A Homeowner’s Guide to Fly Screens for Windows
There's nothing quite like throwing the windows open for fresh air, but it shouldn't be an open invitation for every pest in the neighbourhood. This is where high-quality fly screens for windows come in. They are a physical barrier that lets a cool breeze drift through your home while keeping insects out. Forget flimsy nets – modern fly screens from Premier Screens Ltd are sophisticated, custom-built systems designed to blend perfectly with your home.
Welcome to an Insect-Free Home
The simple pleasure of an open window can quickly turn into a battle against flies, midges, and other airborne critters. If you're tired of hearing "Flies Got You Bugged?", then a professionally made fly screen is the answer. This isn't just about stopping a nuisance; it's a smart, long-term investment in your home's comfort and hygiene.
We’ve seen demand for effective screens surge here in the UK, especially with recent seasonal pest invasions. In fact, a recent survey found that 72% of households in southern England reported a noticeable increase in midge and fly activity during warmer months, which has sent many people looking for a reliable solution. This trend is backed up by latest market research reports.
Why Choose a Bespoke System
A high-quality, made-to-measure screen from a UK specialist is a genuine enhancement to your home. With over 30 years of manufacturing experience, Premier Screens Ltd provides custom systems that deliver real benefits far beyond just keeping pests out.
- Seamless Integration: Unlike off-the-shelf options that never quite fit, our bespoke screens are made to measure for your windows. They fit perfectly, preserving your home's appearance and the view.
- Improved Well-being: Enjoy natural light and ventilation without the constant stress and irritation of insects buzzing around your head.
- Enhanced Hygiene: Keep disease-carrying flies out of your kitchen and living areas to improve family health.
- Energy Efficiency: By allowing natural airflow, you can cut down on your reliance on costly air conditioning during stuffy summer months.
This guide is your roadmap to choosing the right system. We’ll walk you through everything, from the different types of screens and mesh choices to measuring and ordering with confidence. By the end, you'll have all the information you need to find the perfect solution for your home. You might also find our detailed explanation of what a fly screen is and how it works helpful.
Choosing Your Perfect Fly Screen System
Picking the right fly screen is about matching the system to your home, your windows, and your lifestyle. A kitchen window you use a dozen times a day needs a different solution from a large set of bi-fold doors you only open on sunny afternoons.
At Premier Screens Ltd, we've perfected a range of systems, each designed with a specific purpose in mind. Here’s a quick consultation to find the one that will work best for you.
Retractable Roller Screens The Invisible Shield
Imagine a screen that’s there when you need it and completely gone when you don’t. That’s the beauty of our Retractable Roller Screens. The mesh lives inside a discreet cassette and rolls away smoothly, so your views are never spoiled and your rooms stay bright.
This system is the top choice for anyone who values aesthetics as much as practicality. It’s brilliant for living room windows or any space where an unobstructed view is part of the appeal. When insects start buzzing, just pull it down for an instant, seamless barrier.
Hinged and Magnetic Screens Practical and Accessible
For windows that see a lot of action, like in a kitchen, you need something robust and straightforward. Our Hinged and Magnetic Screens are the answer, giving you solid protection that’s incredibly easy to use. They work just like a tiny door, letting you open the window to pass things through or water plants on your windowsill.
Think of the window above your kitchen sink. A hinged screen means you can get a breeze while cooking, but it swings open in a second when you need it to. Its simple, reliable design has made it a firm favourite for busy areas where convenience is king.
If you want to see which systems work best for different window types, our handy window fly screen selector guide breaks it all down.
Sliding Screens For Expansive Openings
Big windows, patio doors, and bi-folds are fantastic for connecting your home to the garden, but they’re also a massive invitation for insects. Sliding Fly Screens are built specifically for these wide-open spaces. They glide effortlessly along a track, perfectly mirroring the movement of your existing sliding doors or windows.
This design is tough, user-friendly, and doesn't get in the way. You can wander in and out from the garden while keeping your home completely bug-free. It's the best way to open everything up in the summer without letting unwanted guests join the party.
Plissé Screens Elegance in Motion
If you’re after a screen with extra style, look no further than the Plissé Screen. Its distinctive concertina-style fold stacks away neatly to one side, taking up hardly any room. This elegant look makes it a hugely popular choice for modern homes, conservatories, and patio doors.
The name "plissé" is French for "pleated," which perfectly captures the look of its sophisticated, folded mesh. It’s as much a design choice as it is a practical insect screen.
The smooth, graceful action adds a refined touch to any room, making it ideal for larger windows and doorways where a more traditional screen might feel clunky.
Chain Screens The Durable Doorway Solution
In a commercial kitchen or a busy family home, you need a solution that can take a beating. Our Chain Screens offer a heavy-duty, walk-through barrier that’s both effective and almost indestructible. Made from linked anodised aluminium, they deter pests while allowing for easy, hands-free passage.
