Lowest-cost everyday insect screen
Fiberglass
The baseline choice for strong airflow, visibility and routine insect protection.
Explore this option →Screen mesh decision guide
Which screen mesh should you choose?
Start with the problem you are trying to solve. Standard fiberglass prioritizes airflow and value; pet-resistant mesh prioritizes higher-contact durability; solar meshes trade some openness for greater sun control.
Choose by priority
Match the mesh to what matters most.
Traditional metal mesh
Aluminum
A rigid metal insect mesh with high openness and a traditional feel.
Explore this option →Dogs, cats or repeated contact
Pet Resistant
A heavier vinyl-coated mesh intended for higher-contact openings and homes with pets.
Explore this option →Moderate sun control with more visibility
Solar 70
Approximately 75% UV blockage with about 25% openness.
Explore this option →Strong solar control
SunTex 80
Durable vinyl-coated polyester with approximately 80% UV blockage and about 20% openness.
Explore this option →Maximum solar-control emphasis
Solar 90 or SunTex 90
Dense 10%-openness options with approximately 90% UV blockage where solar reduction matters more than maximum outward visibility.
Explore this option →Tighter insect mesh plus solar benefit
VIMCO 20x30
A tighter-weave solar insect screen with approximately 65% UV blockage and about 36% openness.
Explore this option →Quick comparison
Airflow, contact and solar control pull in different directions.
| Material | Primary strength | Approx. openness | Approx. UV blockage | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiberglass | Everyday value & airflow | 45% | Minimal | Standard insect screens |
| Aluminum | Traditional metal mesh | 50% | No solar-control claim | Customers matching metal mesh |
| Pet Resistant | Higher-contact durability | 36% | 64% | Pets and frequently contacted screens |
| VIMCO 20x30 | Tighter insect + solar mesh | 36% | 65% | Tighter weave with moderate solar benefit |
| Solar 70 | Balanced solar control | 25% | 75% | Sun reduction with more openness |
| SunTex 80 | Durable solar control | 20% | 80% | Strong sun exposure |
| Solar 90 | Dense solar control | 10% | 90% | Maximum solar-control emphasis |
| SunTex 90 | Dense durable solar control | 10% | 90% | Maximum solar-control emphasis with polyester construction |
Percentages are catalog specifications used by Screens 702 for product guidance. Actual perceived visibility, airflow and solar performance also depend on color, lighting, installation and window conditions.
Window vs. patio door
The same mesh can serve a different job depending on the opening.
Window screens
For many windows, airflow, visibility and insect protection are the main priorities. Upgrade strategically on the sunniest windows or where pets make contact.
Window screen guide →Patio screen doors
Doors see more movement, hands, pets and repeated contact. Mesh durability can matter more here, especially in high-traffic households.
Patio screen door guide →Common questions
Before you choose.
Does darker solar mesh reduce visibility?
Generally, denser solar-control mesh trades some openness and outward visibility for greater solar reduction. Compare openness percentages when choosing.
Is pet-resistant screen pet-proof?
No screen should be treated as indestructible or pet-proof. Pet-resistant mesh is a heavier-duty option intended to tolerate more contact than standard fiberglass.
Should every Las Vegas window use solar screen?
Not necessarily. Solar-control mesh is most useful where sun exposure, glare or heat gain matters enough to justify reduced openness compared with standard insect mesh.
Can I use the same mesh in a patio screen door?
The Screens 702 patio-door configurator supports the available catalog materials. For frequently used doors, consider how much pet contact, traffic, airflow and sun exposure the opening receives.