01Are insect screens worth it on the Garden Route?
Yes. In most parts of the Garden Route you either live with closed windows or you live with insects. Properly fitted insect screens let you enjoy ventilation and fresh air without sharing your home with mosquitos, flies and other pests. They also reduce the need for constant sprays and plug in repellents.
02What is the difference between fly screens and insect screens?
Fly screens are a type of insect screen that are usually lighter and focused on keeping out mosquitos and flies. Insect screens is the wider term that includes fixed window screens, hinged and sliding door screens, and security grade mesh. On this page we use insect screens as the broader category.
03Which type of insect screen is best for my home?
It depends on the opening and how you use it. Corner Star’s window series suits windows that stay screened, with sash and sliding sash options to reach the handle. Hinged door screens suit everyday doors such as the kitchen or front door, and sliding door screens cover patios and existing sliding doors with a clear view. Security screens use a heavier SS316 marine grade stainless steel mesh that keeps insects out while also resisting forced entry. During the design consultation we match the series to each opening rather than fitting one system throughout.
04What mesh do the screens use, and will it keep insects out?
Custom Blinds fits the Corner Star screen system, which offers a choice of mesh. Standard PVC coated fibreglass mesh keeps mosquitoes and flies out while staying easy to see through, and a thicker PVC coated fibreglass is available for extra tear resistance. Where baboons, cats or dogs are a problem, a 0.5 mm black powder coated stainless steel mesh resists damage. For security, screens use black powder coated SS316 marine grade stainless steel mesh in an aluminium frame. During the design consultation we recommend the mesh best suited to your home and setting.
05Will insect screens keep miggies (midges) out?
Miggies, the tiny midges common near the Garden Route lagoons and rivers, are smaller than mosquitoes, so no standard insect mesh stops every single one. A close, well fitted and undamaged mesh makes a real difference, and we will talk you through the best option for a home near the water during the design consultation.
06Do insect screens block airflow or darken a room?
No. Insect screen mesh is fine enough to be barely noticeable, so you keep natural light, your view and airflow while insects stay out. Corner Star’s PVC coated fibreglass mesh is made to let air move freely, and because it sits in a slim aluminium frame with a neat cornering system it reads as part of the window rather than a heavy add on.
07Can insect screens handle coastal conditions and wind?
With the right frame and mesh choice, yes. For coastal homes we recommend systems and finishes that are designed for salty air and higher winds. Our team has installed screens across the Garden Route and can guide you on what has lasted well in similar homes.
08Do insect screens work with security bars and shutters?
In many cases they do, especially on windows. We look at the depth of your reveals, how your existing security is fitted and what hardware is in the way. In some situations security grade mesh can replace bars entirely, giving you both insect and intrusion protection in one system.
09Can I install insect screens on sliding doors?
Yes. Sliding door screens run on a parallel track alongside your existing sliding door or stacker, sized for standard and large openings, so you keep full access to your patio or garden with insect protection when you need it.
10How long do insect screens last?
With quality materials and proper installation, insect screens last for many years, and the mesh usually needs replacing before the frame. We use PVC coated fibreglass and stainless steel mesh options that hold up well in Garden Route conditions.
11How much do insect screens cost?
Insect screens are quoted per project rather than sold at a single fixed price, because the cost depends on the screen type, the size of each opening and the mesh specified. Fixed window screens, hinged and sliding door screens, and security grade mesh are each priced differently. Every Custom Blinds quotation includes final on-site measurements, supply and professional installation across the Garden Route. Send your window sizes and a few photos on WhatsApp for a complimentary estimate.
Custom Blinds Shutters & Awnings is an independent, owner-managed window covering specialist established in 2010 and based in Knysna. The business supplies and installs fly screens, security screens, outdoor blinds, indoor blinds, shutters, awnings, and shadeports across the Garden Route from Mossel Bay to Plettenberg Bay. Screen installation is Garden Route only. For national screen supply and installation, Custom Blinds refers customers to Corner Star, an approved screen manufacturer with a national dealer network. All screens are custom measured and fitted on site. Products carry manufacturer warranties on supplied components and Custom Blinds warranties on items we make. We keep every install on file and handle any warranty claim with the supplier on the customer’s behalf.