This makes them the go-to choice for:
- Commercial Kitchens: Keeping flies out of food prep areas to meet hygiene standards.
- Retail Shops: Letting customers come and go easily while keeping the air fresh.
- Busy Homes: Perfect for back doors, especially when kids and pets are constantly in and out.
Today’s fly screens are a world away from the simple wire meshes of the Victorian era. Driven by post-war housing booms and modern hygiene standards, they have evolved into the sophisticated systems we see today. With our 30+ years of experience, Premier Screens Ltd has been part of that journey, creating bespoke systems that fit perfectly into any building, from brand-new builds to listed properties.
Selecting the Right Mesh for Your Needs
The frame gives your fly screen its shape, but it’s the mesh that does the heavy lifting. Think of it as the engine; getting this part right transforms a good solution into the perfect one. A standard mesh might work in a quiet suburb, but it's no match for the Scottish Highlands during midge season.
At Premier Screens Ltd, we offer a range of specialist meshes because we know that every property faces unique challenges. This isn't about a one-size-fits-all product. It’s about giving you the tools to customise your fly screens for windows to solve specific problems, whether that’s keeping out tiny insects, filtering out pollen, or standing up to a pet.
Standard Insect Mesh: The Reliable All-Rounder
For most homes across the UK, our Standard Insect Mesh is the go-to choice. It hits the sweet spot between protection, visibility, and airflow, making it the workhorse of our range. We've engineered this mesh to block common pests like houseflies, wasps, and mosquitoes without casting a shadow over your room or ruining the view.
It’s made from a durable, charcoal-coloured fibreglass that’s discreet and long-lasting. If your main goal is general pest control, this is the perfect starting point. You can let the breeze in with total peace of mind, knowing buzzing intruders are kept outside.
Superfine Midge Mesh: For Unbeatable Protection
If you live near water or in a rural spot—especially in Scotland or Wales—you’ll be familiar with midges. These tiny insects can wriggle through standard mesh. That’s why our Superfine Midge Mesh is essential. It has a much tighter weave, creating a formidable barrier that even the smallest pests can't breach.
This is the ultimate upgrade for anyone plagued by midges. Yes, it slightly reduces airflow compared to standard mesh, but the pay-off is a completely midge-free home. That's a priceless benefit during peak season.
Don’t let your location dictate your comfort. Upgrading to a midge mesh is a small change that makes a massive difference, turning an unusable room into a peaceful, airy space you can enjoy all summer long.
Pollen Mesh: A Breath of Fresh Air
For millions of hay fever sufferers, spring and summer can be a misery. Opening a window often means inviting in a cloud of pollen, triggering sneezing and itchy eyes. Our specialist Pollen Mesh is the answer, effectively acting as a filter for your windows.
This innovative mesh uses a unique weave certified to capture a high percentage of airborne allergens like grass, birch, and ragweed pollen before they get inside. It lets you ventilate rooms without worry, improving air quality and creating a sanctuary from seasonal allergies. It’s a genuine game-changer.
Pet-Resistant Mesh: Tough Enough for Paws and Claws
Let's be honest, pets and delicate mesh aren't a great mix. Cats love to climb, and dogs often scratch at screens. That’s exactly why we developed Pet-Resistant Mesh—an ultra-durable material built to withstand the realities of a home with animals.
It's made from a much stronger, vinyl-coated polyester that resists tearing from claws and paws. This robust construction means your investment is protected and your pets are kept safely where they should be. For pet owners, choosing this tough mesh extends the product's life by an average of five years. Similarly, studies have shown pollen screens can significantly reduce hay fever episodes, as highlighted in market analysis on European insect screens. It’s all about getting durability and peace of mind in one.
Choosing the right mesh can feel like a big decision, but it's really about identifying your main priority. Are you battling everyday flies, or are tiny midges your nemesis? Do you need relief from hay fever, or a screen that can handle a playful pet?
To make it easier, we've put together a quick comparison chart to help you see which mesh type is the best fit for you at a glance.
Fly Screen Mesh Comparison Chart
| Mesh Type | Primary Use Case | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Insect Mesh | General pest control | Homes in urban and suburban areas | Balances protection with excellent airflow and visibility. |
| Superfine Midge Mesh | Tiny insect prevention | Rural areas, especially near water (Scotland, Wales) | Stops midges and other minuscule insects from getting through. |
| Pollen Mesh | Allergy relief | Hay fever sufferers and homes in high-pollen areas | Filters out airborne allergens like grass and tree pollen. |
| Pet-Resistant Mesh | Durability against animals | Households with cats, dogs, or other pets | Resists tears and damage from claws, extending the screen's life. |
Ultimately, the right mesh ensures your fly screen isn’t just a barrier, but a functional part of your home that improves your quality of life. Whether that means enjoying a breeze without sneezing or not having to worry about the cat climbing the window, the perfect mesh is out there.
