What type of screening would be best to use on a screened-in porch often exposed to salt spray?

Answer 1

Fiberglass

Answer 2

You can purchase window screen material in metal or plastic. Both have their advantages.

Metal screen is more resistant to bugs ... they cannot chew a hole in it. (Grasshoppers are particularly bad about this)

Metal screen will rust tho, particularly in a 'salty' environment.

Plastic screen will not rust, but of course, is prone to insect damage.


You could purchase the metal screen and paint it... tho, it sounds as if you may be in an area with few insects that like to chew holes in screens... I would go with the plastic for now, and see how it holds up. It isnt that expensive, and is easy to handle and install.

There are also 'patches' that you can get and apply, if for some reason you do end up with a hole in a screen.

If you are installing the screen into a frame with a groove, the screen material is held in place with a rubber-like cord. Using a 'screen roller', (a small hand held tool with a wheel on either end, each of a different size), press the screen material into the groove with the narrow wheel, then roll your cord into place with the other end of the tool... you will notice it has a slightly wider groove. Do not sctretch the cord too much, as it WILL pull back to its original length, over time. Work a little at a time, on opposite sides of the frame, pulling the wrinkles out of the material. Once the cord is in place all the way around, then it, and the screen material can be trimmed off, with either a good utility knife, or scissors.

If the screen is being stapled to the back of a frame, apply it the same way...working from opposite sides, pulling the wrinkles out as you work around the frame.


Have Fun!

Answer 3

Fiberglass screening is easy to work with due to its flexibility and it is not prone to corrosion like metal screen. It comes in many sizes and lengths and you can get it in black or grey.
Be sure to get the right kind of spline (rubber type string that holds it in the tracks) if you are rescreening an aluminum framed porch.
It is my personal preference to use the plastic spline roller and not the metal one as the metal one will cut the screen if you slip and that will make you have a very bad day after getting it perfectly fitted and then the last 12 inches rip! LOL! Good luck!

Answer 4

Use a nylon screening, as it wont deteriorate in the salt spray as quickly as any other type.

Either way, your going to have to hose it off, what ever screening you put up, because the salt will clog the individual holes in the screen, and will need maintanance.

I would find some stainless steel nails, and put up a tack strip, of wood, so that the assembly wont rust and come loose and fail.

Any other type of metal will rust in salt water, sainless is always the best for outdoor useage, as it wont rust or corrode.

Dont use a metal mesh, as it will rust and corrode in one season or two...if exposed to the salt spray itself...

I wish you well..

Jesse

Answer 5

Heavy Plastic screen, the one that rolls up & down.

Answer 6

only fiberglass