Which mosquito net to select?

With the arrival of spring we can enjoy the sunshine. Long and warm evenings are favourable to opening windows and letting fresh air into the rooms. Unfortunately, the bed of roses is often disturbed by insects. Even only one mosquito in the room can make our night miserable.

Of course, there are ways to deal with gatecrashers. mosquito nets make a convenient and popular solution. Nowadays there are a lot of available options, so everyone can find the right one.

What are mosquito nets made of?

For a number of people mosquito nets are associated with a thick net, which obstructs the view outside the window, as well as with cumbersome fitting. Fortunately, the technology has advanced a long time ago and there are mosquito nets made of fibreglass, which are light and fine fibres can be formed. To provide additional protection the mosquito screen is covered with a PVC layer, resistant to mechanical damage.

Difficulties in mounting or non-matching dimensions are no longer a problem today. Most mosquito nets are custom-made, so you can cover any size of window or balcony door. However, what is the difference between mosquito nets? Well, the way of mounting and opening.

Types of mosquito nets for windows and doors

DIY mosquito nets

The cheapest and simplest solution is to choose a safety net and fix it to the window. Such nets are available in rolls (cut by oneself) or these can also be ordered as "ready-made" nets, properly cut to size. In order to install such a mosquito screen, it is necessary to stick it to the internal part of the window frame, using double-sided tape.

Another popular option is to stick the Velcro strips to the net and the window, so these can be removed any time. In the case of balcony doors, ready-made mosquito nets consist of two elements, which are joined by a magnetic fly, so passing through the door is ensured.

The advantage of such a mosquito screen is of course its low price. But there are also disadvantages related to this solution as its assembly is time-consuming, especially when it comes to cutting to fit. Ready-made ones may not fit into non-standard dimensions. It is also not a very durable solution, as the adhesive tape wears off quickly and leaves marks. Velcro can also have a negative effect on the tightness of the window.

Box frame mosquito nets

Window

Box frame mosquito nets make an alternative solution which is simpler and more durable. Box frame mosquito nets are custom-made of aluminium or plastic profiles, on which the net is stretched. Currently available box frame mosquito nets are mounted from the outside, by means of spring fasteners on the window sash. If it cannot be installed in such a way, still, box frame magnetic fly or screwed-on screens can be chosen.

Doors

In case it is necessary to install a box frame mosquito net on a balcony door, there are solutions including a reinforced aluminium frame equipped with hinges (fixed or self-closing). It looks as if there is an extra pair of doors.

Sliding doors

Sliding frame mosquito nets can also be found; their installation requires additional space so that they can slide open. They are used in large, glazed recesses of balconies, terraces and winter gardens. The mosquito net sash moves between the upper and lower running rail. Additional reinforcement, installed by means of a snap-on connection, enables provision of a large-dimension sash frame.

An unquestionable advantage of box frame mosquito nets is their durability and perfect fit. When the insect season ends it is advisable to take them down, so that they are not constantly exposed to unfriendly weather conditions.

Rolled-up mosquito nets

Another solution are rolled-up shutters closed in a cassette, mounted to the window frame from the outside or to the window recess. The mechanism of operation resembles the one that is known from textile roller blinds. Apart from the cassette, special guides with brush seals should be mounted, whose task is to ensure correct rolling of the net and its protection against damage through which insects could get in. At the bottom of the guiding-channel there are catches which guarantee that the blind remains in place.

In case of windows, shutters rolled up vertically; while in case of doors, shutters rolled up horizontally are the best. For wide doors, two shutters are installed, which are connected in the middle by a magnetic strip.

Rolled-up mosquito nets make an incredibly convenient solution. They can be lifted any time. There is also no need to dismantle them during the off-season, as the cassette protects the net against unfavourable weather conditions.

Mosquito nets combined with shutters

When planning to build a house or to replace windows, a solution that is worth getting acquainted with is external shutters including a built-in mosquito net. Unlike regular shutters, they have an additional row of guides, which allow the mosquito net to move independently. However, it is hidden in the same type of cassette as the shutter. This type of solution is available in all types of external shutters (flush-mounted, façade, window blind). 

Except convenience, its advantage is that it minimises the number of elements mounted to the window.