corrode over time.

Additionally, if the fly screen is exposed to harsh chemicals or abrasives, it can damage the surface and affect its durability.

Inviting fresh air into your home is a welcome relief, but without fly screens, you&#;re also attracting unwelcome insects. Luckily there are many different types of fly screens and even more material options.

The umbrella term &#;fly screen&#; essentially means material that&#;s designed to cover the opening of an open window or door. The primary purpose of a fly screen is to keep insects, dirt, leaves, debris, small birds and pests from entering your property when a window or door is open.

With a fly screen, you enjoy cool breezes with peace of mind that your window or door is protected from unwanted insects.

The Different Types of Fly Screens Explained

Inviting fresh air into your home is a welcome relief, but without fly screens, you&#;re also attracting unwelcome insects. Luckily, there are many different types of fly screens and even more material options.

What Are Fly Screens?

A fly screen is a mesh designed to cover open windows or doors, allowing fresh air to flow while preventing insects, dirt, leaves, and small pests from entering your home.

Fly Screen Materials

Fly screens come in a range of materials, each offering unique benefits:

• PVC Coated Fibreglass: Popular in coastal areas due to its corrosion resistance.
• Aluminium: More durable than fibreglass, with options for heavy-duty screens.
• Stainless Steel: Ideal for bushfire-prone areas, providing superior strength.
• Solar Screens: Excellent for shading and blocking heat.
• Pet Screens: Made from vinyl-coated polyester to withstand pet scratches.

Material Types Summary Table

At first inspection, some customers may presume that all fly screens are very similar to each other in terms of materials and construction. However, nothing could be further from the truth. There are many different varieties, each offering their own unique benefits and to suit any situation. The main differentiator is often the type of material used, which can determine many different elements, from the size of the mesh to its durability.

Fly Screens Material Types for Windows and Doors

PVC Coated Fibreglass

The most common material for fly screens, this is sometimes referred to as nylon mesh. Fibreglass is popular in Australia&#;s coastal towns as it doesn&#;t corrode, rust, or stain. It does, however, stretch and tear more easily when compared with other materials.

Pros:

• Resistant to corrosion, making it ideal for coastal areas.
• Lightweight and easy to install.
• Affordable and widely available.

Cons:

• Prone to stretching and tearing.
• Less durable compared to other materials.

Aluminium

Aluminium, also a common option for fly screen materials, withstands harsh weather conditions. Aluminium is more durable than fibreglass but can dent and crease over time. Heavy-duty aluminium is available to protect against this.

Pros:

• Highly durable, suitable for various Australian climates.
• Lightweight and easy to install.
• Resistant to corrosion, ideal for harsh weather conditions.

Cons:

• Prone to denting and creasing.
• More expensive than fibreglass.

Stainless Steel

Recommended for homes in bushfire-prone areas, stainless steel is strong and tough. For this reason, stainless steel is also used in most security screen options.

Pros:

• Extremely durable, ideal for high-risk fire areas.
• Resistant to corrosion and rust.
• Offers added strength for long-term use.

Cons:

• More expensive than other materials.
• Heavier and more challenging to install.

Pet Screen

Made from vinyl-coated polyester, pet screens are tough with small mesh holes to protect the screen from pet scratches and damage.

Pros:

If you want to learn more, please visit our website aluminium fly screens for windows.

• Highly resistant to scratches and pet damage.
• Durable for homes with pets.
• Low-maintenance and long-lasting.

Cons:

• Thicker material may reduce airflow.
• More expensive than standard fibreglass screens.

Weave

The weave of a fly screen refers to how many strands are in a square inch, ultimately creating spaces within the screen. As a general rule, the tighter the weave, the less likelihood something can get in through your open window or door. The trade-off is that a tighter weave may block or interrupt your view, so be sure to check your options before purchasing the tightest weave.

Pros:

• Tighter weave provides better insect protection.
• Ideal for coastal regions with smaller insects like sandflies.
• Available in various sizes to match individual needs.

Cons:

• Can reduce visibility through windows.
• May obstruct airflow, depending on the weave size.

Flyscreen Seamless Design & Aesthetics Considerations

Frame 

When selecting flyscreens, the design and integration of the frame play a crucial role in both functionality and aesthetics. A well-designed frame can seamlessly blend with the architectural style of your home, protecting it without detracting from its appearance. For modern homes, sleek, minimalistic frames that incorporate discreet fittings are an ideal option, as they ensure the flyscreen does not obstruct the view or the design of the windows and doors.

