Home renovators are closing the door on conventional fly screens as homeowners rush to finish their winter renovations in time for summer.
Renovation enthusiasts are increasingly opting for modernised fly screen designs, with creative new options offering increased ventilation, security and a more open style of living.
The Aussie household must-have has long featured a simple perforated fabric material framed around the metal borders of a door or window.
However, multiple problems have commonly been encountered with universal window installation.
Their ‘fixed in place’ design prevents windows from being fully opened, restricting ventilation, home cooling and a more connected style of open living with the home’s outdoor surroundings.
Meanwhile, fly screen fabrics have long been synonymous with unappealing laxity, tearing and security issues.
These longstanding issues have seen new alterations, such as fully retractable designs or perforated metal material instead of fabric, creating buzz among those seeking to replace or install fly screens.
Retractable fly screens
Retractable fly screens sit inside a discreet cassette compartment at the edge or top of the window. They can be rolled out when needed and retracted when not in use.
Unlike conventional fly screens, these can be installed universally, even on windows and doors unsuited for standard fly screens.
Bifold doors, outward-awning windows, undercover patios, and folding doors are all compatible with retractable fly screens, opening a range of options previously unavailable to purchasers.
However, the most significant benefit is in the retraction itself—allowing homeowners to ditch the traditional permanently fixed design and opt for a more open style of living, where doors and windows can be fully opened to enjoy more superb views and ventilation.
Its retraction capability also increases the product’s longevity by protecting it from the elements for long periods, preventing holes, tears, material laxing, and material fading.
Tech Roll Managing Director Andrew Park told Build-it that while retractable fly screens require a higher initial investment, homeowners would quickly recoup those costs through energy efficiency savings.
“It does cost a little bit more as there’s more installation involved per your generic fly screen,” he explained to Build-it.
“Yet customers are saving when they go to ventilate their home and cool it down by properly opening up the airflow, which is great for the property’s energy efficiency.”
“Having a retractable fly screen and thermal windows is great for energy efficiency. It can save up to 30 per cent of energy costs annually.”
Costing around $200 per fly screen, the product can be installed between patio and veranda supports, providing a bug-free boost to summer outdoor entertaining.
“People want to get these done between the winter and the end of the year so they’re ready for summer and the family Christmas party,” Mr Park told Build-it.
Security fly screens
Several more secure options are available for those whose fly screen selection is more dependent on security features.
Recognised brands such as CrimSafe, Stop Thief and One Solomons offer a range of security-focused fly screen solutions compatible with windows, doors and even patio enclosures.
The products typically use a thicker and tougher stainless steel material or steel mesh, fixed securely within a specially designed window frame system.
The result is a fly screen that cannot be torn, cut, or broken and a window frame that cannot be removed, severely restricting thieves’ ease of access to the home.
While homeowners may compromise marginally regarding ventilation and breeze, the added security benefits of the thicker material, coupled with its ability to reduce 53% of solar heat gain and 62% of UV rays, make your home more energy-efficient.
Pleated fly screens
A pleated fly screen is an excellent alternative if you don’t want a mesh that rolls into a spring-loaded cassette or a heavy, irremovable security mesh that blocks visibility and ventilation.
Pleated fly screens are one of the lightest fly screen options available. When put away, they work like an accordion or concertina, being pulled out and folded on top of themselves to one side of the window.
This means that once the pleats are retracted, they easily fold and stack back onto each other and, with some models, can even be concealed in a compartment.
The product has reduced tension and doesn’t require a spring-loaded retraction system. This makes it a good option for children and the elderly, as it requires very little muscle strength to open and close.
Their minimalist modern design blends seamlessly into most existing door frames, which has seen them grow in popularity in recent years.
