Four useful starting points.
18×14 fiberglass pool and patio mesh
Phifer identifies 18×14 as a fiberglass pool/patio screen intended for large openings, general insect protection, ventilation and visibility. It is a useful baseline when comparing estimates—not a promise that every product labeled “standard” is identical.
20×20 no-see-um mesh
Phifer’s finer 20×20 weave is designed to keep out most tiny insects. Ask the installer to show you a sample beside standard mesh so you can compare the view and airflow for your enclosure. Do not assume a finer weave or a brand name means the product is hurricane-proof.
Super Screen®
Super Screen is a brand, not a generic term for every stronger mesh. Its official 17/14 pool-and-patio product page describes that specific product and advertises a 10-year limited warranty. Ask for the exact product and written warranty; different product lines can have different terms.
Pet-resistant screen
Phifer describes PetScreen® as tear- and puncture-resistant for pet-contact areas, not indestructible. Its pool/patio overview says PetScreen is best used for patio, door and window applications, while TuffScreen® products can also be pool/patio options. Ask which mesh suits lower panels and which is appropriate for your roof spans.
Questions worth asking before choosing.
- Which exact brand, product and mesh count will the estimate specify?
- Is the product suitable for each roof, wall and door opening?
- Will a lower pet-contact panel use a different product from the roof?
- Can I compare samples for visibility and small-insect protection?
- Does the existing framing support the selected screen system?
- What does the manufacturer cover, and what does the installer cover?
Manufacturer claims about performance are not a warranty from this website. We do not certify material suitability for your cage.
Know what screen cannot do.
Insect mesh is not a substitute for required pool-safety protection, child supervision or an appropriate pet barrier. “Pet-resistant” does not mean pet-proof. No mesh choice makes a damaged frame sound or makes an enclosure hurricane-proof.
Ask the installer to evaluate the complete system, not just sell a roll of mesh. For damage to framing, use the repair-versus-rescreen guide and arrange professional assessment.
Read the warranty as a separate document.
Ask about exclusions, product registration, transferability, removal/reinstallation labor and who handles a claim. Do not assume a manufacturer’s limited warranty includes installation labor or storm damage. Put the product name and installer’s separate labor warranty into the signed scope.
Questions homeowners ask.
Is no-see-um mesh the same as standard screen?
No. Phifer identifies its standard pool/patio fiberglass screen as 18×14 and its finer no-see-um option as 20×20. Ask for the exact product rather than relying on a generic label.
Does pet-resistant screen keep pets or children safely inside?
Do not rely on insect mesh as a safety barrier. Pet-resistant describes resistance to damage, not a guarantee of containment or fall protection.
Sources & scope.
Sources checked November 8, 2026. Published ranges and manufacturer statements are attributed context, not our quotes or guarantees.