How to Measure and Order Your Bespoke Screens
Ordering a made-to-measure fly screen that fits perfectly doesn’t need to be complicated. We’ve designed our entire process at Premier Screens Ltd to be as straightforward as possible, so you can feel confident from the moment you pick up the tape measure.
The old carpenter’s motto is our golden rule: “measure twice, order once.” This simple habit removes guesswork and ensures your custom-made screen fits like a glove. But first, you need to figure out how the screen will attach to your window.
Understanding Reveal Fit vs Face Fit
There are two main ways to fit a fly screen, and the right one depends on your window frame’s design. Nailing this part is the most critical step.
- Reveal Fit (Recess Fit): The screen sits neatly inside the window frame’s opening. It fits snugly within the recess (the “reveal”), giving it a clean, built-in appearance. For this, you’ll measure the exact height and width of that internal opening.
- Face Fit (Surface Mount): Used when there isn’t enough depth for a reveal fit, or if your window opens outwards. The screen is fitted onto the flat surface of the window frame itself, slightly overlapping the opening. You’ll measure the opening and then add extra to each side for the overlap.
Actionable Tip: A reveal fit is like putting a book into a bookshelf slot. A face fit is like hanging a picture frame over the slot. Both methods work perfectly, but they require completely different measurements.
Your Step-by-Step Measurement Guide
Once you know which fitting type you need, grab a steel tape measure for precise numbers (fabric ones can stretch).
- Measure the Width: For a reveal fit, measure the internal width across the top, middle, and bottom. Use the smallest of the three numbers for your order. For a face fit, measure the opening width and add at least 50mm for the frame to sit on.
- Measure the Height: It’s the same principle. For a reveal fit, measure the internal height on the left, in the centre, and on the right. Use the smallest of the three measurements. For a face fit, measure the opening height and add at least 50mm.
- Check for Obstructions: Look for anything that might get in the way, like bulky window handles, trickle vents, or alarm sensors. Note where they are and how much they stick out, as this could influence the best screen system for your window.
Before you finalise your order, this flowchart makes choosing the right mesh for your needs dead simple.
It helps you quickly see which mesh is the most effective solution for your main concern, whether that’s keeping out general insects, filtering pollen, or standing up to pets.
Placing Your Order with Premier Screens Ltd
With your final measurements in hand, the rest is easy. Our online ordering system lets you input your dimensions and get an instant quote. No waiting, no hidden fees – just complete transparency, putting you in control.
You also get to choose how your screens arrive. If you’re a hands-on homeowner, our DIY kits include everything you need for a quick installation. But if you’re dealing with a trickier window or just want the peace of mind that comes with a professional touch, our nationwide installation service guarantees a flawless fit, every time.
Meeting Commercial and Food Safety Standards
For any business in the food and hospitality world, an open window is a double-edged sword. Fresh air is vital, but it’s also an invitation for pests that can destroy your hygiene standards and reputation. This is where professional fly screens for windows become a critical business tool.
In the UK, upholding the highest hygiene standards isn’t just good practice—it’s the law. A single fly in a kitchen can lead to customer complaints, damaging reviews, and a visit from the health inspector. The first, and most effective, line of defence is a solid physical barrier.
Compliance with UK Food Standards Agency Guidelines
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has clear guidance on pest control. A core requirement for any food business is to have solid procedures in place to stop pests from contaminating areas where food is prepared or stored.
This is why a fly infestation is a major red flag. FSA statistics often point to fly infestations as a top hygiene risk in commercial kitchens, which is why their guidelines explicitly recommend fitting insect-proof screens on windows and doors that open to the outside. You can learn more about how these regulations are driving the growing European insect screen market.
Installing FSA-compliant fly screens is one of the most direct steps you can take to protect your business. It shows a proactive commitment to hygiene, preventing breaches before they happen and safeguarding your food hygiene rating.
Failing to comply can lead to poor ratings, mandatory improvement notices, or hefty fines. A professional screening solution isn’t a cost; it’s an essential investment in protecting your reputation and meeting your legal duties.
Built for the Demands of Business Environments
Commercial settings are far tougher than an average home, and equipment has to be up to the job. Generic, off-the-shelf screens don’t have the durability to withstand the constant use, heat, and cleaning of a professional kitchen.
At Premier Screens Ltd, we build our commercial systems specifically for these challenging environments. As a trusted UK manufacturer with over 30 years of experience, we know what your business needs:
- Durable Chain Screens: Perfect for kitchen doorways, creating a robust, walk-through barrier that lets staff move freely while keeping pests out.
- Wipe-Clean Roller Systems: Ideal for service windows and hatches. The mesh and frames are designed to be wiped down in seconds, helping you maintain hygiene without fuss.
