Outdoor Living Blog | Screen Porches, Decks & Outdoor Kitchens | Design Builders, Inc.

SCREENEZE Screen Fabrics Guide | MD & VA Porches

Written by James Moylan | Thursday, April 28, 2022

 

 

SCREENEZE Screen Fabrics Guide for Maryland & Virginia

The right SCREENEZE screen fabric transforms your porch experience in Montgomery County and Fairfax County. We compare all six fabric options—from pet-resistant to solar-control—so you understand durability, visibility, and maintenance differences. This guide helps homeowners select the perfect fabric for their climate, lifestyle, and screened porch goals without surprises.

 

Why Does My Screen Porch Screen Fabric Matter?

When it comes to screen porch screen fabrics, there are many options, and they’re not all created equal.

The screen fabric might not seem like a massive decision when you’re designing an entire screened-in porch, but it determines a whole lot more than just the look of your final project.

Screen fabric also impacts these critical factors:

  • Project price
  • Screen durability (against the elements, pets, children, daily wear and tear)
  • Airflow
  • Level of bug protection
  • Privacy (level of daytime visibility into the screen porch)
  • Outward visibility

If you’re considering the SCREENEZE no-spline screen porch system, here’s what you need to know about their available screen fabrics.

Screen Fabric Options for Your SCREENEZE Porch

SCREENEZE ranks the available screen fabrics on a sliding scale:

  • Fair
  • Good
  • Better
  • Best

Here’s how the six screen options compare:

  1. UltraVue® 2 #1818 Screen Fabric 

Made from polyester core yarn, this fabric model is designed with maximum airflow in mind. Created with WaterShed Technology, the screens are also intended to stay cleaner and free of clinging water. This provides optimal clarity for outward views.

  • Airflow: Best
  • Curb Appeal (Aesthetics): Best
  • Daytime Privacy: N/A
  • Durability: Fair
  • Insect Control: Good
  • Pet Resistance: Fair
  1. BetterVue® #1818

Similar to UltraVue 2 but slightly thicker, this screen fabric is made from fiberglass. It’s also designed for airflow and optical clarity, and it uses WaterShed Technology.

  • Airflow: Best
  • Curb Appeal (Aesthetics): Better
  • Daytime Privacy: N/A
  • Durability: Good
  • Insect Control: Better
  • Pet Resistance: Fair
  1. Fiberglass #1814

Thicker than both BetterVue and UltraVue 2, Fiberglass screen fabric offers great everyday durability without compromising on ventilation and outward visibility. 

  • Airflow: Better
  • Curb Appeal (Aesthetics): Good
  • Daytime Privacy: Fair
  • Durability: Better
  • Insect Control: Good
  • Pet Resistance: Better
  1. No-See-Um #2020 

The same thickness as Fiberglass, No-See-Um screens offer a tighter weave that keeps out small flying insects. (Think no-see-ums, gnats, and sand flies.) The tighter weave restricts airflow but increases daytime privacy. The material on these is fiberglass as well.

  • Airflow: Fair
  • Curb Appeal (Aesthetics): Fair
  • Daytime Privacy: Good
  • Durability: Best
  • Insect Control: Best
  • Pet Resistance: Better
  1. TuffScreen®

The thickest of all available screens, this vinyl coated polyester is designed to withstand high traffic and harsh weather. It’s even resistant to pets, which are notoriously hard on screens. For extra peace of mind, the manufacturer provides a ten-year warranty.

  • Airflow: Better
  • Curb Appeal (Aesthetics): Good
  • Daytime Privacy: Best
  • Durability: Best
  • Insect Control: Good
  • Pet Resistance: Best
  1. Textilene® nano™ 50

Slightly thinner than TuffScreen but thicker than No-See-Um, this screen is another vinyl coated polyester. It provides 50 percent UV blockage without fading or flaking. It’s designed to resist tears or punctures and comes backed by a fifteen-year manufacturer limited warranty. 

  • Airflow: Better
  • Curb Appeal (Aesthetics): Good
  • Daytime Privacy: Best
  • Durability: Best
  • Insect Control: Good
  • Pet Resistance: Best

Can’t Decide on the Right Screen Porch Fabric?

Still having trouble deciding on the right screen fabric for you? Check out this resource: 7 Questions to Help You Pick the Right Screens for Your SCREENEZE® Porch.

If you want the input of a professional design and build firm, reach out to us today. At Design Builders we create custom high-end outdoor living spaces, and we’ve done many SCREENEZE projects over the years. We’d love to walk you through which screens would be a good fit for your project!