Air conditioning is the first thing many homes in Singapore cut when the electricity bill arrives. The alternative is to leave the windows open. Open windows bring in the breeze, but also bring in bugs and insects. A window screen solve the problem. This guide covers the systems, the mesh, the real costs and the questions worth asking.
What Are Insect Screens and Mosquito Mesh?
An insect screen is a panel of woven mesh in a frame, fitted to a window or a door. The mesh essentially blocks out insects and pests, allowing the home to be ventilated without the unwanted guests.
There are many names for these screens in the market. Insect netting, anti-mosquito net, and bug screen are a few. But they all describe the same thing: a screen for bugs that lets air through and keeps insects out.
The screen is an addition to your existing window, so nothing is replaced. The same rule applies for door installation. An anti insect net is fitted to the door you already have, and the door itself is never altered.
Mesh Grades Used in Singapore
Three materials are commonly used for window and door mesh.
- Fiberglass – thinnest material, providing the best clarity and ventilation, but it cannot withstand anything sharp.
- Heavy-duty polyester – thicker than fibreglass, tear-resistant and scratch-proof, often used as pet-safe mesh.
- 316 Stainless Steel – scratch-resistant, with a stronger and firmer feel than fabric meshes.
Why Singapore Homes Need Mosquito and Insect Screens
Mosquitoes are more than a nuisance. Some carry diseases such as Malaria, Dengue, and Zika and pose real health risks.
NEA publishes dengue case counts and cluster maps. They show how quickly transmission concentrates in one block or estate. An anti mosquito screen may not eliminate the population of mosquitoes, but it puts a physical layer between the mosquito and the people inside.
Common Types of Insect Screens
Window Systems
- Magnetic – an insect magnetic screen snaps onto a frame fixed around the opening and seals the whole perimeter, leaving no gaps for flying or crawling insects. The mesh is fibreglass or heavy-duty polyester. Installation typically needs no drilling.
- Sliding – runs on a slim track and works like a regular sliding window. The mesh comes in 3 three materials – fiberglass, heavy-duty polyester or 316 Stainless Steel.
- Swing – an inward-opening screen in 316 Stainless Steel mesh. It is recommended for sealing an indoor rubbish chute.
- Retractable – a retractable mosquito net on a roller, which keeps the mesh out of the way when you do not need it. The mesh comes in fibreglass or heavy-duty polyester.
Door systems
- Sliding door: glides left or right on a track. Takes insect mesh in fibreglass, pet mesh in heavy-duty polyester, or 316 Stainless Steel. The insect version comes as a magnetic panel that lifts off. Pet and stainless steel mesh are fixed to the door, since magnets cannot hold that weight and a cat would push through.
- Retractable door: runs on a roller and pulls across the opening. Takes insect mesh in fibreglass or pet mesh in heavy-duty polyester. Also available as a 2-in-1 system, with blackout blinds or a sunshade on one roller and mesh on the other.
The 2-in-1 Blinds+Mesh is also available for windows.
Magnetic and Retractable Options
An insect magnetic screen uses permanent magnets and high-bond adhesive tape to hold the frame to the window. It snaps on, seals fully and pulls off with one hand. Most installations need no drilling. The mesh carries a hydrophobic coating, so water is not trapped in the weave the screen and resists rust and corrosion. Wind clips are available for added security against strong wind.
One limit matters more than any other. Magnets cannot take weight. A cat can push through and escape, whichever mesh is fitted. If you have a cat, choose sliding, swing or retractable from the pet-friendly range.
A retractable mosquito screen rolls across on a roller. It suits balconies and patios you step through several times a day. A retractable mosquito net also works on casement, sliding and bi-fold windows.
Choosing Between the Systems
- Choose magnetic for full insect protection and a slim, no-drilling installation, but not for cat safety.
- Choose sliding for easy operation and convenient access to windows and outdoor areas.
- Choose swing in 316 Stainless Steel for full insect and cat protection.
- Choose a retractable mosquito screen for the flexibility to put the mesh away, with a pet mesh that takes weight
- Choose a sliding door for easy access between indoor and outdoor spaces.
- Choose a retractable door for outdoor installations or narrow single doors.
