About Retractable Fly Screens Sydney

Retractable screens give us all the options. We can have the windows completely open in fair weather. We can close the window for colder months of the years. And best of all we can close the fly screens and leave the windows open in summer, letting the breeze and fresh air in while keeping the insects out.

No part of Australia is completely free of insects. If we live in a good area, we might have a few months where insects aren’t an issue. But come summer the mosquitoes will be an issue. So, we will need screens at least part of the year. Retractable or removable screens are the best option for these situations. The insect screen is there when we need it, but never in the way when we don’t need it.

Options for Retractable Fly Screens Sydney

There are many options for retractable screens.

• Sliding screens will move to the side. This is the best option if we want to cover half of a window. Often the glass on one side of the window is fixed, and the glass on the other side can be opened. It is practical to have a sliding screen to cover the side that can be opened, which can be moved to the fixed side when not in use.
• Pleated fly screens retract into a small space on the side when not in use. This is a good option if we want to cover several windows, where all the windows can be opened.
• Some pleated screens retract vertically. Again, this is a good option if all the windows are to be left open. Pleated screens take up little space when not in use, and they cover the windows when we need them.
• Magnetic screens are completely removable. They can be fitted to metal window frames when we want to leave the windows open, and removed entirely when we leave the windows closed.
• Some insect screens retract into an overhead cartridge. These are another good option if all the windows can be opened. The fly screen can be drawn down in a matter of seconds.

When it comes to insect screens it is not just the windows that we need to think about. Doors will probably need to be covered. And if we have an outdoor balcony, we will probably need fly screens there too, at least if we want to use the balcony area during summer months.

Sliding screens over a sliding door are a good option for balconies or other outdoor areas that join the house. We can close the screen and still enjoy the balcony area for entertaining. These outdoor areas help make a home feel a little more spacious; more light from outside and the glass/flyscreen doors give a sense of space.

Value and Retractable Fly Screens Sydney

The right additions to your home will add aesthetic appeal and functionality. This adds value to the home, if we do things right. The main issue is finding options that suit the decor. With the range of fly screen window coverings and security door options this is rarely an issue. There are so many options that there will almost always be something suitable. And there is always the possibility of changing the home decor to suit the new screens and doors.

Retractable Fly Screens Sydney

Good quality fly screens and security doors are practical, look good, and add value to your home. With many options, we have the right screens for you home.

Fly Screen Doors Today

Screen doors of two generations ago were flimsy structures, designed to simple hold the fly mesh in place. To be fair, they did their job well, as the mesh would keep the insect out as long as the door was closed. And a screen door could look fine if it suited the home décor. But the options improved over the following years, and screen doors were replaced by security doors.

Security doors offer all the advantages of a screen door, plus more. Like a screen door the security door will keep insects out while allowing air to circulate and sunlight to illuminate the room to some extent. But a security door will also, as the name implies, keep intruders out. And if necessary, it will keep infants and pets inside if required.

Security Fly Screen Doors

Part of the success of security doors came from the development of woven steel mesh, which replaces older light duty fly screen mesh. While security doors did exist before woven steel mesh they were compromised by the earlier weakness of the light mesh. It was possible to break the light mesh and perhaps unlock the door. Else, the security door required a lot of metal bracing, preventing people from trying to reach through any gaps.

This same woven fly screen mesh is great for windows. It is an effective barrier against break-ins, yet it will not let light in and not clash with the décor. This is far less intrusive than steel bars or other security features on windows, which can be an eyesore.

Older Fly Screen Doors

A security door is best suited for the front of the home. Homeowners quickly find that they can leave this security door locked and still answer visitors; it is easy to screen visitors. If there is a limited budget they can put the security door on the front of the home and put less expensive screen doors on the backyard entrances.

Fly Screen Doors

Fly screen doors and windows allow air circulation, and keep both insects and burglars out. There are many stylish options.

Modern Retractable Fly Screens Sydney

One of the many advantages of a retractable fly screen is how little it interferes with the surrounding décor. This is important for anybody with a feel for aesthetics. If a room is to look good we want every element, the wall colour, the furnishings, the lighting, to fit together. It is frustrating when we have to include something that clashes with the rest of the room. So if we add fly screens we either want them to look like an organic part of the room, or to be easy to conceal when they are not in use.

A retractable fly screen is a good option for those who like the transterior ideology. This is where the division between the inside and outside of the home is blurred. It is a twofold matter. For one, the interior of the home is designed to match the exterior, though the exterior can be tweaked as well. At the same time the division between inside and outside is blurred, with large sliding doors, covered outdoor gardens and eating areas, retractable roofs and walls. This integrates the land and the house.

Why Retractable Fly Screens

The potential issue with an integrated indoor and outdoor building is insects. How do we keep insects outside the building when the outside and inside are joined together?

The answer is simple. We use Retractable Fly Screens on the home. This can mean screens on windows as we well expect. But a retractable screen across an exterior sliding glass door will be the more useful feature. This screen can be used during the season when insects are an issue. The rest of the year we can leave the door open and let the outside world in.

Retractable Fly Screens

Insects are an issue, but we don’t want to change the room décor. Retractable fly screens are discreet and effective.

Why We Need Fly Screen Mesh

This country has a large variety of insects, and spiders, and other small creatures that can cause discomfort. Of course we want to keep these out of the home. Fly screen mesh on windows means keeping insects and other creatures outside. And it allows this even when the glass windows are open. This means we can circulate the air and still be free from insects.

Advantages of Fly Screen Mesh

Screen Mesh is simple and effective. It is also environmentally friendly, because it does not require chemicals to work. We could be rid of insects by using fly spray/insecticide, or we might kill insects by electrical means. But these chemicals, or the use of electric power, will have an impact on the environment. Flyscreens avoid this.

It is possible to have flyscreens that detach from the window frame, being attached magnetically. This is useful if we only want to use them in the Summertime. Other options include retractable screens, which roll up into an overhead cartridge, or sliding screens.

Permanently attached flyscreens have a few additional advantages. Strong mesh will protect against burglars. It will also prevent infants or the elderly from falling through the window, which is a good safety feature.

Fly Screen Mesh Materials

Fiberglass / nylon – This popular option is free from rust, but it will tear and stretch. It will not protect against potential thieves being so easy to break.

Aluminium – Also free from rust under most conditions (unless there is salt water). But this has only moderate strength, so it can be damaged, and will not keep thieves out.

Stainless Steel – This is fairly robust, and will help keep intruders out. It will also prevent people (infants, the elderly) from falling through the Window. Stainless steel screens can also help prevent external fires from getting inside the building.

Pet Screen – This is a tougher than average fly screen mesh that will withstand animal claws.

Sandfly Screen – Very small insects can move through the mesh of regular flyscreens. Sandfly screens have a finer mesh that keep out any visible vermin, including midges.

Fly Screen Mesh

Fly screen mesh is effective and long lasting. Options include retractable screens and anti-intruder stainless steel mesh.

Choosing Window Blinds

There are many options for window blinds. All of them are suitable for some of the rooms in our homes. There will only rarely even be an unsuitable choice. Mostly it’s a matter of aesthetics (do they suit the décor). Sometimes it’s a matter of functionality (we need waterproof materials in the bathroom). But in any case, it is best to consider at all the options so we can find the best blinds for that particular room.

Timber and Faux Window Blinds

Woodgrain is appealing on blinds. While there are other options like aluminium and plastic these have a tendency to look sterile. Timber, on the other hand, is organic. So this gives a sense of warmth and earthiness. Faux timber, which imitates the look of real wood, can also give this same effect. And it can be more suitable than real timber in some situations.

Where Will You Install the Window Blinds

Living rooms, Lounge room and Dining Rooms.

These will benefit from real timber blinds, which can make the spaces cosy with their warm organic materials. Timber will look far more luxurious than plain colour plastic or metal blinds. In some cases, we can have the timber of the blinds stained to complement the carpets and furnishings.

When you have guests they will tend to see these living and dining rooms. So these are the areas that you want to decorate well.

Kitchens

There will be moisture, steam, grease and other side-effects of cooking in all kitchens. So we will need blinds that are fairly waterproof. We recommend faux timber blinds for any kitchen windows as these will handle water and spills quite well. Genuine timber tends to warp and discolour with constant moisture, but faux timber will last for many years.

Bathrooms

As with kitchens there will always be a lot of moisture in bathrooms. In fact it is worse as there will be a lot of steam. So we need faux timber blinds for bathroom windows. We suggest having opaque/frosted/privacy glass on these bathroom windows for privacy, or the adding of a frosted film to the glass.

Bedrooms

Real timber blinds will look good in a bedroom. And there will rarely be moisture or any other factor that damages this wood. Occasionally, a window with a lot of bright sunlight might cause some fading to timber, as will a room that is kept at a hot temperature. UV film on windows can prevent fading in bright sunlight. Some people will use faux timber in bedroom because these are cheaper.

Window Blinds Online

Timber, plastic and metal blinds are long lasting, and there are many options to suit many home decors. Find the right blind with us.

Window Blinds and other Window Treatments

We can add many things to windows for the sake of functionality, and for decor. No one window embellishment does everything, but there will be a combination of additions that will provide whatever we need.

Fly Screen Mesh

A fly screen frame on a window will keep insects out, even when the window is open. This can be very useful in summer. We can let the breeze in, circulating the air, to keep things cool, yet the fly screen mesh will still keep insects outside.

Modern fly screen frames are much tougher than older fly screen mesh. This heavy construction will also keep intruders from breaking in.

UV film

Ultra Violet light (UV) is the energy from the Sun that causes sunburn on the skin. This same energy will cause fading of the paint and fabrics of furniture and building materials. By putting up UV proof film on window glass we remove 99.9% of UV light, so fabrics and paint inside the home are protected from sun damage.

Home Window Blinds

Window blinds can block light during the daytime, and provide privacy day and night. Solid window blinds can also provide fairly good UV protection, prevent interior damage, and help to keep inside temperatures stable. While simple to use, blinds are very useful.

There are various types of window blinds, including Venetian and roller blinds. So there is always a functional option to suit any room decor.

Window Blinds

Add blinds to any room and enjoy the benefits – privacy, shade, and better-looking windows that suit the home decor.

Considering the Best place for Window Blinds

Every room in the house is a little different, with the windows and doors in a different places. Sometimes there can be a problem, perhaps there is not enough light coming in, or there is a lack of privacy. More often we just need to find the right blind for that particular window in that particular room in order to make the situation work. If we identify any problems it is usually not too difficult to find a blind that is appropriate.

Types of Window Blinds and Considerations

Privacy Blinds – Nobody really likes the neighbours looking into our room. The neighbours probably don’t want to see in either. But this problem is not difficult to solve. Any set of blinds will provide privacy.

Perhaps we want privacy but still use natural light. There are a few options here. We might try translucent blinds, which let almost all the sunlight inside while preventing anybody from seeing in. Translucent blinds only reveal a vague shadow.

Vision Window Blinds also provide privacy while giving you the option for more sunlight. These consist of alternating layers of material, opaque and translucent. They can be adjusted to block all or part of the light. And they have the added advantage of reducing glare even when letting sunlight through.

Double Roller Window Blinds – Sometimes we want the option to alternate between privacy with external sunlight, and completely blocking all the sunlight. Double blinds have two layers. The layer next to the window is translucent, like a vision blind. It lets light in while providing privacy. The second blind layer blocks all the light.

We might want to block all the external light in order to watch TV, or if we need to sleep during the day. Double blinds conveniently give us the option.

Venetian Window Blinds – A classic yet versatile option, these have a series of horizontal slats that can be tilted to provide partial light, or retracted entirely for a fully open window. It is a simple matter to tilt the slats upward to provide reasonable light while still keeping the room private.

Window Blinds

Blinds are versatile, functional, and complement the decor. Find the right blind for each room of the house. Order a blind online.

Venetian Window Blinds

Venetian Blinds have been around for well over a century, but they remain popular because they are such a clever design. They offer privacy and complete blockage of the outside light when closed. Or allow as much light in as you see fit. They are also low maintenance and moderately priced.

Modern Venetian blinds come in various colour, being built from various materials including timber, thin metal and PVC. So there are many options for any room decor.

Considerations for Venetian Window Blinds

Slat Size – A large window with Venetians tends to look better with larger slats. If we use small slats the window looks over detailed and crowded. Likewise, a small window will look better with smaller slats, as a small number of large slats may look overwhelming.

Cords or tapes – The slats of the Venetian window blinds will be held in place, and controlled, by cords and tapes (a flat ribbon) . Tapes have some small advantages in blocking more external light, and they can be a different colour to the slats, providing some more decor options. Otherwise, the choice is a matter of preference.

Material – Aluminium is good if the blinds are in a damp environment, such as a bathroom or near kitchen sink or stove. And aluminium slats look neat and modern. Timber slats look and feel very organic, but it is not good with moisture. PVC is good with moisture and colourful.

Measuring and Ordering Venetian Window Blinds

We have two basic options for mounting Venetian blinds. They can be slightly smaller and fit inside the window frame. Or they can be larger and be mounted outside the window frame. Mounting inside the window frame takes up less room, and will remain flush with the wall. Mounting outside the frame will help block more light.

We must measure the window carefully when ordering blinds. If we install the blinds inside the frame the measurement, especially side to side must be exactly right. If it is too wide the blinds will get stuck.

If we mount the blinds outside the window frame then we should have a 7 cm overlap on each side of the blind.

Looking for Window Blinds in Sydney?

Window blinds are functional and can complement the room decor. Consider Venetian blinds for your home or office.
SK Screens & Blinds can have free measures and quotes for your needs. Get in touch with our friendly team today!

Window Blinds

We might consider window blinds for many reasons. They are functional, good for heat insulation, and if we choose the right design they complement the decor. We should also remember to choose blinds that are safe for children.

Window Blinds Functionality

• Block light, or allow it in as needed
• Provide privacy when needed.
• They can allow air to circulate through an open window, still block light and provide privacy.
• They can keep the heat down in Summer by blocking infrared light.
• They provide some insulation against a closed window, keeping the room temperature stable. This saves on heating/cooling costs.
• Blinds block UV light, to prevent sunburn or fading of furniture inside.

Window Blinds Decor

• Venetian blinds can come in many colours, with many to suit any decor.
• Blinds can be combined with curtains, so the curtains provide the outer appearance.
• Timber blinds suit old-school decor. They can be rustic or classic wood.
• Metal Venetian blinds in light colours suit modern decors or any functional ‘office style’ room.

Window Blinds and Safety

Some blinds used in the past were a safety risk, at least for children. Some blinds were controlled by a cord. There was a small risk that a child might get caught in this cord and choke. Alternative means of controlling the blind are far less risky.

Blinds can be controlled by rotating a small rod (also called a wand). Or they can be remote controlled. Another alternative is a light chain that breaks under slight pressure. Often, especially if the window is high on the wall, it is enough to keep the cord well out of reach of the children.

Window Blinds

Modern window blinds provide privacy and block light. They also help keep indoor temperatures stable. Find a style of blind that suits your decor taste.