Been thinking about replacing my window screens, and I'm kinda stuck between aluminum and fiberglass. Imagine this: your cat decides the screen is its new climbing wall, or maybe a storm blows through and gives it a good beating. Which one do you think would hold up better? I mean, aluminum seems tougher, but fiberglass is cheaper and easier to install... decisions, decisions. Curious what you'd choose in this scenario.
"Imagine this: your cat decides the screen is its new climbing wall..."
Haha, been there. My cat shredded our fiberglass screens within a month—claws went right through. Switched to aluminum last summer and it's held up way better. Installation was a bit trickier, but honestly worth it for durability. If you've got pets or frequent storms, aluminum might save you from replacing screens every season...
I've had decent luck with aluminum too, but one thing I've noticed is it dents pretty easily—especially if you've got kids tossing balls around or hailstorms rolling through. Fiberglass might tear quicker, but at least it doesn't show every little bump and ding. Has anyone tried pet-resistant screens? Wondering if they're worth the extra cost or just marketing hype...
I've seen those pet-resistant screens at the hardware store, and honestly, they felt kinda gimmicky to me. My neighbor installed them because of her hyperactive lab puppy, and within a month, there were already noticeable snags. Maybe they're tougher than regular fiberglass, but I doubt they're miracle workers. Personally, I'd rather just accept a few dents or tears as part of the homeowner charm... or maybe I'm just lazy about maintenance, lol.
I've dealt with both aluminum and fiberglass screens, and honestly, neither is perfect. Aluminum definitely holds up better against pets and storms, but once it gets dented or bent, good luck getting it back into shape. Fiberglass is cheaper and easier to replace, but yeah, it tears pretty easily. If you've got a cat using it as a climbing gym, aluminum might buy you more time, but eventually you'll probably be patching or replacing either way.
I've installed a ton of both types, and yeah, aluminum is tougher overall, but once it bends, you're pretty much stuck looking at that dent forever. Fiberglass is my go-to for quick fixes—cheap, easy to handle, and you don't need special tools. But honestly, if pets are your main issue, have you ever tried pet-resistant screens? They're usually vinyl-coated polyester—bit pricier, but they hold up surprisingly well against claws. Might save you from patching every other weekend...
"Fiberglass is my go-to for quick fixes—cheap, easy to handle, and you don't need special tools."
True, fiberglass is handy, but ever had a squirrel chew right through it? Happened to me twice last summer... Maybe aluminum dents, but at least critters don't treat it like a snack buffet.
Has anyone tried pet-resistant screening? I switched to it after my cat shredded the fiberglass... seems sturdier, but I'm curious if squirrels find it less tasty too.
I've had pet-resistant screening for about two years now, and it's definitely tougher than fiberglass. My dog used to paw at the screen door constantly, and this stuff has held up surprisingly well. As for squirrels...well, I haven't noticed them chewing on it yet, but they still climb all over it. Maybe it's less tasty or just harder to chew through? Either way, it's been worth the switch for me—no more patching holes every few months.
"Either way, it's been worth the switch for me—no more patching holes every few months."
Totally agree with you there. Isn't it funny how quickly pets can turn a perfectly good screen into Swiss cheese? I've had pet-resistant screens for about three years now, and they've been a lifesaver. My cat used to climb the screens like Spider-Man, and regular fiberglass just couldn't handle it. Since switching, no more shredded screens or surprise escapes.
One thing I've wondered though—do you notice any difference in airflow or visibility with the tougher material? Mine seem slightly darker, but maybe that's just me. Also curious if anyone's tried aluminum screening...heard it's durable but might dent easily. Always something new to consider when you're a homeowner, right?