What Type of Screen is Best For Your Screen Enclosure?

The Best Screen for Your Enclosure: Choosing the Right Material for Florida Outdoor Living

Imagine stepping into your outdoor living space on a sunny Florida day—enjoying a warm breeze, natural light, and open-air comfort without dealing with mosquitoes, gnats, no-see-ums, or backyard pests. The secret to creating this kind of peaceful retreat is choosing the right screen material for your enclosure.

At Lafferty Aluminum & Screening, we install a wide range of high-performance screen types. Below is a breakdown of the most popular options, including fiberglass, standard mesh, 18×14 and 20×20 no-see-um screen, TuffScreen, pet screen, and Florida Glass, to help you choose the perfect match for your home.

Screen Mesh Options for Your Screen Enclosure

Fiberglass Screen (Standard Mesh)

A go-to option for many homeowners, fiberglass screen provides reliable protection from common pests such as flies, mosquitoes, frogs, and lizards. With openings similar to standard window screens, this material allows fresh air in while keeping unwanted guests out. It’s an affordable, versatile option for everyday use.

No-See-Um Screen (20×20 Screen)

If you live near water, marshy areas, or anywhere tiny insects thrive, no-see-um screen is essential. Built with tighter weaves, these screens offer superior protection against gnats, sandflies, and no-see-ums—Florida’s most persistent pests.

Two Common No-See-Um Weave Types:

  • 18×14 No-See-Um Screen: A tighter version of standard mesh that helps block smaller insects while still offering solid airflow.
  • 20×20 No-See-Um Screen: The premium choice, featuring an even finer weave for maximum insect protection—ideal for coastal areas or homes near lakes, wetlands, or wooded spaces.

Both options help create a relaxation zone free from nuisances, allowing you to enjoy breezy evenings outdoors without irritation.

TuffScreen

When durability is a priority, TuffScreen is the standout choice. Made from heavy-duty, tear-resistant material, TuffScreen is ideal for:

  • Large picture window panels
  • High-tension areas
  • Homes with kids or pets
  • Wind-prone or storm-prone locations

You can choose between:

  • TuffScreen 18×14: Strong and versatile for most enclosure applications
  • TuffScreen 20×20: Offers enhanced insect protection with added durability

TuffScreen keeps your outdoor view clear while providing long-lasting resilience against everyday wear.

Pet Screen

If you have dogs, cats, or active children, pet screen is designed for you. Constructed from vinyl-coated polyester, this screen resists scratching, pushing, and tugging far better than traditional mesh. It’s stronger, more durable, and a smart investment for maintaining your enclosure’s appearance and functionality.

Florida Glass (Vinyl Privacy Screen)

Seeking privacy or more weather protection? Florida Glass is the ideal solution. Built using a traditional 18×14 meshlaminated with a specialty opaque coating, it offers:

  • Increased privacy
  • Water resistance
  • Wind and debris protection
  • Enhanced enclosure seclusion

Florida Glass is often used along lower panels or privacy walls to create a more intimate, protected outdoor environment.

How to Choose the Best Screen Material for Your Enclosure

For Maximum Insect Protection

Choose: No-See-Um Screen (20×20 for strongest protection)
Perfect for areas with tiny pests like gnats and sandflies.

For High Durability

Choose: TuffScreen (18×14 or 20×20) or Pet Screen
Excellent for large panels, pets, or high-use spaces.

For Privacy & Weather Control

Choose: Florida Glass
Ideal for homeowners seeking a secluded, cozy outdoor retreat.

For Standard Everyday Use

Choose: Fiberglass Screen
Budget-friendly, effective, and great for typical backyard enclosures.

Work With a Professional for the Best Results

Every home and enclosure is unique, and the best screen material depends on your surroundings, lifestyle, and design goals. A professional screening expert can help you evaluate:

  • Your home’s environment
  • Exposure to insects
  • Your need for privacy
  • Durability requirements
  • Enclosure size and layout

Lafferty Aluminum & Screening can help you select the perfect material and ensure your enclosure is built to last—beautifully and functionally.

Create the Perfect Outdoor Space With the Right Screen Material

With the right screen installed, you can enjoy the outdoors comfortably year-round—without pests, without stress, and without sacrificing your view. Our experienced team is here to help you choose the ideal option for your home.

Call us today at (321) 652-1078 to discuss your project and get a free estimate.

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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
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"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
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"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
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"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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