Patios are designed to have open sides to maximise the breeze in these outdoor living spaces. This option, more often than not, unfortunately also allows the heat or cool air in your patio to escape to the surroundings and, therefore, wastes energy.
Moreover, it will allow insects into your patio that would spread diseases and reduce comfort. Thankfully, there are alternatives for keeping insects out and heated or cooled air in without reducing the air or light flow into your patio.
Insulated roofing sheets and screens for your Brisbane property are the leading options. The insulated roofing systems will minimise the air leaking into the exteriors while the screens will keep the insects out.
The following are some of your patio’s screening alternatives.
Fibreglass
This is currently the most common material option for patio screens. Fibreglass screens are inexpensive and offer optimal visibility since they have minimal sunlight glare. Moreover, they will not crease, stain, or rust like metal screens, are flexible and come in several colours.
The primary disadvantage of fibreglass screens is that they tear and scratch more easily compared to other options.
Aluminium
This material option has excellent visibility and is more rigid than fibreglass. As such, it is 30% to 40% more durable compared to the latter and will withstand various elements. It is also light and can be easily cut using standard tools and bent into multiple designs.
Aluminium screens are available in charcoal and silver grey and black colours. They, however, cannot be used in coastal regions owing to the increased risk of rust and the susceptibility of the material to the same.
Vinyl-Coated Polyester
This is meant for patios looking for optimal sun control. This is because the vinyl-coated polyester will dissipate heat into the framing system and will last longer compared to aluminium. These screens come in several colours but are unfortunately among the most expensive alternatives for screening your patio.
Premium Metals
These include stainless steel, copper, brass, bronze and monel (a copper-nickel alloy). Brass has higher tensile strength and abrasion resistance compared to copper, but it is expensive and unsuitable for a salty region.
Bronze remains unaffected in saltwater conditions and is fairly stiffer and stronger than copper though it gradually discolours over time. Though very expensive, copper has a high aesthetic appeal and blends easily with various décor.
It is also easy to handle since it cuts easily and has minimal spring back. Stainless steel is durable and not easily dented or warped. It also has a high-level corrosion resistance making it ideal for coastal areas.
Synthetic Fabrics
These are mainly used for screens primarily meant to block sun rays. They are thus your best choice when you have upholstered patio furniture. Other than blocking sun rays, synthetic fabrics reduce the heat on your patio owing to their “shading” effect.
The above materials come in several weave alternatives. The mesh size or weave tightness of your material is measured according to the standard strand number per inch. The standard mesh size for patio screens is 18×16. For areas where small insects are the issue, the ideal screen size is 20×20.
