Windows are the gateways that connect our homes to the outside world, allowing fresh air and natural light to flow in. They provide us with stunning views, create a sense of openness, and enhance the overall aesthetics of our living spaces.
However, along with these advantages come a few challenges, such as unwanted pests, airborne debris, and the occasional gust of wind. This leads us to the question: do I need screens on my windows?
Importance of Window Screens
Window screens help to filter out and reduce outside airborne particles, which homeowners might otherwise expose their homes to.
Fresh air blowing through the home can be enjoyable when the weather is right, but it can also remove allergens and stale air that can be harmful.
Screens are a must, in my opinion. Critters, birds, leaves, and anything else that roams the outdoors are also kept out by these window screens.
On the other hand, a window without a screen allows for more natural sunlight and, therefore, more heat to enter. As a result, your home will be warmer during the winter.
In this blog post, we will explore the various benefits of window screens and help you determine whether they are a valuable addition to your home.
Do You Really Need Screens On Your Windows?
There is no doubt that it is, and for good reasons. Screens aren’t always the most visually appealing component of a home’s exterior.
Although passersby may not notice the screens from the sidewalk, window screens can benefit homes in many ways.
What are the benefits of installing screens on your home windows, and how can you go about doing it?
Whether you’re a homeowner contemplating the installation of window screens or someone seeking to weigh the pros and cons, this guide will provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision.
Keeps Your Home Protected
Protecting your home is the main advantage of door and window screens. There is no doubt that screens seem insignificant, yet they have tremendous power.
This is the primary barrier between the exterior and interior of your home. For your home to maintain a healthy level of fresh air, you must install window and door screens.
As a result, screens protect your glass and doors from abuse, like kids throwing a ball through a window while they’re playing outdoors. Moreover, it is yet another obstacle that needs to be overcome by a burglar to gain access to your home.
In addition to protecting your interior items like furniture, you should also note that it keeps windows and doors cleaner for longer.
Despite screens’ flimsy nature, they collect much of the debris that would otherwise adhere to the glass. Simple cleaning and screen removal make it a nearly maintenance-free protective barrier for windows and doors.
Financial Savings and Filter Control
In addition, screens can help you to save money. It lets you open your windows day or night without worrying about damaging your possessions. It is possible for things to fly off desks and stands due to the wind.
There is no bullet-proof screen for windows or doors, but they withstand more abuse from the elements than without any protection.
In the fall and winter, screens can also help eliminate airborne particles that may need to be cleared when the house has been dormant for several days or weeks. In turn, you and your family are protected from allergies and illnesses.
Critter Control
Furthermore, door and window screens are excellent at preventing wildlife from entering. Your pet’s safety is guaranteed as long as it’s kept inside the house. Moreover, it prevents unwanted animals and pests from entering.
There aren’t any screens that will protect you from every single insect, but screens can go a long way.
When it gets hot and muggy outside in the summer months, these are especially useful for keeping you cool without bringing in countless mosquitoes and other pests.
Weather Resistance
Besides preventing rainwater from entering windows, window screens also act as a first line of defense. As well as protecting window panes, they also reduce pooling, which can lead to mold growth.
Even if they are not maintained for years at a time, screens can develop mold if left unattended for long periods. Additionally, screens can prevent windows from quickly deteriorating in inclement weather.
Installing new windows can be costly, so this extra layer of protection is typically well worth the investment. In summary, window screens can extend your windows’ lifespan and maximize your windows’ value.
Does the Law require Window Screens?
It is not mandatory to use window screens. It is up to you whether you put in the screens yourself or have the landlord provide them; you may rent elsewhere or convince the landlord to do it. It isn’t necessary to rely on window screens, however.
Moreover, landlords should provide screens on all windows in living areas and common areas where they open.
Are Openable Windows Required To Have Screens?
Several Florida county and municipal housing codes require window screens, but the International Residential Code (IRC) doesn’t.
Local code exceptions may apply to homes equipped with air conditioning. Screens must be in good condition or be in place before an individual can apply for a mortgage through FHA, HUD, or USDA.
