Insect, Child & Pet Window Screens

Service Overview

Insect Screens

Free site measurement, design and quotations. Call or WhatsApp for enquiries.

Screens reduce insects while windows remain open. We match fixed, sliding or removable systems to windows, doors and suitable glass-house openings, with cleaning access.

Window and screen coordination creates a tidy finish.
Suitable mesh balances airflow and insect protection.
Repairs address torn mesh and loose frames.

Denser is not always better. Standard 18×16 mesh, around 1.1 × 1.3 mm openings, generally blocks mosquitoes, flies and moths. Finer mesh restricts airflow. Persistent insects often enter through gaps, not the mesh itself; see diagnosis below.

Free site measurement WhatsApp enquiry Completed projects

Aluminium window fitted with insect screen frame and mesh — Browse insect screen photographs.

Choosing a style

Five screen styles compared

Style	Storage / opening	Applications and trade-offs
Concealed screens	Retractable mesh in slim frames.	Discreet when stored; more delicate mechanisms may need specialist servicing.
Roller screens	Retract vertically or horizontally into a cassette.	Convenient operation and cleaning; more visible, robust frames.
Pleated screens	Fold to one side.	Large windows and sliding doors; clean guides regularly to prevent sticking.
Sliding screens	Move sideways parallel to window sashes.	Simple and durable for sliding windows; ensure complete closure.
Fixed / removable frames	Fixed sheets or removable panels.	Economical with good airflow and removable cleaning options; cannot retract when unused.

Plan screen tracks during window replacement for accurate alignment, sealing and shared measurement.

Specification data

Mesh and airflow: 18×16 versus 20×20

Mesh numbers describe openings per inch in each direction: 18×16 means 18 horizontally and 16 vertically.

Common mesh, aperture and insect protection
Mesh	Approximate aperture	Protection	Open area / airflow
16×16	Around 1 mm.	Mosquitoes, flies and common insects.	Higher open area and good airflow.
18×16 residential standard	Around 1.1 × 1.3 mm.	Mosquitoes, flies, wasps and moths.	Fibreglass around 59–60%.
20×20 fine mesh	Smaller openings.	Also smaller fruit flies, midges and drain flies.	Around 50%.
Pet-resistant mesh	Thicker strands.	Insect protection with increased scratch resistance.	Around 45%.
Solar screens	Densest mesh.	Insect protection and shading.	Can be below 25%.

Standard 18×16 screens generally block mosquitoes. Industry guidance indicates common small mosquitoes need openings above approximately 1.2 mm and do not chew through mesh. Persistent entry therefore calls for checks of torn corners, detached splines or warped frames leaving edge gaps rather than simply denser mesh.

Trade-offs of finer mesh

Less airflow: fine mesh may reduce ventilation by up to around 30%; open area falls from about 60% for 18×16 to about 50% for 20×20.
Light and views: more strand coverage reduces clarity.
More dust: small openings clog faster and need more frequent cleaning.

Use 18×16 for typical homes; consider 20×20 for actual small-insect problems near drains, vegetation or markets, accepting reduced airflow.

Example specification

A typical fibreglass screen has 18×16 mesh, approximately 0.28 mm strands, 60% open area, 1.2 × 1.4 mm apertures and 119 g/m² weight. Brands vary; choose for airflow, durability and visibility.

Materials

Fibreglass, stainless steel and pet mesh

Material	Properties	Suitable use
Fibreglass	Flexible, good airflow and views, lower cost.	Typical homes; prolonged UV exposure can embrittle it.
Polyester	Good toughness with comparable or slightly higher open area.	Locations needing tear resistance without metal mesh.
304 stainless steel	Strong, scratch-resistant and durable.	General environments and pet or impact exposure.
316 stainless steel	Improved corrosion resistance.	Coastal, humid or salty locations.
Pet-resistant mesh	Thick strands resist scratching and impact.	Pet homes; around 45% open area and lower airflow.

Choose corrosion-resistant, compatible frames and screws in coastal homes, just as with stainless window hinges.

Window compatibility

Matching screens to windows

Sliding windows

Sliding screens suit sliding windows. Ensure full travel and sealed edges; incomplete closure creates an entry gap.

Top-hung windows

Top-hung windows generally take internal fixed or removable screens, preserving handle and stay access and sash clearance.

Casement windows

Casement windows take internal roller or fixed screens; avoid covering handles and locks.

