Do My Home Windows Need Screens?

Homeowners often weigh whether or not their home’s windows need screens. Let’s face it, screens are not always the most visually appealing feature of a home’s exterior. However, believe it or not, passersby will likely never notice the screens from the sidewalk, and window screens can provide homes with a variety of benefits. Let’s discuss the reasons to install screens on your home windows, and how to go about getting them installed.

Benefits of Window Screens

Whether or not your home’s windows already have screens, you likely do not pay much attention to them on a regular basis. But window screens play an important role in the home. Below, you can explore the main benefits to installing window screens.

Home Protection

While window screens might not come to mind when thinking about home protection, they are incredibly effective in their own way. These thin layers serve as a primary barrier between the outside and your home’s interior.

For instance, window screens can protect furniture and interior décor from Frisbees, flying balls, or other toys that might otherwise pass through an open window. And it’s not just toys that screens keep out, they also keep unwanted animals and insects from entering through open windows. Most window screens are made of mesh woven tight enough to keep out unwanted bugs and pests.

Conversely, screens also help to keep our furry friends, like cats and dogs, safely indoors when windows are open.

Find me Local Window Pros

Weather Resistance

Window screens also act as a first line of defense against rain water. They protect window panes and work to reduce pooling that can lead to mold. Though screens themselves can develop mold if left unmaintained for years at a time, an occasional cleaning can help alleviate this risk.

Screens can also prevent windows from quickly deteriorating due to inclement weather and storms. Given the cost to install new windows, this layer of protection is typically well worth it. Overall, installing window screens can help protect the lifespan of your windows and maximize your window investment.

Air Filtration

Opening the windows to enjoy a fresh breeze is one of the many great joys of owning a home. But without window screens, homeowners might be opening their home up to outside airborne particles, which screens help to filter out and reduce.

Not only is some fresh air blowing through the home enjoyable when the weather is right, it can also flush out allergens and stale air that can negatively impact health. Plus, relying on outside air to control a home’s temperature can help save money on homeowner utility bills.

2024 Homeowner Savings Guide

Explore the guide

Curb Appeal

Window screens can be one of the most impactful parts of your home’s curb appeal. In fact, curb appeal is one reason why real estate agents often suggest screen replacements when selling.

Torn, warped, moldy, or otherwise damaged screens can give the impression to potential buyers (or neighbors and visitors) that other areas of the home are unkempt or in disrepair. A set of new window screens can add overall beauty and curb appeal to any home.

Find me Local Window Pros

Reasons to Not Have Window Screens

Despite all the advantages of window screens, sometimes screens simply are not worth it to a homeowner.

Snow and Ice

For homeowners living in regions impacted by snow, screens might present some issues. Snow and ice can easily build-up along a window screen. This can add extra weight and increase the chances of long-term damage to either the screen or window frame — or both. 

A common solution for this dilemma is removing the screens during winter months. If you live in a colder climate that is prone to winter storms, remove the window screens before storm season. Store them indoors, like in your garage, to prevent damage.

Not every window screen can be removed, however, and not all screens are created equal. Some are more difficult to remove or reinstall than others. We recommend speaking to a local window professional to ask for their recommendation for your home’s window screens during the winter. Ask the pro if they can help you with any window screens that are difficult to remove.

Natural Light

Another major downside some homeowners see with window screens is their tendency to prevent natural light from flowing within a space. Screens can dampen warm sunlight from entering and make rooms appear more dark. While this is not a deal breaker for many homeowners, removing them for this reason is certainly a personal preference held by some.

Also keep in mind that these days, various types of window screens are on the market for homeowners. Some allow differing levels of light control, meaning homeowners can choose screens that let the desired natural light into their home, which remedies this issue.

Window Screen Options

If you have made the decision to install new home window screens, there are a couple options to choose from.

• Fixed: The most common type of window screen, these sit in the window frame and can typically be popped in or out.
• Rollaway: These window screens can be pulled down and used as needed. While these might be more convenient for some homeowners, they are typically a more costly solution.

How to Install Home Window Screens

Homeowners with basic DIY knowledge for window projects can likely handle a window screen replacement without any assistance. However, the process may be tricky to many homeowners. A local window professional will be able to assess your home windows for damage and install new screens at a low cost.

Find Local Window Pros