We get it – you want to be able to let in all that gorgeous fresh air, but you don’t want to invite in the mozzies or other pests. With window flyscreens, you can keep out the insects and still enjoy the view, along with those refreshing breezes.
Even with older timber windows, including casement and awning windows, you can experience a seamless aesthetic and an easy-to-operate window. As long as you install the right type of flyscreens for your windows.
Before spending money on flyscreens that don’t live up to your expectations, make sure you know what you’re getting into. Here’s a look at everything you could want to know about wooden window flyscreens.
Here's what you'll learn about:
1. How Do You Open A Window With A Flyscreen?
2. Can You Have Flyscreens With Casement Windows?
3. Can You Have Flyscreens WIth Awning Windows?
4. How Do Magnetic Flyscreens Work?
5. How Do Retractable Flyscreens Work?
6. Will Wooden Window Flyscreens Make My Home Less Secure?
7. What's the Best Flyscreens For Wooden Windows?
How do you open a window with a flyscreen?
With double hung or single hung windows, you install the flyscreen on the outside of the window. Then, when you push the sash up, the flyscreen sits between the outdoors and the inside of your home.
With casement windows and awning windows, the flyscreen sits on the inside of the window sash. Then, when you crank the winder to push your window sash outward, the flyscreen is there to protect your home from insects.
a
Can you have flyscreens with casement windows?
Yes, you can install flyscreens for casement windows, but flyscreens can make it harder to use your windows, depending on the type you use.
When you open your casement window, the sash opens out with a winder or on an arm, which is usually located at the base or centre of the window frame. The problem is with a lot of flyscreens is they have to fit around the winder's lever or be removed when the window is open on the arm. As a result, you'll have a clunky look at the base of your window.
The greater issue is your functionality – with a traditional solution, you’ll have to remove the flyscreen every time you open the window so you can turn the crank.
As we don’t settle for half-baked solutions when it comes to being able to operate your windows, we’ve designed a well-fitting solution for wooden window flyscreens. We install a square flyscreen with a wooden surround that seamlessly fits into the window. No removing the flyscreen every time you open the window. And, no aluminium flyscreen frame to clash with your timber window.
Before: single glazed leadlight casement window.
After: Retrofit double glazed with the original leadlight installed into the double glazing with flyscreen and window winder also installed.
a
Can you have flyscreens with awning windows?
Just as with casement windows, you can install flyscreens with your awning windows, and you’ll still be able to open your windows and let in the air from outside. But, you’ll have the same problem with your wooden windows. With the winder handle at the bottom of your window, the flyscreen will have to be cut to fit around it, or you’ll have to use a removable flyscreen – unless you use a specially designed wooden flyscreen.
Before: Single glazed awning window.
After: Retrofit double glazed awning window with flyscreen.
a
How do magnetic flyscreens work?
Some people turn to magnetic flyscreens for an easier open and close process. This is a big mistake. These flyscreens are incredibly flimsy. They’ll rip easily, and they don’t exactly make your home feel secure. In fact, you probably won’t want to leave your opened windows unattended when you have a flimsy flyscreen in place.
How do retractable flyscreens work?
Retractable flyscreens use a mesh screen that rolls and unrolls. The screen fits into a horizontal or vertical track. A lot of homeowners use retractable flyscreens for larger open spaces such as for sliding doors. You can also install them with your awning or casement windows. But make sure you’re aware of the issues retractable flyscreens create before opting for this solution.
Retractable flyscreens aren’t rigid or secure, so they’re quite vulnerable to damage. You also have about zero protection from someone entering your home with this type of material – even a child or pet could run through the mesh and tear it inadvertently.
Will wooden window flyscreens make my home less secure?
Wooden window flyscreens can make your home more secure as long as you use a solution that was designed with security in mind.
At Thermawood, we remove the old casement or awning arms and the chain winder – these often rust over time, making it hard to fully close your sashes. Then we install a lockable handle for the flyscreen, giving you double the security, as you’ll have both the primary sash lock and the lockable handle. When you open the window, you can keep the flyscreen firmly in place with the lock.
a
What’s the best flyscreen for wooden windows?
We can install secure wooden flyscreens that perfectly match your wooden windows. You gain the peace of mind of a secure window, even when the sashes are open.
Because we incorporate the winder underneath and in the side around the window, your overall experience is as smooth and hassle-free as opening your windows should be. We also install draught and acoustic seals into the surrounds, and then the window closes neatly against the flyscreen.
And – you can do everything you want when your flyscreen is in place. Finally, you can enjoy your windows, the fresh air, and the beautiful sunlight, all in peace.
Please Note: We can only install a flyscreen in conjunction with a double-glazing installation. We are unable to install a flyscreen as a stand alone project.
To find out more about how we can enhance your windows, contact us today.
