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What to Know about Different Types of Window Screens | Pella

Sep. 08, 2025

What to Know about Different Types of Window Screens | Pella

For anyone with an operable window, a properly functioning screen is important for keeping bugs and pests out. The origins of the window screen go back nearly 200 years when a "wove wire for window screens" was mentioned in American Farmer. Window screen technology, and therefore, quality, have improved dramatically since then, but the primary functions of this everyday item remain the same — let fresh air in while keeping bugs and pests out.

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We’ve sharing a few things to know about window screens that will have you enjoying the sounds, sights and smells of pleasant weather in no time.

One of the easiest ways to enjoy a breezy, bug-free summer is to have window screens installed throughout your home. Screens not only impact a room’s natural light and view, but they also enhance your living experience by creating a fresh, open-air environment. Adding screens to your windows helps improve natural air flow when the windows are open and often leads to less air conditioning costs for your home. Let’s discuss the different types of screens available, including flat and retractable screens.

Retractable screens appear when you need them and neatly hide away when you don’t. The self-storing design enables unobstructed views when not in use. This results in a sleek look that welcomes more natural sunlight. When the screen is needed, it easily engages to keep bugs out so you can enjoy fresh air in the house. Retractable screens are especially convenient as they do not require seasonal storage or as much cleaning as traditional visible screens. Pella offers three industry-leading types of retractable screens: the Hidden Screen for vinyl windows, the Integrated Rolscreen® for Pella® Reserve™ - Traditional single-hung and double-hung windows and the Rolscreen® Retractable Screen for wood windows.

The Hidden Screen is Pella’s latest screen innovation, available on Pella® 250 Series single-hung, double-hung and sliding windows. It’s easy to use, appearing when you open the window and neatly folding away when the window is closed. This screen allows 44% more natural light in your home when a window is closed than a standard screen.44

The Integrated Rolscreen appears when you open the window and disappears into the frame when the window is closed. No seasonal screen storage is required, as the Integrated Rolscreen retracts back into the frame, out of sight, when the window is closed. The screen is attached to the sash with magnets. If you choose to open the window and wish to not have the screen, simply tilt the sash, like you do for cleaning, and the screen disengages and retracts back into the sill (or head on the top sash).

The Rolscreen rolls up and down like a shade. Rather than storing in the window frame like the Integrated Rolscreen, this screen is stored outside of the frame. This option features a high-transparency screen material as standard. It’s available on select wood windows including Reserve - Traditional monumental hung windows, Architect Series® - Traditional casement windows and Pella® Lifestyle Series awning and casement windows.

Depending on the type of window you have, a full screen may not be necessary. For instance, single-hung and sliding windows use a half screen, since the window only glides open on one end, overlapping the glass on the other end. Other windows, like double-hung, casement and awning windows, require a full screen since the entire opening operates to let in fresh air.

Another thing to know about screens is that the placement changes based on window type. For instance, screens are on the interior side of casement and awning windows since these windows open outward. Interior screens do not interfere with the hardware on casement and awning windows, and they are protected from the elements, keeping the screen cleaner. Other types of windows, like single-hung, double-hung and sliding windows, have screens on the exterior side. This option protects the screen from pets and little hands in the house.

5 Types of Screens for Your Window

On a hot summer day, an open window or door goes a long way to help keep a space cool. 

But while providing air circulation and some relief from the heat, that opening becomes problematic when what’s outside starts making its way inside. For insects, birds, leaves, and large allergens (e.g. those puffballs from a cottonwood tree), an open window or door is an open invitation into a building. 

A solution for wide-open windows dating back to the late s, screens keep an element of separation from the great outdoors. Like most window accessories, screens are not a one-size-fits-all product. There are several different types of window screens, each boasting different benefits for your commercial project. 

5 Types of Window Screens

A window screen’s mesh material makes a big difference in selecting a mesh that lets you actually enjoy an open window. Of the different types of screens on the market -- all of which prevent pests from entering a space without significantly impeding airflow -- the most popular types of screens include: 

  1. Aluminum 
  2. Fiberglass
  3. Polyester
  4. Stainless steel  
  5. Copper-bronze and brass

Have a window or door that needs a screen?

