Does Aluminum Or Plastic Make a Better Window Screen?

When considering the different parts that are involved in creating window screens and frames, you will have to decide on a material to use. Both aluminum and plastic are in common use for many screen parts. You are probably wondering, is aluminum or plastic better? While plastic has many applications where it is useful, aluminum is a great addition to any space.

There are many benefits to be gained from aluminum. Aluminum is a lightweight metal that features corrosion resistance. Because of the chemical makeup of aluminum, it generates a corrosion-resistant coating when it comes into contact with an oxidizing environment. Aluminum is odorless, so you will not have to worry about your new screens and frames overpowering a room with their scent.

When choosing the material you want for your screens, it is important to know what each type offers. Screens made from aluminum mesh have limited color options, but they are one of the sturdiest and most durable screens available. They have a long lifespan and will offer you protection from different weather conditions, including rain, strong winds, and even hail in some cases. Thanks to their construction from aluminum, aluminum mesh screens are resistant to abrasion, corrosion, and rust, making them a great screen choice for nearly any environment. Aluminum wire window screens also will not sag or rust, extending its life even further. If you choose charcoal or black aluminum screens, the finish will absorb light and reduce glare, improving outward visibility.

In areas where you do not need to worry about extreme weather conditions, plastic insect screens can be a great, affordable alternative to aluminum insect screens. These screens help prevent mosquitoes, flies, and other bugs from entering your home while still allowing fresh air to enter. Like aluminum, plastic insect screens are incredibly lightweight, but unlike aluminum, they also feature a UV-resistant coating.

Plastic has also become a popular material used in the construction of privacy screens. These types of screens use a heavy mesh screen combined with a plastic laminate over the top to protect against the elements. These screens are great for pool enclosures or patios and are generally placed in the bottom section of pool enclosures to keep out grass clippings or provide privacy.

Both plastic and aluminum are heavily used in the construction of screen frames and frame corners. Both materials are highly durable, though aluminum tends to have a longer life than plastic. Be sure to make your choice based on the location of your window and the type of weather conditions it will face.

Aluminum is 100% recyclable and maintains all its original properties during the recycling process. This means that as you replace screens and frames, you do not have to worry about your choices impacting the environment negatively. This property also helps keep prices down, since the use of recycled metal is cheaper during production than using prime metal from the ground. Although many plastics can still damage the environment, the plastics used in plastic insect screens tend to be recyclable or made from recycled materials, making them a safer alternative to other materials.

Although prices are kept lower thanks to aluminum's recyclability, it is still on the higher end of costs in comparison to other window screening materials. This is one area where plastic will have an advantage over aluminum. Plastic's affordability makes it more appealing for large jobs where you may have to replace the screening through multiple levels of a home or business.

While the best material for the job will vary from job to job, knowing the benefits of each material allows you to approach the decision with all the facts. If you have any additional questions about our selection of window screen materials or any of our other products, please feel free to contact us via email or phone at 972-438-9100 for more information.