Standard Phifer Screen VS. Polyester Screens
This is a question we receive quite a bit. You’d like to know whether the upgraded polyester screen choices are more resistant to high winds than our standard Phifer 18×14. The short answer to the question is, YES.
Brand new Phifer screen has ball burst strength lab test rating of approximately 63 lbs. The polyester screens are significantly stronger with a rating of 180 to 190 lbs. Again, these are lab tests. In reality, the 63 lbs of test strength is enough to withstand hurricane force winds for a sustained period of time – when the screen is new.
The difference really comes in to play over time. As the standard Phifer fiberglass-based screens age, especially under the high UV from the Florida sun, the fiberglass fabric starts to deteriorate and quickly loses its 63 lb ball burst rating. While there have been no lab based age testing done, from our experience we estimate that the fiberglass-based screens lose approximately 75% of their strength in the first 3 years. At this point, hurricane force winds certainly will tear it. At about the 7 to 10 year mark, the fiberglass based screen will have lost the majority of its strength. You’ll clearly see the dark charcoal vinyl coating has started to wear off and you’re left with shiny white/gray screen, which is the fiberglass strands exposed. At this juncture, even the wind from a regular Florida afternoon thunderstorm can tear the screen. They will almost always tear right along the outer sides of the panels right against the aluminum framing members.
It’ll almost appear as though the screen has pulled out, however, what has actually happened is that there was enough wind strength to rip the screen at the point where energy/wind pressure can not be transferred any further. This is where you’ll see the major difference between fiberglass and polyester based screens.
The polyester screens are warranted against tears like this for 10 years.
L.A. Construction Custom Screen Builders is located in Winter Springs, FL. We service the entire Central Florida area. Whether you’re looking for a single panel repair, or a Full Rescreen of your pool cage, patio enclosure, or screen room, we can help. We also build new screen enclosures and pool cages including any new foundation work that is needed. Give us a call today for your free estimate.
Service Areas
Winter Springs, Oviedo, Sanford, Orlando, Longwood, Altamonte Springs, Apopka, Winter Park, Debary, DeLand, Orange City, Mt. Dora, Eustis, Clermont. Includes all of Seminole County and Orange County, as well as parts of Lake County, Volusia County, and Brevard County.
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