Replacement Window Screen Buying Guide - Lowe's

14 Jul.,2025

 

Replacement Window Screen Buying Guide - Lowe's

Fiberglass Screens
Fiberglass screens provide good air flow as well as good outward visibility with minimal sunlight glare. They're flexible, durable plus they resist dents, unraveling, creasing and corrosion.
Polyester Screens
They're resistant to tears and more durable than fiberglass. Polyester screens are also rust, heat, fade and pet resistant, and work great as solar shades. They are resistant to salt water, making them perfect for coastal installation.
Aluminum Screens
These screens are durable and don’t tear as easily as fiberglass. Aluminum screens are also rust resistant and won’t sag.
Stainless Steel Screens
They're an excellent choice for high-traffic areas thanks to their strength. Stainless steel screens are corrosion and fire resistant, provide good ventilation and great outward views.
Copper Screens
These an excellent choice for coastal regions and inland. They’re durable, strong and naturally resistant to rust and corrosion. Copper screens provide beautiful architectural accents, with a warm, reddish-gold tone that develops a patina over time, giving it a classic, antique look.

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Elements that make a good screen include durability, adequate ventilation, outward visibility and protection from insects. They will also contribute to your home’s curb appeal. Some screens can give the windows a muted appearance, while other screens are nearly undetectable from the outside.

Standard screens have a mesh size of 18 by 16, meaning there are 18 squares per inch across, from the top left corner to the top right corner (also referred to as warp) and 16 squares per inch down, from the top left corner to the bottom left corner (also referred to as fill).

For porches, patios or pool areas, specialized larger-width screens are available. These are designed to be strong enough to enclose large openings where extra strength is needed across the wider span.

Screen patch and repair kits, either self-adhesive or non-adhesive, are great for repairing small holes. Larger tears or holes are repairable; however, you may want to consider replacing the entire screen for better aesthetics. You can find replacement screens that will allow you to keep your current window screen frame, based on its size.

Read Repair or Upgrade a Window Screen for more on repairing a window screen.

Cleaning window screens is easy to do and will help extend the life and look of your screens. Remove the screens from your windows, making note of which screens go where. Use a vacuum or soft brush to remove dust, pollen, and debris. A few drops of dishwashing liquid in water can provide a good cleaning solution for the screens. You can also find spray and wipe screen cleaners. Use a soft cloth to scrub down both sides of the screens. Use a garden hose with sprayer to completely rinse the screens. Allow them to air dry before reinstalling. Make sure to clean your screens twice a year, or more often if you live in a dusty or pollen-heavy region.

When thinking about replacing window screens, there are a couple of ways to proceed. Professional installation will ensure a proper replacement and fit, especially for large windows and custom screens, but can be expensive on a per window basis. Screen replacement can be done as a DIY project but will require time and materials. It will be less costly than professional installation, however. For example, 100 square feet of screen can range from $20-100 per window, depending on the type of material, such as aluminum, fiberglass, or polyester. It also depends on the features that you need, like rust resistance, pet resistance, mildew resistance, heat resistance and glare resistance.

Learn more about window replacement and installation with our articles Types of Windows: Replacement Window Buying Guide and Window Replacement and Installation.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Stainless Steel Metal Window Screen.

How To Choose The Right Screen Material

Choosing the right screen material for your home’s windows or porch can be daunting. With options like metal, fiberglass, and polyester offering unique benefits, it’s essential to understand their differences and how they’ll impact your home. This article will guide you through these screen materials to help you make an informed choice.

What’s The Difference?

Metal Screens

Insect screens were originally made from metal, typically aluminum. This made them the original preferred choice for screen material. Metal screens are known for their strength and are ideal in areas where tougher insects threaten screens. While each screen material offers a clear view, metal screens will offer the most clear view. Metal screen material options include bronze, stainless, and galvanized steel wire, each offering unique aesthetic and functional properties.

Fiberglass Screens

Introduced in the late s, fiberglass screens were developed for their forgiving nature. These screens are coated with vinyl for added durability, making them a lasting solution, especially in coastal climates where corrosion is a concern. Over time, fiberglass has become popular for pool enclosures and patios. They are typically available in shades of charcoal or gray and blend well with various exterior designs.

Polyester Screens

Emerging in the s for outdoor furniture applications, polyester fabrics have evolved into diverse screen products. Polyester is strong, durable, and weather-resistant. These features make it suitable for various outdoor applications.

Pros and Cons of Metal, Fiberglass, and Polyester Screens

Metal Screens

Metal screens are robust but less forgiving than other screen materials. Impacts from pets, people, or objects can cause permanent dents in the screen. This rigidity also makes DIY installation challenging. Additionally, metal screens are usually only available in widths up to 72 inches, limiting their use in larger spaces like pool enclosures.

Fiberglass Screens

Fiberglass screens are more forgiving and can withstand everyday wear and tear. They are available in widths up to 132 inches, making them ideal for larger projects like patios. While more cost-effective than aluminum, fiberglass screens have limited color options and can be more susceptible to certain insect damage.

Polyester Screens

Polyester screens differ in their construction. They have yarn coated in vinyl through an extrusion process, providing a thicker and softer coating. This process results in larger, more durable yarns. These characteristics make polyester screens suitable for various applications, including sun shading and protection against smaller insects.

Professional Screen Installation with AAA Screen & Window

Understanding the differences between metal, fiberglass, and polyester screens is key to choosing the right material. Whether you prioritize durability, ease of installation, or specific functional needs, there’s a screen material suited for your project.

For more information, please visit Epoxy Mesh.