A Guide to Choosing the Best Insect Screen for Your Pool or Patio Enclosure

A Guide to Choosing the Best Insect Screen for Your Pool or Patio Screen Enclosures

A pool or patio enclosure is one of the best ways to enjoy Florida’s outdoor lifestyle—without the bugs. But not all insect screens are created equal. Choosing the right screen can make a noticeable difference in comfort, airflow, visibility, and durability.

At Lafferty Aluminum & Screening, we help homeowners select the best insect screen for their pool enclosures and patio spaces based on climate, environment, and lifestyle needs. This guide breaks down what to consider so you can make a confident, long-lasting choice.

1. Evaluate Your Surroundings

Your environment plays a major role in determining the best insect screen.

Consider:

  • Proximity to water, lakes, or canals
  • Presence of mosquitoes, gnats, or no-see-ums
  • Nearby trees or landscaping
  • Wind exposure

Homes near water or wooded areas often benefit from tighter mesh screens for added insect protection.

Learn more about our custom pool and patio enclosures designed for Florida conditions.

2. Choose the Right Screen Material

The screen material affects strength, visibility, and longevity.

Common Insect Screen Materials

Fiberglass Screens

  • Flexible and corrosion-resistant
  • Ideal for humid environments
  • Cost-effective and widely used

Aluminum Screens

  • Lightweight and strong
  • Excellent visibility
  • Resistant to rust and corrosion

Stainless Steel Screens

  • Maximum strength and durability
  • Best for harsh or high-impact environments
  • Higher cost but long-lasting

Our team helps match the right material to your enclosure’s purpose and exposure.

Explore our screen enclosure installation options for material comparisons.

3. Understand Mesh Size & Density

Mesh size determines how well the screen blocks insects while allowing airflow.

  • Larger mesh (e.g., 18/14):
    • Better airflow and visibility
    • Ideal for general insect protection
  • Smaller mesh (e.g., 20/20 or no-see-um screens):
    • Blocks smaller insects
    • Slightly reduced airflow

The goal is to find the right balance between protection and comfort.

4. Prioritize UV Resistance

Florida’s sun can break down lower-quality screens over time. UV-resistant insect screens:

  • Maintain structural integrity
  • Resist fading and brittleness
  • Extend the lifespan of your enclosure

UV protection is essential for long-term performance.

5. Consider Maintenance & Cleaning

Low-maintenance screens save time and effort.

Look for insect screens that:

  • Resist mold and mildew
  • Are easy to rinse or clean
  • Hold up well in humid conditions

Professional installation also helps prevent sagging and premature wear.

6. Match the Screen to Your Home’s Aesthetic

Your insect screen should enhance—not detract from—your outdoor space.

Consider:

  • Frame and screen color
  • Visibility from inside and outside
  • How the screen complements your home’s design

A well-chosen screen blends seamlessly into your enclosure.

View our recent enclosure projects to see finished examples.

Best Insect Screens for Pool vs. Patio Enclosures

Pool Enclosures

  • Prioritize airflow and debris reduction
  • Aluminum or fiberglass screens are common

Patio & Lanai Enclosures

  • Focus on comfort and insect control
  • No-see-um or tighter mesh options may be ideal

Our experts help you choose the best screen for each application.

Frequently Asked Questions About Insect Screens

What is the best insect screen for Florida?

Aluminum and fiberglass screens with UV resistance are most popular due to durability and performance in Florida’s climate.

Do tighter mesh screens block airflow?

Yes, slightly—but many homeowners find the added insect protection worth the tradeoff.

What screen keeps out no-see-ums?

No-see-um or 20/20 mesh screens are designed to block smaller insects common near water.

How long do insect screens last?

With professional installation, quality insect screens can last 10–15 years or longer.

Can I upgrade the screen on an existing enclosure?

Yes. Existing pool or patio enclosures can often be rescreened with upgraded materials.

Why Choose Lafferty Aluminum & Screening?

  • Florida-focused enclosure expertise
  • High-quality screen materials
  • Custom solutions for every home
  • Professional installation
  • Trusted local service

Explore our screen enclosure services to learn more.

Create a Bug-Free Outdoor Space

Choosing the right insect screen ensures your pool or patio enclosure remains comfortable, attractive, and functional year-round.

Visit our contact page to request a quote or schedule a consultation today by calling (321) 652-1078.
Comfort, protection, and clarity—built for Florida living.

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What our clients are saying

Building trust, one review at the time

Five evenly spaced blue star shapes in a horizontal row.

"Lafferty did an amazing job! We love our new screen. They were very professional and we had our finished screen before expected. We recommend Lafferty to everyone."

Andrea Durango

Valued Customer
Five evenly spaced blue star shapes in a horizontal row.

"Lafferty did an excellent job on our unconventional screening project. The office staff was responsive and friendly. From consultation to installation, all of our questions and concerns were addressed."

Roslyn

Valued Customer
Five evenly spaced blue star shapes in a horizontal row.

"Lafferty did an excellent job installing our pool screens. The are prompt and keep you well informed concerning the job!  I would definitely hire Lafferty Screens again!!"

Gerald Patenaude

Valued Customer
Five evenly spaced blue star shapes in a horizontal row.

"We are very satisfied with our new fence and work done by Lafferty Aluminum.  Quality, professionalism, and reliability working with Lafferty has been very good and I am happy we chose them."

Tony R

Valued Customer
Five evenly spaced blue star shapes in a horizontal row.

"Lafferty was one of the easiest and smoothest company's to work with.  We are building our home and these guys were so customer friendly, answered all our questions, was available to take our call if we had questions."

R. Morris

Valued Customer
Five evenly spaced blue star shapes in a horizontal row.

"Friendly service, professional attitude of employee, polite and they cleaned up as they worked.   We had our pool enclosed redone after hurricane damage and now it looks great. Thanks"

Norman Danella

Valued Customer
Five evenly spaced blue star shapes in a horizontal row.

"Lafferty did a fantastic job from start to finish on the patio pavers and aluminum screening. They completed the project on time, and perhaps even a little ahead of schedule!"

Jennifer Rinehart

Valued Customer
Five evenly spaced blue star shapes in a horizontal row.

"I couldn't be happier with the work performed by Lafferty.  They replaced my original screen house in February in a professional and timely manner.  I would highly recommend them for your screen enclosure needs."

Mike Barbagallo

Valued Customer
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