Stainless Steel Insect Screening Products

	Stainless Steel Insect Screens
	800.440.6374 Phone 360.835.7507 sales@wovenwire.com

The enhanced strength and toughness of stainless steel screening makes it the most durable of all insect screen materials. Due to the high tensile strength, the use of smaller wire diameters result in higher percentages of open area that enhance air flow and visibility through the screens.

The table shown directly below lists only square openings that eliminate challenge of mismatching the alignment between windows during the installation. Another advantage of using square shaped openings as opposed to rectangular shaped openings is the reduction of the diagonal opening length resulting in a screen that is considerably more difficult for an insect to pass through.

To access more detailed information (such as the diagonal opening length) on any of the specifications listed below, click on the adjacent PDS link to access the printable Product Data Sheet.

Pros

Data Sheet

Openings

Per

Lineal In

Opening

Wire

Weight

Open

and

Size

Diameter

Lbs

Cons

T-304

T-316

Inches

Area

PDS

14 Mesh

0.0624"

1.58

0.009"

0.229

0.076

76.4%

PDS

16 Mesh

0.0535"

1.359

0.009"

0.229

0.087

73.3%

PDS

18 Mesh

0.0466"

1.184

0.009"

0.229

0.096

70.2%

PDS

22 Mesh

0.0380"

0.965

0.0075"

0.191

0.083

69.7%

PDS

24 Mesh

0.0342"

0.869

0.0075"

0.191

0089

67.2%

PDS

30 Mesh

0.0268"

0.681

0.0065"

0.165

0.085

64.8%

PDS

42 Mesh

0.0183"

0.465

0.0055"

0.140

0.086

59.1%

The most important factors to consider when selecting between Insect Screen specifications are:

A. The Screen Opening Size should be slightly smaller than the smallest insects you wish to exclude from entry

B. The wire diameter as that is the source of strength in any Insect Screen although higher mesh counts often provide adequate strength with smaller wire diameters due to the increased number of wires in tension.

C. The percent of open area is determined by the mesh count (or opening size) in relation to the wire diameter

D. A good indication of strength and durability may be easily determined by the screen Weight/SF when judged in relation to the products mesh count which is often referred to as openings per linear inch.

	ADVANTAGES (PRO)	DISADVANTAGES (CON)
1.	This 14 Mesh specification provides the maximum possible amount of open area which enhances the visibility through the screen and air flow capacity (CFM). ------- Very High Visibility Rating @ 76.4.2%--------	As the percentage open area is increased the weave stability and strength are reduced proportionately. This specification is not recommended for applications involving children and small pets who may come into regular contact with the screen.
2.	This 16 Mesh specification also provides enhanced open area and air flow characteristics, which are slightly lower than the above description. -------High Visibility Rating @ 73.3%---------	While this specification is slightly stronger than the one discussed above it is not recommended when children or pets have routine access to the screen surface.
3	This 18 Mesh product provides an good balance between open area and strength. The smaller screen opening (0.047") will prevent the entry of many types of smaller sized flying insects. The higher mesh count combined with the superior strength of stainless steel attribute to the strength and durability of the product especially in comparison with fiberglass, synthetic or aluminum screens. -Very Good Air Flow / Visibility Rating @ 70.2%-	This specification is among the most popular screens available although it is not the best choice for use in larger sliding patio type door screens being 48" or wider as the lower portion which is susceptible to damage caused by small children who often lean against the screen and pets who consider it the easiest route to freedom. When installed on sliding screen doors the addition of a screen guard (readily available at many hardware and home improvement stores) will greatly reduce the likelihood of damage.
4.	This product has opening size (0.038") that is capable of preventing the entry of smaller flying insects notably the infamous No-See-Ums. The percentage of open area is which allows good air flow ventilation and visibility are noteworthy advantages --Very Good Air Flow / Visibility Rating @ 69.72%-	Although the advantages outweigh any disadvantages, if the primary objective is to to prevent the entry of blood sucking 'No-See-Ums' it would be wise to consider a higher mesh count with a smaller opening such as the 24 mesh. When asked if this product is the best choice for excluding No-See-Ems. STG recommends the 30 Mesh product is more likely to block the smaller verities.
5.	This specification is often requested by customers who have purchased a 20 mesh fiberglass screen which is widely promoted as a 'No-See-Ums' screen' who determined the product either failed to exclude 'no-see-ums' or the service life was limited, requiring frequent replacement. ----Good Air Flow / Visibility Rating @ 67.2%----	The strength and durability of stainless steel screening is more more costly than fiberglass although when the cost of frequent replacements in addition of the labor required, costs involved when those factors are combined, the strength and durability of Stainless Steel screens it is often determined to be the most cost effective material of choice.
6.	This specification is best suited to exclude No-See-Ums when the the three important factors including the Opening Size, Wire Diameter and Open Area. ---Standard Air Flow / Visibility Rating @ 64.8%---	The standard industry insect screen open area established in the 1940's housing boom was 66% The higher strength, and longer life expectancy of Stainless Steel Screens having the ability to block entry of no-see-ems has 64.8% which is still considered as a 'Good Air Flow/Visibility Rating'
7.	This no-see-ums Screen has a smaller than average opening size capable of excluding the less than normal size of No-See-Ums.	The smallest size no-see-ums comes at a price being the lower than the Industry Standard Air Flow/ Visibility Rating. ----Sufficient Air Flow / Visibility Rating @ 59.1%---

Rectangular Opening Insect Screen

Pros

Data Sheet

Openings

Per

Lineal Inch

Opening Size

Wire Diameter

Weight

Open

Cons

T-304

T-316

Inches

Lbs/SF

Area

PDS

18x16 Mesh

0.047 x 0.054

1.182 x 1.359

0.009"

0.2286

0.095

71.7%

PDS

18x14 Mesh

0.047 x 0.062

1.183 x 1.586

0.009"

0.2286

0.086

73.2%

Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Insect Screen

Pros

Data Sheet

Openings

Per

Lineal Inch

Opening Size

Wire Diameter

Weight

Open

Cons

T-304

T-316

Inches

Lbs/SF

Area

PDS

12 Mesh

0.065"

1.659

0.018"

0.457

0.257

61.4%

PDS

12 Mesh

0.060"

1.532

0.023"

0.584

0.426

52.4%

PDS

14 Mesh

0.054"

1.382

0.017"

0.432

0.269

58.1%

PDS

14 Mesh

0.051"

1.306

0.020"

0.508

0.376

51.8%

PDS

16 Mesh

0.0515"

1.308

0.011"

0.279

0.141

67.9%

PDS

16 Mesh

0.046"

1.181

0.016"

0.406

0.274

55.4%

With the proper care and maintenance Stainless Steel Screens should last a lifetime.

To Consider other related products click on the links provided below for your convenience:

More Information about 'No See Ums' Information about Security Screening products

Call 800.440.6374

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Screen Technology Group, Inc

33008 NE Washougal River Road, Washougal WA 98671 USA

Screen Technology Group, established in 1988 Our success built and continues to rely on providing a level of customer service that is second to none, competent technical assistance, quality materials at competitive prices, properly packaging all orders, shipping promptly according to schedule.

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Last modified: February 05, 2018