And you thought buying screen mesh to repair your old window screens was going to be easy right?     ;-)

Welllllll - actually it is.  There are just a few things to watch for before you buy:

Mesh - you've come upon this term a few times right?  It's how the screen material is woven, and usually means how many holes across and how many holes down in a square inch of material.  For example, the most common weave is 18/16, used in most home applications.

18/14 mesh has heavier strands and is stronger - used in areas with rougher weather or in commercial applications.  It is well suited for outdoor patios, pool enclosures and screen rooms.  Because it's stronger, 18/14 can be purchased in wider widths.

20/20 mesh is a finer weave, sometimes referred to as "no-see-um" as it keeps out tinier insects. While densely woven, this screen still allows good ventilation and visibility and provides some daytime privacy.

If you're looking for a product tough enough for kids and pets, Phifer's "PetScreen" may be the answer. It's a product designed to withstand rough treatment and pet claws.  Instead of fiberglass it is constructed of vinyl-coated polyester with heavy .025" diameter yarn in a 17/11 weave.

Exterior shading products, commonly referred to as "sun screen" or "solar screen", is made with varying properties and weaves to ward off the sun's heat.  I'll deal with that topic in another guide.

Fiberglass or aluminum?

It really comes down to preferences.  Fiberglass is easier to work with and lasts a long time.  Aluminum is a bit stronger and also has a long life, but is harder to work with and because it's made of soft metal - dents, bumps and scratches become very visible.

Bright, gray or black?

The first suggestion here is that if you're replacing the mesh on some of your screens, choose the color that matches the other screens on your home (you can figure out why).  Beyond that it again comes down to preferences.  Generally the darker the screen, the easier to see through.  Lighter colors pick up reflections from the sun and sometimes partially obscures vision looking out.  If you're looking for a bit more privacy though, lighter colors can also make it harder for passers-by to see into your home (at least in the daytime).

Price?

18/16 is the cheapest and most common screen mesh.  Aluminum is more expensive than fiberglass and because it's heavier, costs more to ship.

Good luck with your projects! 

If you need additional information my eBay Store is here:  http://stores.ebay.com/DIY-Screens-and-Storms

If you get really bored, my "About Me" page is here: http://members.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewUserPage&userid=apexproducts