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 or bugs fly into the apartment. The mosquito net will 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
Neighboring insects can be not only a cause of inconvenience, but also a threat to health.
In some cases, an acute allergic reaction to insect bites may develop.
Mosquito net will save you from mosquitoes. This canvas has small holes that let air through, but are too small for insects to penetrate. The main advantages of its use:
- the grid can be installed both on the window and on the door;
- does not interfere with airing;
- assembly and disassembly 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 when used properly;
- does not spoil the appearance of the balcony;
- prevents the penetration of insects, birds and bats into the house;
- delays most of the dust from the street.
The mosquito net also has disadvantages:
- for the winter period, the structure must be removed and cleaned in a safe place for storage;
- a bird or bat may tear the mesh when it collides with it;
- even a small blow can break plastic mounts;
- it cannot be used if there are bars on the windows;
- some structures are mounted on the outside of the windows, so their installation can be complicated by height, respectively, such roll nets are difficult to wash, because they can not be removed.
Mosquito net protects against the penetration of dangerous insects into the house, therefore some of its disadvantages simply fade against the background of advantages. The reliability of the mesh and frame directly depends on its variety. 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 both on balcony windows and on doors. Depending on the type of construction, these types of this device are distinguished.
Velcro
Such a design can be used on narrow windows with hinged wings. Usually it plays the role of a temporary option, because the canvas is not reliable. In strong winds, it’s worth looking at the net so that it does not carry away. This option is the most affordable.
Framework
The most common version of the grid, which is installed on the profile of aluminum or plastic. You can purchase such a device to order even on custom size frames. Differ in affordable cost. Especially mischievous cats can squeeze out a similar net 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. Glass in it is replaced by a grid. This design has slots for technical purposes, but they are protected by a pile. Such a net is not removed for the winter. It is worth noting that its installation and dismantling is carried out only by masters.
Rolling (rolled)
The design is used all year round. The box is placed on top of the frame, inside of which there is a folding device. Side guides are installed along the vertical edges of the window or door frame. Using the handle, you can roll the net to the end and wind it back into the box. Using the mechanism is quite easy, but its cost is high.
Accordion pleats
An additional thin frame is installed inside the window. The net can be folded 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 manufacture of pleated nets, so it is quite difficult to find them.
Swing
Usually installed on doors of balconies and loggias, less often - on windows. Mounted with magnets or plastic snaps. Usually the door opens in one direction, and the net in the opposite direction. The sealant in the form of brushes allows you to use the design even in winter. Sometimes manufacturers suggest installing an additional spring closer so that the mesh closes on its own.
Magnetic
Mounted along the balcony door. Vertically divided into two identical parts, which are fastened with magnets. The grid can be opened with a slight movement, but the design itself will slam. It is worth noting that even a strong wind does not open the grid, but only passes through the cells. She does not make sounds when opening, closing.
The mesh web itself can be made of fiberglass or polyester. The outer layer is sometimes coated with PVC or aluminum threads. Mesh fabric can be divided into such types.
Standard
Such a mesh is usually supplied with plastic windows. The polymer cloth allows air and sun rays to pass through well, practically does not spoil the overall look. It is worth noting that the grid interferes with the penetration of large particles such as hail, poplar fluff, debris, insects. Rain passes through the canvas unhindered.
Anti dust
This type of fabric has a minimal clearance between the threads. It gives maximum protection - does not even let dust pass through. However, air through it also passes with difficulty.In the manufacture of such a mesh using nylon.
Antikoshka
Allows you to protect pets from falling out of the window. The net does not tear from claws and beaks. Its fibers are twice as thick as other species. Moreover, the multilayer yarn is impregnated with special compositions to increase strength and elasticity. For large panoramic windows such mosquito nets are not suitable.
Usually, their canvas is black and transmits light worse than others, but does not interfere with air circulation.
How to choose?
The mosquito net should fit snugly against the window or door frame. Otherwise, all insects will wade through the cracks. Before choosing a design, measurements must be taken. It is necessary to accurately, to a millimeter, measure the height and width of the opening.
Mount options.
- Plastic corners. Mounts 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 fastening is the most expensive and reliable, it can withstand even strong winds.
- "Flags". Small plastic hooks. It is better to use such nets for the door, because a strong wind can rip them off the window.
- Z-shaped elements. The design fits snugly to the frame and is fixed indoors. Mounting is the most popular and is placed both on metal and plastic wire mesh frames.
Choosing the size, type and fixtures of the nets will narrow their circle when choosing. Separately, it is worth learning about grid cells. Their size can vary between 0.6-1.2 mm. The 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 pond nearby and a lot of small midges.
A grid with 0.6 mm cells will not allow dust and pollen to enter the house, so it is suitable for people with allergies. In city conditions, the cell size is usually used in the range of 1-1.2 mm.
This is enough to prevent mosquitoes, bugs and other insects from flying inside. Key recommendations for selection:
- Most of the nets are made of fiberglass. You should touch and smell its threads to make sure of quality. There should be no unpleasant odor.
- For extra protection, you can purchase a kit of mesh and spray. The latter is applied to the material and repels insects.
- If the balcony is not glazed, then it is necessary to put the grid on the door. The best option for this is the swing model. Exit to the balcony of the heart of the night will not wake other family members.
- Plastic frames do not tolerate frost and extreme temperatures. For the winter period, such nets need to be removed and put away in a place for storage. If insects disturb you all year round, then other models should be selected to protect against them.
How to care?
Every thing in the house requires care. Even the most expensive mosquito will become worthless if not taken care of.
Basic rules of operation.
- To clean the frame and mounts, use soft sponges or washcloths. In case of severe contamination, the use of non-abrasive detergents is permissible. It is not necessary to dismantle the grid itself.
- To clean the frame, you must remove it from the mounts. The dust should first be removed with a soft brush or vacuum cleaner. Make a light soapy solution and gently rinse the cloth. The use of hard brushes or aggressive detergents is prohibited, this can damage the structure of the threads.
- It is necessary to dry a grid outdoors in the natural way. When using a battery or iron, the web may melt or catch fire. Do not experiment, because natural drying takes a little time.
- All models, except for rolled and pleated, must be removed before the onset of frost. This is especially important if their frame is plastic. They must be stored at room temperature in an upright position.
- Metal fastenings are recommended to be wiped after a rain.So the metal will not be corroded and will remain durable.
An overview of the best mosquito nets for windows and doors, see below.