Why Insect Screens Matter

Beautiful windows let you bring the beauty of nature into your home. But some of nature’s wonders—insects, to be specific—should stay outside and out of your kitchen, bedroom, and other indoor spaces.

Fortunately, there are lots of ways to keep bugs at bay while you enjoy a backyard barbecue or pool party. Sprays, citronella candles, and insect repellent work wonders, as does keeping your property as clean and dry as possible. But the best way to prevent flying pests from entering your home is to equip your windows with durable, reliable insect screens. These screens are generally installed in tandem with your replacement windows.

What are the must-have insect screen features for top performance? 

Look for insect screens that are easy to remove. 

Like windows, insect screens can get dirty and dusty, requiring occasional cleaning. If you live in an area with lots of cottonwood trees and pollen-producing plants, you may need to clean your screens more often to avoid buildup. To keep your insect screens looking great, we recommend washing them at least once a year. Some geographic areas experience more dirt and dust and may require attention more regularly.

Insect screens are typically installed in tandem with your replacement windows. Removing those screens for cleaning should be fast and easy—something any homeowner can do on their own. 

How, and how often, you clean your insect screens depends on the type you choose. This video explains two different methods for cleaning Renewal by Andersen® window screens. (Want more cleaning tips? Check out this feature on easy home cleaning hacks—including cleaning your windows and insect screens.)

Want to enhance your view? Look for insect screens that let in more light.

Aluminum insect screens do a stellar job of helping prevent insects and debris from entering your home through the windows. They also let in plenty of fresh air so you can enjoy a refreshing breeze. 

And, true to their purpose of keeping unwanted pests out—but letting all of mother nature's other niceties in—aluminum insect screens don’t typically have much impact on your view of the world outside. A well-fit one will be minimally noticeable and will allow plenty of sunlight into your home.

For the ultimate in clarity however, many homeowners opt for stainless-steel mesh insect screens. The ultra-thin construction of stainless mesh does everything an aluminum insect screen can do—including repelling insects and debris and maximizing air flow—but steel mesh also offers enhanced clarity for a crystal-clear view of the great outdoors. Stainless mesh insect screens typically cost more than aluminum, so you’ll want to keep your budget in mind when comparing insect screens for your replacement windows.

Which insect screens should you choose?

Replacement window insect screens typically come standard with every operable window, and that’s no different at Renewal by Andersen. Our standard insect screens are constructed from durable yet lightweight aluminum, making them easy to handle and remove for cleaning.

For many homeowners, aluminum is just what they want and need in a window insect screen. But if you live in an area with more insects, in a coastal climate with more challenging weather conditions, or simply want insect screens that allow more light and fresh air into your home, be sure to check out insect screens constructed from stainless-steel mesh, like our patented, Andersen-exclusive TruScene® insect screens. 

What sets TruScene® insect screens apart?

TruScene® insect screens are made with a micro-fine stainless-steel mesh that’s one-third the diameter of standard screen wire. Stainless steel provides more strength, and its thinner construction lets more air and sun in while keeping insects out. They’re virtually invisible, offering 50% more clarity than standard insect screens.

This buying guide from our sister company, Andersen Windows and Doors, can help you understand the differences between aluminum and TruScene® insect screens. 

Want to learn more about replacement windows from Renewal by Andersen? Request a free consultation. And be sure to make insect screens part of the conversation. Your Renewal by Andersen design consultant can answer all your questions about insect screen options for your replacement windows.