Mosquito Mesh for Windows Price and Cost Factors
For custom-made window mesh, prices are typically charged per square foot with a minimum price per mesh, plus 9% GST. Measurement and installation are both included in the quoted price.
On-site measurement is free. You only pay a deposit once you have confirmed the final quotation. Payment is 50% deposit to confirm and 50% after installation, by PayNow, PayLah or bank transfer.
What Moves the Figure
Six things move the cost.
- Mesh choice
Fibreglass, heavy-duty polyester and 316 Stainless Steel are priced differently.
- Size of the area
The screened area in square feet and the number of separate panels.
- System choice
A simple magnetic screen is priced lower than a framed system with a mechanism.
- Window configuration
Casement, sliding, top-hung and balcony openings all differ.
- Special requirements
Additional work or odd-sized openings add to the cost.
When you compare a mosquito net window price Singapore listing against a quotation, check which products and services the quotation includes.
Insect Screen Installation: What to Expect
A Typical Mosquito Net Installation
- Take photos and measurements, height and length, of the windows and doors to be screened
- Send them over WhatsApp for an estimated quotation
- Free on-site measurement, with no commitment until the final quotation
- Custom manufacturing of every panel to the measured openings
- Deposit to confirm the order, then fitting and handover with cleaning guidance
Lead Time
- Magnetic and sliding screens take 2 to 3 weeks.
- Retractable takes 4 to 6 weeks.
- Swing takes 6 to 8 weeks.
Whether drilling is needed depends on the screen type and the condition of your window. Magnetic systems generally need none. If you would rather not have drilling, inform the team early and they will recommend something that works around it.
How to Choose an Insect Screen Supplier
Price could be an important factor, but it is better to compare each supplier holistically. Mozziefy runs four teams in house: customer service, measurement, installation and after-sales. One company manages the job from first enquiry to final fitting and after-sales support. The magnetic and sliding screens are made in its own workshop, which is why those two carry the shortest lead time. Mozziefy is also experienced in commercial installations such as offices and childcare centres. The clientele includes Sanofi, Jack’s Place, Pro-Teach Education, Idaman and Optics Flair.
Questions Worth Asking
- Which mesh is included, and which systems can carry it?
- Is measurement and installation included in the quotation?
- What is the lead time for the product being quoted?
- What does the warranty cover, how long does it run on this product, and what does it exclude?
- Who carries out the fitting, employees or subcontractors?
A fair warranty covers installation, manufacturing and mechanism defects. It excludes wear and tear, accidental damage and the mesh material itself. Warranty length varies by product: 3 years on magnetic and sliding, 2 years on swing, and 1 to 3 years on retractable
Be wary of a price far below the market. It usually means thin mesh, a light frame, or on-site measurements or installation are charged as an extra.
FAQs About Mosquito Mesh and Insect Screens
Are insect screens safe for cats?
Not all of them. Standard insect mesh is generally thinner and cannot withstand cat claws. The way the screen is secured also matters. A cat may push a magnetic panel out of place, even when pet mesh is fitted. For homes with cats, choose suitable pet mesh with a secure system.
How much should I budget?
Each screen is priced according to the size of your windows. If you have a smaller budget, opt for simpler system such as the magnetic screen.
Which type is easiest to clean?
All meshes can be cleaned easily with a cloth or a vacuum with a soft brush. Choose a detachable system if you want to deep cleaning.
Will a screen stop dengue mosquitoes?
A correctly fitted anti insect net blocks Aedes mosquitoes along with anything else that size, provided the seal is tight. Look out for potential gaps within the mesh system that could potentially let insects in.
Can a screen go on a window that already has grilles?
Yes. Grilles, curtains and blinds are not a problem. The mosquito net installation is planned around whatever is already fitted.
Do screens cut airflow?
You may feel the airflow drop slightly compared with having nothing installed.Every system is built to allow airflow and ventilation, so the house does not feel stuffy the way it does with all the windows closed.
Send photos and rough measurements over WhatsApp for an estimated quotation on any anti mosquito net for your windows or doors. WhatsApp +65 6034 9462 or request a custom insect screen quote from Mozziefy.
