Keeping Your Screen Enclosure Intact with Kids & Pets: What Are Your Options?

Looking to protect your screen enclosure from curious pets or energetic kids? You have several options to ensure your outdoor space stays safe and secure. Let’s explore three popular solutions:

It’s important to understand your options before hiring someone to build your enclosure.

PetScreen:

Designed specifically to withstand wear and tear from pets, PetScreen is highly durable and resistant to punctures or scratches caused by dogs and cats 🐶🐱. It’s an excellent choice for high-traffic areas like patios and porches. Downside? The larger mesh can allow smaller insects, like no-see-ums, to sneak through. If tiny pests are a concern, this may not be the best option.

Super Screen:

This screen offers a 20/20 mesh, making it a solid balance between strength and insect protection 🦟. Super Screen is designed for large openings, such as in Open View screen enclosures. While it's not as durable as PetScreen, it’s still strong enough for most homes and will keep out even the smallest bugs.

Kick Plate:

For more solid protection, especially in smaller enclosures, kick plates are a great option. Made from aluminum, they can withstand weather, pets, and even the occasional soccer ball ⚽. However, their height is limited, so they may not fully protect against larger pets or particularly active kids.

Aluminum Screen:

Aluminum screen is made from thin metal mesh and has been a traditional choice for many enclosures. However, due to its brittleness and tendency to crease or tear under impact, it generally doesn’t hold up as well as more modern options like PetScreen or Super Screen. For long-term durability, especially in high-traffic areas, alternatives are usually a better investment.

Keep in mind: These premium solutions can cost 2-5 times more than regular screens, so it’s essential to plan carefully and decide where they'll provide the most value for your space.