Why do people put screens on windows?

15 Apr.,2024

 

With the coming winter season, homeowners often ask us “should I be removing and storing my window screens for the winter?” The answer for most will be yes. Those of you who still enjoy opening your windows during the winter may want to keep your screen in to prevent snow from coming in. For everyone else, we recommend removing & storing your window screens during the winter for many reasons.

The Many Benefits of Removing Window Screens During the Winter

  1. If your home is still outfitted with single pane windows, you should definitely remove your screens and replace them with storm windows to create more of a barrier against the harsh Canadian winters. Single pane windows are not very efficient - the extra thermal barrier of a storm window will help you keep the warm air indoors.
  2. Removing your screens will prevent snow from getting trapped between the screen and the window. In a snowstorm, it’s possible for snow and/or ice to get caught and cause damage to your window, your sill and even to your screen.
  3. In casement windows, where the screen is inside your home, your screen can act as a screen that traps condensation between the screen and the window - this can create a perfect opportunity for mold & mildew to develop.
  4. Let there be more light! An obvious benefit of removing the screens is that it allows for more natural light to come in through your windows. The biggest difference will be felt in your south and east facing windows.
  5. Your window screens aren’t just a barrier for sunlight, they are also a barrier for heat. Removing your screens will increase your solar heat gain coefficient (The ratio of the solar heat gain entering the space through the fenestration product to the incident solar radiation.) The heat from the sun will increase your home’s energy efficiency and give your heating system a break, saving you money.
  6. Finally, removing the screens will prevent any dirt or debris from getting stuck between the screen and window and possibly damaging either. It will also make spring cleaning a breeze!

Annual Window and Screen Maintenance

We hope that you now agree that removing your screens during the winter is a good idea. If so, here’s another benefit to doing so.

For optimal performance and longevity, it’s important to inspect and properly maintain your window screens. By removing them every winter, you get a chance to inspect and clean your screens, extending their useful life. This is also a great opportunity to inspect your windows and and frames to see what condition they are in and to take advantage of your warranty if any of your windows need repairing. Lastly, it’s great time to clean the sash and tracks of your windows.

How to Clean and Maintain Window Screens

Making sure to keep your window screens clean will extend their useful life and allow more natural light to come through while they are in use.

  1. Label your screens: If you are going to remove & clean all your screens at once, we suggest using masking tape and a marker to indicate which screen goes with which window to avoid trying to figure it out in the spring.
  2. Vacuum both sides. Vacuuming your screens will gently to remove loose debris like spider webs, dust and pollen.
  3. Wash with soapy water. You can make an easy cleaning solution by mixing 1/4 cup of liquid all-purpose cleaner with 1/2 gallon of water in a bucket. Place your screens upright and with a sponge or a microfiber cloth, go over the surface of the screen and the frame on both sides.
  4. Rinse with water. Before the soap has time to dry and leave a film, thoroughly rinse your screens with water. If using a garden hose, be mindful to use a low pressure setting so that you don’t damage your screens.
  5. Dry well. Before you store your screens, you want to make sure to dry thoroughly. Start by using a towel to absorb excess water and then leave to air dry.

Now that your window screens are clean & dry, take care to store them in an area where there is little foot traffic so they don’t get damaged during the winter.

If you think it’s time to replace your windows before the winter months to ensure a warm and cozy environment for your family - not to mention the break that energy efficient windows provide for your wallet, do not hesitate to contact us for a free quote!

You’re likely focused on keeping your home’s windows sparkling clean and in great shape—but what about your window screens? 

Window screens allow you to invite refreshing breezes into your home during the summer months while keeping pests outside. However, these screens also provide dozens of other lesser-known benefits. 

Discover why keeping your window screens well-maintained is crucial for experiencing the benefits they offer and extending their lifespan.

Valuable Benefits of Maintaining Your Window Screens

Curb Appeal

Keeping your screens clean is a great (and easy!) way to boost your home’s curb appeal. Clean screens and windows will help your home look neat, tidy, and nicely put-together to guests, neighbors, and future buyers. 

Plus, when it comes time to sell your home, clean screens add to your home’s overall beauty and can make a great impression on potential buyers. If you maintain your windows screens, buyers can be confident you’ve taken the time to keep up with the rest of your home too!

Fresh Circulation

Would you keep dust-infested air filters in your home without changing them every few months? Of course not! Similarly, dirty window screens can’t filter air as efficiently as clean screens. When your screens are clean, fresh breezes can enter your home, but when your screens are dirty, they carry dust, allergens, mold, and mildew into your house with them.

It’s essential to keep your screens clean, especially if your family has asthma or allergies, to maintain a pollutant-free environment in your home.

Heat Transfer

Certain types of screens are designed to provide extra shade for your home during the sunniest points of the day. Even though your double-pane and triple-pane windows will do the brunt of the work, these screens can help reduce heat transfer and keep your home cooler. 

However, more importantly, regularly cleaning your screens will allow you to inspect them for damage, like holes or tears, which will most significantly (and rapidly) reduce their efficiency.

Storm Damage

Screens can deter water from collecting on your windowsills, so they’ll keep moisture damage at bay during summer rainstorms.

Additionally, screens provide an extra layer of protection during storms. If debris collides with your window, your screen will likely take the brunt of the damage, so the rest of your window system will stay in great shape.

Dirt Deterrent

Screens provide a barrier between your windows and the elements, so they can prevent your windows from collecting dust, dirt, and grime—but only when your screens are clean. If they are dirty, your windows will get splattered with grimy water during the next storm.

Pest Control

Windows screens are perhaps most beloved for their ability to keep pests, like mosquitoes, flies, and other insects, outside while your windows are open. 

However, when your screens aren’t well maintained, they’re more likely to develop holes or tears that offer attractive entry for pests. Bigger holes can even provide an entryway for rodents, like mice or squirrels, which can wreak havoc in your home. It’s easy to see why it’s essential to keep your screens in great shape to protect your home from pest damage.

Better Views

While it may go without saying, it’s much nicer to look out a clean window than a dirty one.

If you’d like to enjoy unobstructed views from inside your home, you should keep your screens (and windows!) sparkling clean.

How to Maintain Your Window Screens

Fortunately, it’s not difficult to keep your window screens in great shape—all you need to do is wash them twice a year. You can use a damp cloth to wipe the screen and the frame, and if the screens have accumulated a considerable amount of dirt, you can remove the grime with a stiff-bristled brush.

Despite your best efforts, your screens will begin to deteriorate after 10 to 15 years. Damaged screens can become brittle from sun exposure, and they may even develop holes, tears, or rips from pests or weather. Once you notice these signs of damage, it’s usually time to replace your windows screens.

Enjoy a Fresh Perspective with New Windows and Window Screens

Perhaps your screens are due for a replacement, or your windows are outdated and deteriorating, and you’d like to boost your home’s curb appeal.

If so, Kelly Window & Door can help. We offer dozens of brands, styles, and options for your windows, so you can find the perfect match for your home. Learn more about the window services we offer to homeowners across the greater Cary & Raleigh area!

Why do people put screens on windows?

What Are the Benefits of Maintaining My Window Screens?