Is Polyester Porch Screening worth the extra cost?

Durability and Strength Advantages of Polyester Screens

When embarking on a porch screening project, choosing the right material is crucial for longevity, functionality, and aesthetics. Traditional fiberglass insect screens have long been popular due to their affordability and flexibility, but polyester porch screen offer superior advantages that make them a better choice for most outdoor applications, especially for DIY porch screen installations.

First and foremost, polyester porch screening excels in durability and strength. Made from woven polyester yarns often coated with vinyl or PVC, they are up to seven times stronger than fiberglass, providing exceptional tear and tensile resistance.  This makes them ideal for porches exposed to high traffic, pets, or children, as they withstand scratches, claws, and impacts without ripping or sagging over time - common issues with fiberglass, which can become brittle and prone to holes.  In fact, polyester's superior tensile strength can extend the porch screen's lifespan significantly, often lasting 10-15 years or more compared to fiberglass's typical 5-10 years, making it a smart pick for any porch screen installation project.

Weather resistance is another key benefit for porch environments. Polyester porch screen holds up better against UV rays, humidity, and extreme temperatures, which are prevalent in outdoor screen porch settings.  Fiberglass, while rust-resistant, can fade, discolor, or weaken under prolonged sun exposure, leading to frequent replacements. Polyester's coating prevents corrosion and maintains clarity, ensuring unobstructed views and better airflow without compromising insect protection - perfect for enhancing your screen porch project.

Maintenance is simpler with polyester porch screening; it cleans easily with mild soap and water, resisting mold and mildew buildup in damp climates. Although initially more expensive, the long-term savings from reduced repairs and replacements make it cost-effective for both DIY and PRO screen porch installations. Customization options, including various colors and mesh densities, add aesthetic appeal to match your porch screen design.

In summary, for porch screening projects prioritizing resilience and performance - whether professional or DIY porch screen endeavors - polyester outperforms fiberglass by offering unmatched strength, weather endurance, and ease of care, ensuring your porch remains bug-free and enjoyable for years.

At Screen Porch, we offer 3 styles of polyester screen porch screening materials. “Pool & Patio”, “No-See-Um” and “Super No-See-Um” screening. Learn more about each style and see how these materials look installed. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE.