Mosquito nets on the balcony and loggia: types, selection and care
The summer period gives not only joy, but also a bunch of flying insects. The balcony is almost always open for a stream of fresh air, and through it mosquitoes and beetles fly into the apartment. The mosquito net will allow you to protect yourself and your family from them. There are many varieties of such designs, so everyone can choose among them a suitable option for themselves.
Pros and cons of using
Neighborhood with insects can become not only a cause of inconvenience, but also a threat to health.
In some cases, an acute allergic reaction to insect bites may develop.
An anti-mosquito net will save you from mosquitoes. There are small holes in this canvas that allow air to pass through, but are too small for insects to penetrate. The main advantages of using it:
- the mesh can be installed both on the window and on the door;
- does not interfere with airing;
- installation and dismantling takes little time;
- installation does not require special skills and can be done independently;
- the mosquito net is easy to care for;
- it serves for many years if used correctly;
- does not spoil the appearance of the balcony;
- prevents insects, birds and bats from entering the house;
- retains most of the dust from the street.
The mosquito net also has disadvantages:
- for the winter period, the structure must be removed and put away in a safe place for storage;
- a bird or bat can tear the mesh fabric on collision with it;
- even a small blow can break plastic fasteners;
- it cannot be used if there are bars on the windows;
- some structures are attached from the outside of the windows, so their installation can be complicated by the height, respectively, such roll nets are difficult to wash, because they cannot be removed.
The mosquito net protects against dangerous insects entering the house, therefore some of its disadvantages simply pale in comparison to the advantages. The reliability of the mesh and the frame directly depends on its type. If there are pets in the house, then it is worth teaching them not to jump on the net. If the cat stretches the canvas with its claws, then it will not work.
Varieties
Mosquito nets can be installed on both balcony windows and doors. Depending on the type of construction, these types of this device are distinguished.
Velcro
This design can be used on narrow hinged windows. Usually it plays the role of a temporary option, because the canvas is not reliable. In strong winds, you should look behind the net so that it does not get blown away. This option is the most affordable.
Framework
The most common type of mesh, which is installed on an aluminum or plastic profile. You can purchase such a device to order, even for frames of a non-standard size. Differ in affordable cost. Especially mischievous cats can squeeze out such a mesh if its frame is made of plastic.
Sliding
Such a system can be set in motion using a special handle. Suitable for balconies with sliding doors. The glass in it is replaced by a grid. This design has slits for technical purposes, but they are protected by a pile. This mesh is not removed for the winter. It is worth noting that only craftsmen can install and disassemble it.
Roller shutter (roll-up)
The design is used all year round. The box is placed on top of the frame, inside which the folding device is located. Side rails are installed along the vertical edges of a window or door frame. Using the handle, you can roll out the mesh to the end and rewind it back into the box. The mechanism is quite easy to use, but its cost is high..
Pleated
An additional thin frame is installed inside the window. The net can be folded like an accordion into the side frame. Wear-resistant plastic is used as the main material. The maximum height of the structure is 3 meters, but the length can be arbitrary.
A small number of companies are engaged in the production of pleated nets, so it is rather difficult to find them.
Swing
Usually installed on the doors of balconies and loggias, less often - on windows... Attached with magnets or plastic clips. Usually the door opens in one direction and the mesh in the opposite direction. The seal in the form of brushes allows the structure to be used even in winter. Sometimes manufacturers offer to additionally install a spring closer so that the mesh closes on its own.
Magnetic
Installed along the balcony door. Divided vertically into two identical parts, which are held together by magnets. The mesh can be opened with a slight movement, but the structure will slam shut itself. It should be noted that even a strong wind does not open the mesh, but only passes through the cells. It does not make sounds when opening, closing.
The fabric itself can be made of fiberglass or polyester. The outer layer is sometimes covered with PVC or aluminum filaments. The mesh fabric can be conditionally divided into such types.
Standard
This mesh is usually supplied with plastic windows. The polymer canvas is good for air and sun rays, practically does not spoil the overall appearance. It should be noted that the mesh prevents the penetration of large particles such as hail, poplar fluff, debris, insects. Rain passes through the canvas without hindrance.
Anti-dust
This type of fabric is characterized by a minimum gap between the threads. It provides maximum protection - it doesn't even let dust through. However, air also passes through it with difficulty.In the manufacture of such a mesh, nylon is used.
Anticoshka
Will protect pets from falling out of the window. The mesh does not tear from claws and beaks. Its fibers are twice as thick as those of other species. Moreover, the multilayer thread is impregnated with special compounds to increase strength and elasticity. Such mosquito nets are not suitable for large panoramic windows.
Usually their canvas is black and passes light worse than others, but does not impede air circulation.
How to choose?
The mosquito net should fit snugly against the window or door frame. Otherwise, all insects will sneak through the cracks. Before choosing a design, it is necessary to take measurements. It is necessary to accurately, to the millimeter, measure the height and width of the opening.
Mount options.
- Plastic corners. The fasteners are located on the outside of the window and do not interfere with its use.
- Plungers. Suitable for plastic and other types of windows. The metal part has an adjustable spring. The mount is the most expensive and reliable, it can withstand even strong winds.
- "Flags". Small plastic hooks. It is better to use such screens for the door, because a strong wind can blow them off the window.
- Z-shaped elements... The structure fits snugly to the frame and is fixed inside the room. The mount is the most popular and is installed on both metal and plastic mesh frames.
The choice of the size, type and fastening of the meshes will allow you to narrow their circle when choosing. Separately, it is worth learning about the grid cells. Their size can vary between 0.6-1.2 mm. A fine mesh does not allow air to pass through well, therefore it is not recommended for ventilation. It is worth using this size only if there is a body of water nearby and a lot of small midges..
The 0.6 mm mesh keeps dust and pollen out of the house, so it is suitable for people with allergies. In urban conditions, the size of the cells in the range of 1-1.2 mm is usually used.
This is enough to prevent mosquitoes, beetles and other insects from flying inside. Basic recommendations for choosing:
- Most of the meshes are made from fiberglass. It is worth touching and smelling its threads to ensure the quality. There should be no unpleasant smell.
- For added protection, a mesh and spray kit is available. The latter is applied to the material and repels insects.
- If the balcony is not glazed, then it is necessary to put the mesh on the door. The best option for this is the swing model. Going out to the balcony in the middle of the night will not wake up other family members.
- Plastic frames do not tolerate frost and strong temperature changes. For the winter period, such nets must be removed and put into storage. If insects bother you all year round, then other models should be chosen to protect against them.
How to care?
Every thing in the house needs to be taken care of. Even the most expensive mosquito will become unusable if not cared for.
Basic rules of operation.
- Use soft sponges or washcloths to clean the frame and mountings. For heavily soiled, non-abrasive detergents can be used. There is no need to dismantle the mesh itself.
- To clean the frame, you must remove it from the mountings. First, remove the dust with a soft brush or vacuum cleaner. Make a light soapy solution and rinse the cloth gently. It is forbidden to use hard brushes or aggressive detergents, this can damage the structure of the threads.
- It is necessary to dry the mesh outdoors in a natural way. Using a battery or iron may cause the web to melt or catch fire. Don't experiment, as natural drying takes a little time.
- All models, except for roll and pleated, must be removed before the onset of frost. This is especially important if their frame is plastic. Store them upright at room temperature.
- It is recommended to wipe metal fasteners after rain.This will prevent the metal from corroding and staying strong.
For an overview of the best mosquito nets for windows and doors, see below.