The world of windows and doors can be confusing. Types include sliding windows, double hung windows, awning windows, hopper windows, casement windows, fixed windows, sliding doors, bi-fold doors, casement doors, stacker doors, pillarless corner doors and French doors.
Phew! That’s a lot to navigate!
To make the world of windows and doors even more confusing, Australia has a need for fly screens. Having fly screens on doors and windows shields your household from insects that can be hazardous to your health. Fly screens can protect against Ross River virus, Barmah Forest virus and other diseases that can be passed onto humans when given access to the home.
Windows, doors and fly screens need to work together harmoniously. They need to be attractive, timeless, functional, easy to assemble, accurately fitted and durable. This handy guide will explain the factors you need to consider to ensure your screening solutions work with your doors and windows, combining functionality and performance with convenience, flexibility and style.
Pairing your doors with screening solutions
External doors come in all shapes and sizes. The look and performance of your doors comes down to the materials, the construction, the configuration and the finish, and some types of external doors are better suited to certain areas of the home.
1. Bifold doors
Bifold doors are becoming an increasingly popular choice for homeowners wanting to create a more open and spacious feel in the home. Bifold doors are a type of door that is hinged in the middle and folds back on itself, taking up less space once they are opened.
For bifold doors, it is recommended to use a retractable or pleated fly screen. Retractable fly screens are our first choice as they integrate seamlessly without affecting the smooth operation of your doors. The advantage of using this type of screening solution is that it doesn’t obstruct the view when not in use.
2. Sliding doors
Sliding doors move along a track from both the top and the bottom so it’s important your screening solution glides along with your existing frame. Otherwise new tracking can be added to ensure a smooth gliding experience. If you choose a retractable fly screen, you can roll it out when you need it and then roll it away when you don’t.
3. French doors
French doors are 2 hinged doors that meet in the middle. There are French inswing, French outswing and French sliding doors to choose from. In the case of sliding doors that meet in the middle, they are “centre sliding” or “centre opening” sliding doors. They are an elegant inclusion for your home that let in a lot of natural light, which makes retractable screens the perfect solution for screening. Sliding screen doors can also be used on sliding French windows.
Pairing your windows with screening solutions
Awning and Casement windows
Awning windows open outward from a top hinge, while a casement window is attached to its frame by one or more hinges at the side. Retractable fly screens are the best option for these push out style windows.
Double-hung and sliding windows
A double-hung window moves up and down, allowing ventilation on the top, bottom or both. A sliding window opens by sliding horizontally along a top and bottom track. Half[-screens are a nice option for double-hung windows, particularly if you don’t open the top sashes. A retractable screen is a great option for sliding windows.
What To Consider When Choosing A Fly screen
1. Budget
Fixed screens can be great for windows where you want the screen in place but need an inexpensive alternative to retractable screens. Fixed screens do not retract, slide out of the way and they are not easy to remove, so whilst budget-friendly, they don’t provide much flexibility.
2. Fire risk
There are specific requirements relating to the screening of glass on homes in areas considered at risk of bushfire. Your home’s BAL level describes risk of windborne ember attack and burning debris and/or direct exposure to flames from a fire front. As the BAL risk increases, more fire resistant materials are required and more glass on the building is required to be screened.
3. Climate
Natural light and increased airflow are effective ways to manage climate considerations. Natural light can make a room comfortable and cozy even in the dead of winter, while increased airflow can keep you cool in summer. Having good quality fly screens can eliminate the need to run expensive heating and cooling and solar screens can be used to block and absorb heat while also providing shade.
4. Pets and young children
Made from vinyl-coated polyester, pet screening is tougher to ensure furry friends don’t ruin your screens. This type of tougher screen is also good for young children running in and out of porches, patios and verandas.
5. Allergies
Sandfly screen is designed with a smaller weave to give you respite from midges. If you live near the beach and react negatively to these types of bites, sandfly screen is highly recommended.
6. Security
If you want your screens to provide your home added security, opt for security screen doors and windows that are strong enough to withstand most attempts at forced entry. Security screens can be installed on most types of windows.
Ensuring confidence in your decision
In short, make sure you do your research before you invest in screening solution. If you have any questions, contact our friendly team for expert advice, or take a look at our guide to retractable fly screens to help you decide which fly screen to go for!