For example, the USDA inspection checklist states Windows should have a good insect screen. Damaged screens are constantly repaired.
Our repair process calls out empty window screen slots on operable windows as defects simply because there was one before, but now it is gone.
It is common to find a stack of screens that matches the number of windows in a house when you poke around in the attic or garage.
It is sometimes the case that homeowners remove all the screens when they are preparing their home for sale to brighten up the interior of the house and enhance the window views.
Disadvantages of Door and Window Screens
Even though door and window screens are beneficial and can complement your house, some theories argue they aren’t always necessary.
During the winter, especially in certain climates, screens can be a hindrance more than anything else. In any case, it is not to say they aren’t a good solution, but they are a seasonal one.
Winter is a popular time of year for homeowners to remove their doors and home screens. What’s the reason? As a precaution when winterizing, you should remove screens to:
Using Screens Creates a Different Look
Windows have screens that do block a full view of the outside or inside. In most homes, the minimum amount of privacy is wanted from the outside but not really from the inside. It will make your view more attractive by removing them.
As a filter for glass, screens can accumulate dirt quickly, but some prefer this because they are easier to clean.
It can be challenging to remove screens from second and third-floor windows. Screens are removed to remove most debris that gets trapped between them and the window.
Door and Window Screens Block Light
It may not seem like a big deal, but screens block natural light. It’s common for homeowners to value the sunlight that streams in through the south and east-facing windows and doors the most.
The temperature can go up by eight degrees with these types of facing windows and doors. In summary, deciding whether to put screens on south- and east-facing windows or doors is personal.
Snow and Ice Can Get Trapped Between Screens and Windows
As a result, the build-up can result in long-term damage to the sill and window frame. Ice and snow are heavy, as well as destructive, so they bow the screen and reduce its effectiveness.
Many people choose to ignore screens on windows or doors during the winter because of this.
Replace Screens On Windows With Storm Windows
For single-paned windows, providing an extra barrier against the cold is especially important. The problem is not as acute for homeowners with double- or triple-paned windows.
Storm windows provide additional thermal insulation in cold climates, making them more desirable than window screens.
Door And Window Screens: Settling The Debate
Surprisingly, there is hardly any debate about the value of home screens. A number of benefits can be obtained from window and door screens, according to some experts. Other people argue that screens should be removed as they are unnecessary.
In what situation should you act? There’s no harm in weighing the positives and negatives of the problem as with anything else in life. The following advantages come with keeping or adding new screens:
- Protection
- Comfort
- Critter Control
Replacement of screens isn’t quite as expensive as replacing doors and windows. In addition, this system will enhance the cost-effectiveness, ease of DIY, and practicality of your home improvement project.
Types of Screens
Despite the fact that there are models of screens that let you choose between having screens or not having them, you are not necessarily forced to choose between the two.
Fixed
Located in front of the window frame, a fixed screen can be removed or cleaned and can be popped in or out.
Rollaway or Retractable
Retractable or rollaway screens allow you to retract them whenever you’re not using them, allowing you to have screened or screen-free windows whenever you want.
Some models come with a remote control that makes it easy to open or close the screens.
Is It OK To Remove Screens From Windows?
It is recommended that you remove your window screens when winter approaches and then replace them at the beginning of spring.
No matter what kind of screen you are using, whether it is an internal or external one, especially an external one, it is a good habit to do this.
Is It Still Common For People To Use Screens On Their Windows?
The use of screens may also prevent the rapid deterioration of windows as a result of inclement weather and storms. With the cost of installing new windows, this layer of protection is generally well worth the investment.
The installation of window screens can extend the life of your windows and maximize the investment you have made in them.
Final Words
Whether to install window screens or without them is entirely up to your preference, the climate in which you live, and your priorities.
If you have a cat who enjoys wriggling through cracks in your house to watch birds, you might want to keep the screens on. Furthermore, there are plenty of reasons to remove them – permanently or temporarily.