Full-height windows and sliding doors

Pleated or large sliding screens suit frequent use. Clean guides and avoid trip hazards at bottom tracks.

Kitchen and bathroom windows

Removable screens ease grease and moisture cleaning. Avoid excessively fine mesh that clogs and restricts airflow.

Glass house openings

Screens can protect opening lights, but slightly reduce cooling airflow. Account for this in glass house design.

Safety mesh

Fall-prevention Screens, Baby Safety Nets & Cat Nets

Its purpose, material and anchoring differ from insect mesh; they cannot substitute for each other.

Item	Insect Screens	Window safety mesh: child / cat screens
Main purpose	Keep insects out.	Reduce falls of children, pets or objects.
Mesh	Lightweight for light and ventilation.	Heavier strands with greater strength.
Fixings	Frames with retaining splines, often removable.	More substantial anchors into sound substrates.
Interchangeability	No. Insect mesh cannot withstand safety-screen impact loads.

Three safety-screen priorities

Preserve operation and emergency access: windows may provide ventilation, signalling or rescue access. Do not permanently block every opening.
Allow inspection: a QP must personally inspect all windows; obstruction is not an exemption. Choose removable designs or inspection openings to reach hinges and hardware. See the MWIS guide.
Secure, corrosion-resistant anchors: fix into sound material and inspect stainless or protected components regularly.

Safety reminder: safety mesh is an additional precaution, not a substitute for adult supervision. Keep climbable furniture and boxes away from windows and consider locks or restrictors.

Estate appearance and consent

DMC and management rules may restrict external components, colours and styles. Internal screens generally raise fewer concerns; seek consent for facade anchoring or prominent external installations before proceeding.

Problem diagnosis

Insects still entering? Check seven locations

Find gaps first; denser mesh cannot repair an open joint.

Tears and corners: even small holes can admit insects.
Detached retaining splines: create long edge gaps.
Warped frames: leave openings against the window.
Incomplete sliding closure: dirt, rollers or misalignment prevent sealing.
Poor frame contact: missing brush or perimeter seals leave gaps.
Window air-conditioner surrounds: often overlooked entry points.
Drains, pipes and vents: separate entry routes unrelated to window mesh.

Warped frames may require replacement rather than new mesh alone. Combine repairs with aged window seals or hardware where windows also leak or fail to close.

Our process

Six steps to completion

Enquiry: call 3709 2164 or WhatsApp 6686 7879 with window count, types and child or pet needs.
Free measurement: assess each opening, operation, hardware, old mesh and fixing conditions.
Recommendations: choose style, mesh and material for airflow, cleaning, appearance and budget.
Quotation: list each opening, material, frame colour, hardware and quantities, including inspection and operation implications.
Fabrication and fitting: make frames to measurements and verify four-edge closure, smooth operation and hardware access.
Inspection and handover: check gaps and complete sliding closure; explain care and inspection intervals.

Cleaning and care

Cleaning and annual checks

Removable screens: rinse with water or diluted neutral detergent, dry and refit.
Fixed screens: vacuum with a soft brush and wipe gently; avoid forceful brushing and high-pressure water.
Frequency: clean quarterly, more often near roads, restaurants or construction.
Guides and cassettes: clear dirt and avoid pulling rollers forcefully.
Annual checks: inspect brittleness, tears, splines, tracks, fixings, corrosion and safety-screen anchors.
Repair holes promptly: small tears admit insects and cost less to fix early.

Combine checks of windows, barriers and shower seals.

Service coverage

Areas and property types

Our office is at Room F11, 10/F, How Ming Factory Building, 99 How Ming Street, Kwun Tong, Hong Kong. We serve Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories.

Homes and estates: whole-home or individual screens, coordinated with window work.
Older buildings: individually measured irregular openings.
Village and low-rise homes: insect exposure near vegetation or water may require finer mesh.
Shops, offices and restaurants: entrances, rear windows and kitchens with cleaning access.
Child and pet homes: dedicated safety, cat and scratch-resistant screens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Insect and safety screen FAQ

30 questions on styles, mesh, materials, safety, diagnosis, quotations and care.

Which styles are available?

Concealed, roller, pleated, sliding and fixed / removable frames. Choose for window type, operation and cleaning.

What does mesh mean?

Openings per inch: 18×16 has 18 horizontally and 16 vertically. Higher numbers mean finer apertures and less airflow.