- Heavy-Duty Frames: All our commercial screens are built with long-lasting, polyester-coated aluminium frames that resist corrosion and wear.
By choosing a bespoke solution straight from a UK manufacturer, you’re not just buying a product. You’re investing in a reliable, compliant, and long-lasting tool designed to help your business thrive.
The Real Payback of Investing in Quality Fly Screens
It’s easy to focus on the initial price when looking at fly screens for windows. But the real value is in the long-term return on your investment. This becomes clear when you compare a proper, bespoke system to a flimsy, off-the-shelf screen that barely survives a single summer.
A quality, made-to-measure screen from Premier Screens Ltd is an investment in durability. Unlike generic options from a DIY store, our systems are built with tough, polyester-coated aluminium frames and high-grade mesh. They’re designed to handle daily use for years. That longevity means you dodge the recurring cost and hassle of replacing cheap screens that warp, tear, or never fit properly.
It’s More Than Just a Barrier
The benefits go far beyond just keeping bugs out. One of the biggest wins is the potential for energy savings. Properly fitted screens let you open your windows and embrace natural ventilation, keeping your home cool during warmer months without needing expensive air conditioning.
This is in tune with the growing push for sustainable living. In fact, studies show that effective natural ventilation can slash air conditioning use by 15-20% in summer, leading to real savings on your energy bills. You can find more insights into how insect screens contribute to energy efficiency on databridgemarketresearch.com. By choosing quality screens, you’re not just making your home more comfortable; you’re making a smart financial and environmental decision.
Investing in a bespoke fly screen system is about purchasing a lasting improvement for your property. It’s a solution that saves money, enhances well-being, supports business compliance, and adds to your home’s comfort for years to come.
Simple Care for Long-Lasting Performance
Ensuring your fly screens last for years is surprisingly easy. A little care goes a long way in keeping them working like new.
Follow these straightforward tips to keep your screens in top condition:
- A Gentle Clean: Once or twice a season, wipe the mesh and frames with a soft cloth and warm, soapy water. Stay away from abrasive cleaners that could damage the finish.
- Clear the Tracks: If you have retractable or sliding screens, check the guide channels every now and then to ensure they’re clear of debris. This keeps them gliding smoothly.
- A Quick Look-Over: Briefly inspect your screens for any damage, especially after heavy wind. Catching a small issue early stops it from becoming a bigger headache.
This simple routine is all it takes to make sure your Premier Screens Ltd system continues to provide reliable protection and fantastic value, year after year.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fly Screens
Deciding to upgrade your home or business with fly screens for windows is a great move, but it’s natural to have questions. Here are answers to the most common queries we hear from our customers.
Are Bespoke Fly Screens Difficult to Install Myself?
For most homeowners, the answer is “no.” Our DIY kits are designed to be straightforward, using basic tools you likely already have. We provide clear, step-by-step instructions and video guides to walk you through the process. A competent DIYer can usually fit a screen on a standard window in under an hour.
That said, for larger or more complex jobs—especially in commercial kitchens—our professional installation service is the best route. It guarantees a perfect, compliant fit and saves you time.
How Do I Clean and Maintain My Fly Screens?
Keeping your screens performing their best is simple. For the mesh, a gentle wipe with a soft cloth and warm, soapy water is all it takes. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive brushes. The durable, polyester-coated aluminium frames can be cleaned in the same way.
A quick clean once or twice a season is usually enough to get rid of dust and cobwebs, keeping the air flowing freely. If you’re looking for more tips, this guide on how to wash windows with screens has practical advice.
A common concern is that fly screens will spoil the view or block out too much light. Modern designs, however, are engineered to be as unobtrusive as possible, preserving the look and feel of your home.
Will Fly Screens Block Out Light or Ruin My View?
This is a valid question, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Our standard and midge meshes are made from a fine, charcoal-coloured fibreglass that becomes almost invisible from a distance. It does a fantastic job of preserving your view, so you get all the protection without feeling like you’re looking through a heavy net.
For anyone who wants a completely unobstructed view, our Retractable Roller Screens are the ideal solution. They slide away neatly into their cassette when not needed, giving you the best of both worlds: an invisible shield when you need it and a crystal-clear view when you don’t.
Can I Get a Fly Screen for Any Window Size or Shape?
Absolutely—and that’s one of the biggest advantages of choosing a bespoke manufacturer like us. Because we design and build everything right here in our UK facility, we can create custom fly screens for windows to fit almost any dimension or design, including non-standard sizes and large openings for bi-fold doors.
Our online quote system lets you input your exact measurements for a precise, instant price. And if you have an unusual requirement, our expert team is always here to chat about a truly custom-made solution.
Ready to enjoy fresh air without the pests? The team at Premier Screens Ltd is here to help you find the perfect bespoke solution for your home or business.
Get Your Instant Online Quote Today
