Questions to Ask About Security Screens for Your Home
Security screens are a great investment for your home, as they help to keep out more than just intruders! Many varieties of security screens will also protect your home from bugs and other pests, dust, sand, grit and high winds. Screens are also much less obtrusive than other security options, including bulky cameras and floodlights. When you are ready to shop for security screens for your home, note a few questions to ask about your various options so you can find the best screens for your house and security needs.
Ask about the maintenance and if a homeowner can do it themselves
Security screens are usually bolted to the home's framework and work on a hinge of some sort, or they will be retractable so that they roll into a cassette above the window. These screens may not need much maintenance over the years, but hinges and rollers often require oiling and cleaning, and the screens themselves may need to be wiped down and checked for corrosion, damage, tampering and the like.
These may sound like simple tasks, but some security screen companies will require that you have their technicians perform this maintenance for you, in order to maintain your warranty. Always ask about this so you know what maintenance and upkeep is needed and whether you can manage it yourself or need to pay to have it done.
Ask about insect and wind protection
If you're choosing security screens to keep out bugs, lizards, snakes and other such bothersome pests or if you live in a windy area and want to block sand, dust and grit, ask about these protections in particular. Most security screens will have a wide variety of mesh sizes available, some of which will work better at protecting your home against insects, dust and the like. An installer or manufacturer may even recommend certain screens for such applications, such as those with a very small mesh for keeping out dust or those with a larger mesh for blocking bugs but allowing in lots of fresh air.
Ask how they open in an emergency
Security screens keep intruders outside the home, but they should be easy to open by someone inside! Ask how various screens open in an emergency so you can choose one that is easy to manage by everyone in the family while still keeping pets and children from accidentally opening the screen. This will ensure your family is always safe in the home but can quickly exit when needed.