Which mesh blocks mosquitoes?

Typical 18×16 screens generally suffice. Persistent entry usually indicates tears or gaps rather than insufficient density.

What blocks small flies and midges?

Consider 20×20 mesh, accepting around 50% open area compared with about 59–60% for standard fibreglass mesh and reduced ventilation.

Will rooms feel stuffier?

Screens reduce airflow. Indicative open areas are 59–60% for standard fibreglass, 50% for fine mesh, 45% for pet mesh and potentially below 25% for solar screens. Keep mesh clean and consider existing ventilation.

Fibreglass or stainless steel?

Fibreglass is flexible, economical and clear. Stainless steel is stronger and scratch-resistant. 304 suits general use; 316 offers greater coastal corrosion resistance.

What suits cats?

Use pet-resistant or stainless mesh with reinforced frames for scratching. Fall protection requires dedicated cat safety screens with appropriate anchors, not ordinary insect mesh.

How do insect screens differ from safety nets?

Insect screens prioritize airflow and insect exclusion; safety mesh uses heavier material and stronger anchors to reduce falls. Both may be fitted, but are not interchangeable.

What matters for safety screens?

Preserve window and emergency operation, inspection access and secure corrosion-resistant anchors. Adult supervision and keeping climbable furniture away remain essential.

Do screens affect mandatory inspections?

All windows must be inspected personally by a QP. Screens obstructing hinges and hardware may need removal. Choose removable systems or access openings.

Why do insects enter despite screens?

Check tears, splines, warped frames, poor perimeter contact, incomplete closure, air-conditioner gaps and drains before changing mesh density.

Can insects enter through drains?

Yes. Dry traps, poor pipe joints or vent gaps may admit insects. Check these if window screens are sound.

Can I replace mesh myself?

Fixed and removable frames are simpler. Roller, concealed and pleated mechanisms need care and may require a technician. Inspect frame alignment and hardware too.

Concealed versus roller screens?

Both retract. Concealed designs use slimmer, less visible frames; standard rollers are generally more robust and easier to service.

Where do pleated screens work?

Large windows, terrace and sliding doors. Clean guides and folds to prevent sticking.

Which screens suit sliding windows?

Sliding screens are natural matches; fixed panels can protect the commonly opened side. Verify complete closure and sealing.

How are top-hung and casement windows screened?

Use internal fixed, removable or roller screens, preserving sash clearance and handle operation.

Can glass houses have screens?

Yes, on opening lights. Account for reduced airflow and increase openings or extraction if needed.

Will light and views change?

Slightly. Fine mesh and thick strands reduce visibility. Thin dark strands often provide clearer outward views than light mesh.

Which colours are available?

Common mesh colours include grey, black and white; frames may match silver, white, champagne or dark brown windows. Actual options depend on product.

How should screens be cleaned?

Rinse removable panels with mild detergent. Vacuum and gently wipe fixed screens. Avoid force and high-pressure water; clean quarterly or more often in dirty environments.

How long do screens last?

Material, UV exposure and use determine life. Fibreglass may become brittle; coastal metal needs corrosion checks. Inspect annually.

Can only mesh be replaced?

Yes if frames and spline channels remain sound. Warped, corroded or broken frames may require replacement to eliminate gaps.

Why fit screens with new windows?

Plan tracks and alignment together for better sealing, appearance and shared visits. Coordinate mandatory inspection repairs too.

Can estates restrict screens?

Yes, through DMC or management appearance rules. Check consent before external fixings or prominent installations.

Can screens obstruct escape?

Light mesh is usually removable, but fixed metal or heavy safety systems can impede rescue or escape. Preserve operation and avoid permanently blocking all openings.

How is pricing calculated?

Window count and size, style, material, mesh, frame colour, hardware, removal, repairs and access determine cost. Free measurement and quotations are available.

Do safety screens cost the same?

Usually more, due to heavier materials and stronger anchoring. Quotes specify openings, strands, fixings, hardware and inspection implications.

How long does the work take?

Measure and confirm first, then fabricate and fit. Smaller installations may finish in one fitting day; combined window work follows the overall programme.

What qualifications does SK Fung hold? Can I see projects first?

SK Fung holds MWC(W) 42/2014, inspection qualifications and CIC-certified technicians. Browse screen photographs and related window, glass-house and partition projects.

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