Explore our available window screen options and pricing:


1. Aluminum Screens

Sturdy and strong, aluminum screens are as functional as they are long-lasting

Boasting durability and low weight, this window screen material type allows for both air and natural light to freely enter a space. At the same time, aluminum screens require minimal maintenance and cleaning and resist rust and corrosion

Of the different types of metal screens, aluminum window screens are the most common. They come in traditional silver or a charcoal finish.

Because of their reflectivity, silver aluminum screens reduce visibility into a space -- an important consideration for those who want a privacy window screen mesh. 

2. Fiberglass Screens

One of the most popular screen types for residential windows and doors, fiberglass window screens are designed for function. 

Allowing air to flow into a room with little obstruction, fiberglass screens, such as Phifer’s UltraVue, also keep unwanted outdoor nuisances (insects) where they belong: outside. 

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Though a cheaper option than other window screen materials, fiberglass mesh screens can still resist certain types of damage during their useful life, such as:

  • Dents
  • UV ray degradation 
  • Rot and decay
  • Brittleness from extreme temperatures

What sets fiberglass screens apart is their flexibility. When pushed against, fiberglass mesh stretches without immediately tearing. Its pliability preserves your investment. 

As most fiberglass screens have a protective coating -- usually black -- they do filter sunlight more than other screens. With less sunlight entering a space, a room stays cooler.  

3. Polyester

Another non-metal window mesh, polyester screens rank higher on the durability front. 

While more expensive than fiberglass screens, polyester screens are worth the extra investment. During manufacturing, polyester screens are covered with a vinyl coating that upgrades their resistance to cuts and rips. Compared to fiberglass, polyester screens are approximately 7x stronger. 

Under normal use, polyester screens are almost impossible to tear without a cutting tool. That’s why they’re ideal in homes with pets -- an overly enthusiastic dog or cat won’t be able to easily damage the screen. 

4. Stainless Steel

For screens installed in high-traffic areas or frequently used commercial windows and doors, resilience is a must. 

Stainless steel screens represent a long-term investment in integrity. Made from one of the strongest metals, these durable window screens stand up to the most common damages to screens, such as:

  • Scratches 
  • Stretching 
  • Rips 
  • Corrosion 

Even after years of exposure to the elements, stainless steel screens remain as rigid as the day they were installed. In addition to durability, stainless steel screens, such as SeeVue Insect Screen, deliver what you expect from a window mesh:

  • Airflow
  • A barrier for insects and other nuisances  
  • An almost unobstructed view of the outside 

When manufactured with a thicker-gauge mesh, stainless steel screens provide enhanced security. Tough to cut through and able to withstand impacts, this heavy-duty window screen material stops unwanted intrusions. 

5. Copper-Bronze & Brass 

Considered specialty window screens, mesh screens made from copper-bronze and brass combine utility and design. 

Primarily meant for aesthetic purposes, these screens add a pop of color to a window while still providing ventilation and a see-through barrier to the outside. Both types of screens are commonly used in period homes and historic restorations. 

In addition to being visually appealing, copper-bronze and brass screens are rust-resistant, strong, and long-lasting

Mesh & Strand Size for Screen Performance   

While selecting the appropriate screen material is an important consideration for meeting application demands, so too are a screen’s mesh and strand size. Both factors impact a screen’s performance.  

Screen mesh size is a measurement of the holes in a screen. A smaller mesh size means fewer things get through -- including air and light. 

Strand size refers to the diameter of each wire comprising a screen mesh. A thicker strand size means more strength and durability. At the same time, thicker strands equal less outward visibility. 

Getting the Most From Your Mesh Window Screens

An almost standard part of any window, a screen lets you fully enjoy natural air circulation without having to worry about unpleasant elements from outside getting in. By choosing the right window mesh screen for your commercial project, your screens can do more than keep pests out while letting air in. 

Looking for a partner for your next commercial project? 

Check out New Angle Beveling's services and capabilities. 

(Editor's note: This article was originally published in June and was recently updated).

Are you interested in learning more about Window Screen Products? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

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