A screened patio lets you enjoy the outdoors without having to constantly swat bugs from your body, drink, or food. Without a screen, the patio would be a lot less enjoyable than it could be. Patio screens let you relish the beauty of your natural surroundings in peace.

When they were first introduced, there were only a few patio screen options to choose from. But today, there are patio screens for every imaginable thing you want to do with your patio. Getting to know the available options is important for choosing your patio screen, says TrueNest Management.

What kind of screen is best for your patio? To decide the best type of screen to use for your porch, you will need to look at various aspects of the patio and how you intend to use the space. Some of the things to look at when making this decision include:

• The purpose of the patio – If you only plan to use the space during summer, you will need solar screens to combat the heat. If the porch is only going to be used during inclement weather, retractable screens should be enough. For year-round use, vinyl or acrylic sheets are great options.
• Humidity and saltwater – There are special considerations for homes that are located in areas with high humidity. The same is true if your home is near a water body, especially, a saltwater body. For your patio screen, you need a material that’s not easily damaged by humidity or salty air. Brass is a great option.
• Cost – Fiberglass and aluminum are the best screening materials options if you are operating on a tight budget. Copper is a more expensive option. But you should know that when choosing a material for your patio screen, you should place the quality and durability of that material ahead of its price.
• Installation – Some patio screens are so easy to install that you can do it yourself. But others have precise cutting requirements are hard to follow and only an expert can install them correctly. Room size and design also influence the difficulty of installing the screen. Think of how your screen will be installed before you choose a screening material

Types of patio screens

Fiberglass
Fiberglass is inexpensive and unlike metal screening, it doesn’t crease. There are almost no issues of sunlight glare with it, so you can be sure of good visibility. It is the easiest material to work with because it is flexible. Fiberglass screens are available in charcoal, black, or silver-gray colors.

Aluminum
Aluminum is a top-rated screening material. Although it is harder to install than fiberglass and three times the cost of fiberglass, it is a lot stronger than fiberglass and more durable. It has a strong glare effect but still offers excellent visibility. You can get aluminum in gray, black, and charcoal colors.

Sunshade
If your patio gets very hot during the summer, this is the ideal screening option for you. Sun control screens keep the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays out of the enclosure, while also letting light pass through. This keeps the porch from overheating. At the same time, the screen prevents insects from getting in.

Pet Resistant
These are naturally going to be tougher than other types of screens. Pet-resistant screens are perfect for pet owners because they are stronger than the standard mesh. But their strength comes at the cost of reduced visibility. Pet control screens are typically installed along the lower portion of the wall; you may use them in combination with other screening materials.

Prefabricated Screen Panel
This type of screen is mostly decorative. Its main attractions are that it offers a greater level of privacy than other options can, and it conveys a strong sense of style. Prefabricated screens are usually made from weathered steel, powder-coated aluminum, and hardwood. They are a popular and more expensive option.

Retractable Screens
As the name suggests, retractable screens offer a flexible way to screen your porch. They let you decide when you want to cover the patio and when you want to go without a screen. The spring-loaded screen can retract into the head of the window where it is perfectly hidden from view. It can also be installed to open sideways. Most retractable screens are made from vinyl-coated fiberglass.

Bronze, Copper, Stainless
These more expensive options are mostly used in upscale projects. The impact of using these screens on the appeal of your home is greater. In addition to being elegant, they are strong and durable. They are naturally more expensive than standard screens. The most expensive option in this group is brass, while the most affordable is bronze. In addition to their greater appeal, there are situations where these specialty screening options are the best alternative.