Windows and doors allow the flow of natural light into the interior spaces your home. However, opening up your windows and doors can mean unwittingly allowing a whole host of unwanted things into your home – insects, organic materials carried in by the wind, and even the unwanted gaze of neighbours.
Fixed Screens vs Retractable Fly Screens: What’s the Difference?
For this reason, screens are a popular standard addition to windows and doors. Not all screens are made equal, and there is the choice for installing fixed or retractable screens. You’ll want to get to know the differences to make an informed choice.
Fixed screens
Fixed screens over your windows or doorways, stay in the same position permanently. For ultimate protection, they can be designed from a variety of fine mesh materials, and put together using either screws, rivets or a welded frame. They might also have the added function of withstanding fire longer.
Retractable fly screens
Retractable fly screens on the other hand, are not fixed in place. Instead, they’re designed to roll away when not in use. The screen folds onto itself and is stored in a cassette. For windows, you can slide the retractable screen open or shut as required. For doorways, the retractable fly screen can be opened and shut when you need to get in the house or exit. In this way it can serve as the main barrier during the day, while at night, the screen can be retracted along with the door when you’re ready to lock up.
Which one is better?
Retractable fly screens offer considerable convenience for doorways, while fixed fly screens can be great for window areas that don’t need to open up.
Keep the insects out
Retractable and the fixed screens are highly effective against insects. They’re both made of fine mesh and successfully deflect insects like flies, bees, wasps, and mosquitoes.
Cleaning and maintenance
Both types of screens are easy to clean and maintain. You can wipe them down with a damp cloth to keep them clean or have them cleaned professionally.
Unobtrusiveness
Retractable fly screens can be folded away completely, while fixed screens stay in position. While retractable fly screens might rank higher for unobtrusiveness by nature of their design, fixed screens can also come in unobtrusive colours and frames that blend into your window areas.
Convenience
Both designs can offer you convenience depending on what you’re trying to achieve. For example, for upstairs windows, fixed fly screens might be best so there is no need to manage them. For any doors that open into an outdoor space; retractable screens give you the convenience of a thin barrier that can be open and shut as needed.
Ventilation
Both styles of screens offer great ventilation benefits. You can keep out any insects and garden debris, while still allowing fresh air to circulate by opening a window and keeping your screen shut.
Installation compatibility
You can buy both retractable and fixed screens in a range of sizes, shapes, and colours. So it’s never a big issue looking for a screen to fit your door or window, as long as you work with a reputable provider.
Durability
Both designs are usually designed for durability, the manufacturer or brand is what you might need to take into account and compare.
Where to use retractable fly screens and fixed screens
Retractable screens are great for sliding doors, double doors, and any entryways. Whether your doorways look out over the ocean, a large backyard, or a humble garden, the retractable fly screens give you the convenience of being able to exit and enter as you wish.
Fixed screens can be great for windows where you want to have the screen in place but need an inexpensive alternative to retractable screens. Fixed security fly screens on windows also allow extra security against burglars entering, and children climbing out and falling.
Which screen has the most practical benefit for you?
When it comes to screens, retractable screens are the better option, offering superior style, discreteness, and functionality. For entry points, retractable screens are the best option, since they keep out insects while allowing you to get in and out. For those on a budget, fixed screens could be the better option.
Artilux has been Australia’s leading supplier for high-quality retractable screens for the past three decades. We provide all our happy customers with an industry-leading warranty of 7 years on our 100% Australian-made products. Contact us today for a discussion about the best screen product for your home or office.