Customizable frame sizes allow for flexibility in design, ensuring a perfect fit for any window or door, while retractable or pleated options offer added versatility. The ability to tuck the screen away when not in use preserves the visual appeal of large windows or doorways, especially in open-plan spaces that integrate indoor and outdoor living.

Solar

Popular for areas where sun protection is needed, solar screens provide shade and block and absorb heat. This makes them ideal for areas near porches and verandahs. Solar screens can significantly reduce the amount of heat entering a home, contributing to better energy efficiency by lowering cooling costs in warmer months. In addition to heat reduction, solar screens provide protection from harmful UV rays, which helps to preserve the lifespan of furniture, carpets, and other interior elements prone to fading.

While solar screens are designed to block heat, they still allow for ventilation and natural light to enter the home, ensuring that the living space remains airy and well-lit without sacrificing comfort. Homeowners can enjoy cooler interiors without the need to compromise on visibility, as some solar screen materials are designed to reduce glare while maintaining clear views of the outdoors.

Colour

As well as material and weave, fly screen frames can come in different colours. Artilux retractable fly screens and Allegro&#; pleated insect screens can be manufactured in almost any frame colour from the range of standard colours from the Dulux® and Interpon® powder coating charts. The systems are also available in clear anodise and an attractive woodgrain finishes.

Choosing the Right Fly Screen for Your Home

Fly screens are a common feature in Australian homes but that doesn&#;t mean that fly screens are a design decision that should be made easily. When choosing fly screens, you must consider your personal preferences and factors such as location, climate, view and what insects you&#;re dealing with. You should also consider pets, children, privacy and frequency of use.

Fly screens of all materials, mesh sizes, colours and styles are available for purchase and installation through select retailers and providers. Many handyman services are equipped to help you install them, and if you have the time a skill set to do it, it&#;s even possible to purchase do-it-yourself options.

That said, we always recommend using a trusted fly screen provider like Artilux to ensure you have the right fly screen type for your doors and windows. Do-it-yourself options and over-the-counter styles tend to be very basic and you should never underestimate the impact the right fly screens can have on your home&#;s aesthetics, form and function.

When choosing a fly screen, consider the following factors to ensure the right fit:

• Climate: Choose materials that withstand your local weather.
• Pets: Opt for durable pet screens if you have animals.
• View: A tighter weave offers better insect protection but may reduce visibility.
• Colour: Coordinate with your home&#;s décor for a seamless look.

By making the right choice, your fly screens will not only keep insects out but also enhance your home&#;s aesthetics.

Different Styles of Flyscreens

Retractable Fly Screens

Commonly referred to as roller screen doors, retractable screens are a roll of mesh that&#;s contained within a housing (cassette). As you pull the screen along the top and bottom tracks, the mesh unrolls and extends to provide complete protection from insects.

Retractable screens work similarly to roller blinds, only instead of fabric they use insect screen mesh. They can be fitted horizontally or vertically and in keeping with the design of your home. Retractable screens are designed to pass unnoticed, incorporating small tracks, discrete fittings, and a range of sizes and colours depending on your design requirements.

Pleated Fly Screens

Instead of having mesh that rolls into a cassette like a retractable fly screen, pleated fly screens work like an accordion or concertina. This means that once the pleats are retracted, they fold and stack back onto each other with ease.

Pleated fly screens have less tension than retractable screens as they don&#;t require a spring-loaded tube-like retractable fly screen. This makes pleated fly screens a good option for children and the elderly, requiring very little muscle strength to open and close. Pleated screens feature a sleek, modern design that blends seamlessly into the existing door frame. There are no clunky additions; just clean, minimal execution.

Hinged Fly Screens

Hinged fly screens are made to fit onto a door&#;s side using a hinged framework. The term &#;hinged&#; refers to the hinges on the side so the door can swing. The mechanism in which hinged screens open is like that of shutters, and generally speaking, they are a cost-effective option. Hinged fly screens are for doors, where they act like a fly screen mesh for the door frame, and can be fitted over any UPVC, timber or metal casements.

Sliding Insect Screens

Sliding insect screens are made for both sliding doors and windows. The fly screen&#;s frame is mounted on tracks, so it can be easily slid along an additional track that runs parallel to the doors or windows.

Screen Windows

These are the archetypal or &#;standard&#; fly screens for windows. Normally just a simple frame with an insect mesh extended over it. These are normally without any additional features &#; for example, they cannot be not retractable. Depending on how they were originally installed, these can be removed and put in place again &#; which is necessary to clean the windows, even though it is a bit cumbersome.

