Regardless of the application and the desired characteristics; from outward visibility to privacy to durability or sun blocking, we have the right mesh for the job whether it’s for window screens, door screens, retractable screens or sun screens. Each of the mesh options listed below are arranged by category from highest visibility to lowest visibility or to put it another way from the least sun blocking to the greatest sun blocking. Durability generally (with some exceptions) follows the same pattern from least durable to the most durable. For more guidance please go to our Contact Us page & reach out to us. We’re here to help.
BetterVue® insect screening with Water Shed Technology™ (Patent Pending) preserves optical clarity by shedding water and resisting dirt and grime for a sharp, more brilliant outward view.
It’s made of fiberglass screening with a protective vinyl to ensure lasting beauty, color and flexibility. With BetterVue you can have the best of both worlds – great outward visibility without sacrificing strength or durability. This high visibility screening provides a 20% better airflow, 20% more clarity, and better insect protection than standard bug mesh. It even improves light transmittance in low-E glass windows. It also has Microban antimicrobial protection which inhibits bacteria, mold and mildew on the screen. This window screen is also Greenguard, indoor air quality certified. BetterVue high visibility Insect Screen has passed 1200 hours of QUV accelerated weathering.
As the name implies UltraVue® provides the ultimate outward visibility as well as the ultimate protection from flies & insects. The industry's latest advancement is a screen mesh that is almost invisible. You have to see it to believe it & you have to look close to see it! This nearly invisible screening provides a 25% better airflow, 25% more clarity, and 29% better insect protection. Like BetterVue, this mesh also contains Microban antimicrobial protection which inhibits bacteria, mold and mildew on the screen. It is also Greenguard, indoor air quality certified.
We would like to show you, but they are pretty hard to see!
Phifer's bug mesh has been the standard for window screens for decades. It is made of vinyl coated fiberglass yarn that is woven with an 18 x16 thread count which creates openings tight enough to keep the insects out but still allows for adequate airflow and outward visibility.
As good as it has been for decades it is being phased out by Phifer's newer products which either offer better visibility and airflow like BetterVue and UltraVue or more durability like TuffScreen, Tuff-No See-Um or PetScreen.
Like bug mesh, Phifer's 18 x 14 Pool & Patio mesh is also made of vinyl coated fiberglass yarn but the thread is just slightly thicker so it is more durable. The extra durability is why Pool & Patio mesh is our gold standard for door screens as well as exterior window screens. It is also the standard mesh for most horizontally retracting screens.
Phifer TuffScreen® is heavy-duty, vinyl-coated polyester insect screening that
is three times stronger than standard fiberglass mesh. It is ideal for use in high exposure areas that are more prone to punctures or damage from anxious pets, rambunctious children, or harsh weather.
Since TuffScreen® is so durable yet still offers good visibility it is ideal for screen rooms, sliding doors and the window that the cat likes to sit in.
Phifer TuffScreen® No-See-Um has a thinner thread and a tighter weave than TuffScreen® so it is a great compromise between the visibility of Pool & Patio mesh and the durability of TuffScreen®. It is ideal in the same high exposure applications as it's big brother but where you don't want to sacrifice the view.
Phifer PetScreen® is pet-resistant screening designed to be tear and puncture-resistant to resist damage by most dogs and cats. It is a remarkable seven times stronger than fiberglass mesh so it is ideal for use in sliding screen doors where dogs and cats often scratch to get in or out.
It can also be a good choice for a screen room if you have dogs or cats or if the there are shrubs right up against the screen room that could tear traditional fiberglass mesh.
It's open weave design means that you can actually close a hole that has been poked in it.
Phifer Super Solar Screening+ offers the ultimate in shading protection by blocking up to 90% of the sun’s heat. This vinyl-coated fiberglass fabric also improves daytime privacy while offering excellent outward visibility. Phifer Super Solar Screening works whether windows are open or closed. It keeps carpets and draperies from fading, as well as helps save energy, making it the ideal mesh for stationary sunscreens.
Like Super Solar, SunTex® 90 also blocks 90% of the sun’s heat and glare. The two main differences are that this heavy-duty solar screen is made of a thicker vinyl coated polyester yarn similar to TuffScreen & PetScreen so it is more durable than Super Solar but the view isn't as good.
The second difference is that there are several color and patern options to choose from.
It is ideal for exterior solar screens and sun shading applications where there are eminent threats from punctures or tears. It can also be used for exterior retractable or power screens but for that application we suggest using SunTex® 95 or 97.
SunTex® 95/97, engineered for exterior roller shade applications, is a full basketweave vinyl-coated polyester fabric that is thinner and lighter weight than traditional SunTex. SunTex 95/97 also offers increased heat and glare control as well as daytime privacy yet as you can see in the image to the left the outward visibility is remarkable given the fact that it is 95% - 97% UV efficient.
