• October 27, 2025
• by Cristian

When it comes to protecting your home and enhancing outdoor living spaces, screens play a vital role. Whether you have a patio, pool enclosure, or lanai, the material used in your screen can make a big difference in durability, appearance, and comfort. But have you ever wondered what materials professional screening companies actually use — and why?

Let’s take a closer look at the most common and trusted screen materials used today, how they compare, and what makes them ideal for different applications.

Understanding the Importance of Quality Screening Materials

Before choosing the right material, it’s important to understand what makes screening materials essential. A good screen should:

• Keep insects and debris out

• Allow natural light and air to flow freely

• Withstand weather, UV exposure, and corrosion

• Maintain clear visibility

Professional screen repair and installation companies carefully select materials based on these factors to ensure long-lasting performance and homeowner satisfaction. Cheap materials may save money upfront but often fail within a few months due to stretching, tearing, or fading.

1. Fiberglass Screening: The Most Common Choice

Fiberglass is one of the most widely used materials by screening companies. It’s popular because it strikes a balance between affordability and performance.

Features of Fiberglass Screen:

• Made from woven glass yarn coated with PVC (vinyl)

• Flexible, lightweight, and easy to install

• Resistant to rust and corrosion

• Provides excellent airflow and visibility

Best Uses:

Fiberglass screens are ideal for patios, windows, porches, and pool enclosures. They’re perfect for areas where moderate durability and clear views are desired.

Pros:

✅ Budget-friendly
✅ Non-corrosive
✅ Great airflow and visibility

Cons:

❌ Can stretch or tear more easily than metal screens
❌ May sag over time

If you live in an area with mild weather and want a cost-effective, reliable option, fiberglass is a great starting point.

2. Aluminum Screening: Strong and Long-Lasting

When strength and durability are your top priorities, aluminum screens are an excellent choice. Many professional screening companies use this material in coastal regions where salt and humidity are constant challenges.

Features of Aluminum Screen:

• Made from woven aluminum wire

• Coated with protective finishes (usually black, silver, or charcoal)

• Sturdy and corrosion-resistant

Best Uses:

Aluminum screens are great for porches, pool enclosures, and screened patios — especially where high durability is needed.

Pros:

✅ Strong and dent-resistant
✅ Withstands high winds
✅ Long lifespan

Cons:

❌ Can dent under pressure
❌ More expensive than fiberglass
❌ Limited flexibility during installation

If you want a screen that lasts for years with minimal maintenance, aluminum is one of the best investments.

3. Polyester Screening: The Modern Alternative

Polyester screens are becoming increasingly popular due to their advanced strength and flexibility. They combine the best features of fiberglass and aluminum with improved resistance to stretching and tearing.

Features of Polyester Screen:

• Coated polyester yarns for durability

• Resists sagging and damage from pets or weather

• Available in various mesh densities

Best Uses:

Ideal for pool enclosures, lanais, and screened patios where long-term durability and aesthetic appeal are key.

Pros:

✅ Extremely durable
✅ Resists sagging and punctures
✅ UV and mildew resistant

Cons:

❌ Slightly higher cost
❌ Installation may require professional tools

Polyester screening materials are often used by top-tier screening companies that prioritize long-lasting results and modern performance.

4. Pet-Resistant Screens: Built for Active Households

If you have pets that love to scratch or jump against the screens, you’ll want something stronger. Pet-resistant screens are made from heavy-duty polyester or vinyl-coated polyester, offering up to 7x more strength than standard screens.

Features of Pet-Resistant Screen:

• Reinforced fibers for added durability

• Designed to withstand claws and pressure

• Maintains airflow and visibility

Best Uses:

Perfect for doors, patios, or windows where pets frequently come in contact with the screen.

Pros:

✅ Extremely tough
✅ Scratch and tear-resistant
✅ Long-lasting protection

Cons:

❌ Slightly less visibility than standard fiberglass
❌ Heavier mesh can reduce airflow

Professional installers often recommend pet-resistant screens for families who want peace of mind without sacrificing style or function.

5. Solar Screens: Protection from the Sun

In sunny states like Florida, solar screens are a popular choice for energy efficiency and comfort. These screens reduce heat gain and UV exposure, keeping your patio or indoor spaces cooler.

Features of Solar Screen:

• Made from dense fiberglass or polyester mesh

• Blocks up to 90% of UV rays

• Available in multiple shading levels

Best Uses:

Ideal for sun-facing patios, windows, or pool cages that experience strong sunlight.

Pros:

✅ Reduces heat and glare
✅ Protects furniture from fading
✅ Increases energy efficiency

Cons:

❌ Less visibility due to thicker weave
❌ May cost more than traditional screens

Many screening companies offer solar screens as an upgrade for homeowners who want both comfort and protection.

6. No-See-Um Screens: Ultra-Fine Mesh for Tiny Insects

If you live near lakes, swamps, or coastal areas, you know how annoying tiny insects like gnats and sand flies can be. That’s where No-See-Um screens come in.

Features of No-See-Um Screen:

• High-density mesh (20×20 or finer)

• Usually made from fiberglass or polyester

• Keeps out even the smallest bugs

Best Uses:

Perfect for coastal homes, patios, and pool enclosures where tiny insects are common.

Pros:

✅ Keeps out no-see-ums and gnats
✅ Maintains good airflow
✅ Long-lasting when installed properly

Cons:

❌ Slightly reduces visibility
❌ Harder to clean due to fine mesh

For maximum comfort, many screening professionals recommend this material in humid or bug-heavy regions.

7. Stainless Steel Screening: Premium Protection

For ultimate strength, security, and longevity, stainless steel screens are top-tier. Though more expensive, they’re built to withstand harsh environments and even resist damage from pets or small debris.

Features of Stainless Steel Screen:

• Made from woven stainless steel wire

• Rustproof and corrosion-resistant

• Used in high-end applications

Best Uses:

Ideal for luxury patios, coastal homes, and commercial projects where performance is a must.

Pros:

✅ Longest lifespan
✅ Weather and rust resistant
✅ Extremely strong

Cons:

❌ High cost
❌ Requires professional installation

If you want the best of the best, stainless steel screening is the premium option many top screen enclosure companies recommend.

Comparing the Most Common Screen Materials

Why Professional Installation Matters

Even the best material can fail if it’s not installed properly. Professional screening companies use specialized tools, spline materials, and tensioning techniques to ensure your screens fit perfectly and last for years.

DIY installation may seem appealing, but poor fitting or uneven tension can lead to sagging, gaps, or tears — issues that shorten the lifespan of your screens. Professional installers also provide warranties and maintenance options, ensuring peace of mind for homeowners.

Maintenance Tips for Long-Lasting Screens

To keep your screen enclosures looking new and performing well:

• Clean regularly with mild soap and water

• Inspect for tears or loose edges every few months

• Avoid pressure washing directly on the screen

• Replace damaged spline if the screen loosens over time

Simple maintenance can extend your screen’s lifespan by several years.

Final Thoughts

The materials used by screening companies have evolved to offer better protection, visibility, and longevity than ever before. Whether you prefer fiberglass for affordability, aluminum for strength, or polyester for long-term performance, choosing the right screen material makes all the difference in comfort and durability.

If you’re planning to repair or replace your screens, always work with a trusted screening company that understands your needs, local weather conditions, and lifestyle.

High-quality materials and professional installation ensure your screen enclosure not only looks great but also protects your home for years to come.