Roller Fly Screen Door

Roller fly screen doors are a streamlined, practical solution for any home. They roll into a slim cassette, disappearing from view when not in use, which preserves your home&#;s clean lines and aesthetic. Ideal for both single and bifold doors, these screens provide effective insect protection without being intrusive. Their ability to blend seamlessly with any door type makes them perfect for those who value both style and function. If you want effortless operation with a minimalist design, roller fly screens are the way to go.

Mesh Panel Door Fly Screens 

Mesh panel door fly screens are perfect for busy entryways like kitchens or backdoors. Designed to withstand constant use, they offer durability without sacrificing airflow or protection. Their modular design makes them easy to repair or replace, ensuring a long-lasting solution for high-traffic areas. These screens fit doors of all sizes and blend seamlessly with your home&#;s design, making them an unobtrusive but essential feature for active households.

Sandfly Mesh

For homes in coastal or tropical areas, like Cairns in Far North Queensland, sandfly mesh is a must. Its ultra-tight weave is specially designed to block even the tiniest insects, like sandflies and midges, without compromising airflow. Perfect for beach or wetland homes, this mesh keeps your space cool and pest-free, ensuring comfort in even the most insect-prone environments.

Door Fly Curtain

Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the best. Door fly curtains are an affordable and convenient way to keep mosquitos and other insects out while allowing easy access. Perfect for homes in tropical areas like Darwin, where mosquitos are a common nuisance, these lightweight mesh panels hang over doorways, letting you pass through without sliding or opening a door. Ideal for high-traffic areas, they offer excellent insect protection and are perfect for outdoor spaces or homes with frequent foot traffic.

Roller Insect Screens

Roller insect screens offer a versatile solution for insect protection without disrupting your view. Designed for windows and smaller openings, they roll into a discreet cassette when not in use, giving you control over when and how you use them. Their adaptability allows them to fit both traditional and modern homes, and they can even be customized for larger windows, making them perfect for open-plan spaces that prioritize uninterrupted views.

Why Artilux Screens Are Superior to Standard Fly Screens

At Artilux, we don&#;t just create fly screens; we craft solutions that elevate the style and functionality of your home. Our screens combine innovative design with unparalleled practicality, ensuring that your living space is enhanced both aesthetically and functionally. Unlike traditional screens that detract from your décor, Artilux fly screens are designed to seamlessly integrate with your existing doors and windows, adding a modern, sleek touch while offering superior protection from insects.

Our products go beyond ordinary flyscreens, blending innovation with elegance to deliver a refined solution that enhances the beauty of your home. Here&#;s why Artilux stands out from the competition:

Key Features and Benefits of Artilux Fly Screens:

• Discreet and Retractable DesignUnlike traditional fixed screens, our retractable fly screens disappear when not in use, preserving the aesthetic of your space.Benefit: You enjoy clear, unobstructed views and a cleaner look, with no bulky screens permanently visible.
• Customisation and Colour VarietyArtilux offers over 100 standard powder-coating colours and over 200 premium options to perfectly match your décor.Benefit: Your flyscreens will blend effortlessly with your home&#;s design, adding a sophisticated, customised finish that complements any architectural style.
• Effortless Operation and Low MaintenanceOur innovative soft-closing mechanism ensures smooth, quiet retraction every time. The screens are also protected within their casings when not in use, reducing exposure to dust and dirt.Benefit: Enjoy ease of use and reduced maintenance needs, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your home instead of cleaning screens.

Experience the Artilux Difference

Don&#;t settle for ordinary fly screens that clutter your windows and doors. With Artilux, you&#;re investing in a product that not only protects your home from insects but enhances its overall value and aesthetic appeal. Our retractable and pleated screens are built to last, ensuring long-term satisfaction and seamless integration with any door or window type.

Why Choose Artilux?

If you&#;re considering retractable or pleated fly screens for your home, Artilux were the first company to bring the style to Australia. Form and function are critical parts of our design process and to cater to the different needs of our customers we offer unique systems that offer versatility to be combined with any cassette size. For the last 30 years, Artilux has been Australia&#;s leading supplier of high-quality retractable fly screens.

We&#;re a family business and we always go out of our way to give the highest level of personal service. Not sure which solution is right for you? No worries. We offer a free on-site consultation to help assess which of our products will suit your needs best. We&#;ll visit you at home and assess your requirements and deliver a tailored solution. We promise there&#;s no hard sell either &#; our main goal is to ensure you get a product you&#;re completely happy with, a solution the entire family can feel comfortable with.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit oyster mesh.