Savvy Homeowners Enjoy The Seasons…
With Safely Screened Windows

Kid's Can't Fly

(HIT) - Few products in our sometimes elaborate, current lifestyles, have mattered more personally to homeowners than window screens. For ventilation inside the home without pesky disease carrying insects, for example, and for innovative patio and pool comfort. Even boat and camper owners have found ways to screen their products for people comfort.

Of course screen manufacturers throughout the country have continued to upgrade manufacturing processes, materials and therefore the products found in new homes and home improvement centers. But it doesn’t end there. Acting as a group, The Screen Manufacturer’s Association have been formal advocates for child safety for nearly two dozen years.

Frank S. Fitzgerald, Screen Manufacturers Executive Vice President, and long time advocate for screen industry child safety awareness.

Frank Fitzgerald, Executive Vice President of the 53 year-old Association, was a young man when he presented his "Kids Can’t Fly" concept for a fact finding meeting—that evolved into an industry wide program sponsored by the National Safety Council. Still a young man, and with a timeless idea, Frank continues to tell anyone who will listen: "… Insect screens should not ever be relied on to prevent a fall."

Addressing the needs of continuing generations of children remains an up front issue with the Florida resident. and the entire coalition of screen manufacturers as they step up production to meet current homeowner demands.

"More and more parents must divide family time with work duties," says the safety veteran, "Precautions are paramount, and the Screen Manufacturers Association continue to step up to safety promotion.

The Health Benefits of Screens

	Courtesy of Screen Manufacturers Association

For the past year, the association has focused, as well, on expanding awareness on the health benefits of window screens.

A cooperative fifty-state effort will distribute the Screen Manufacturers Association’s new "For Healths Sake" posters (smainfo.org/4HS_sma.pdf) and newspaper publicity through the CDC Centers for Disease Control. Considering the size of the sometimes deadly pests, an ounce of prevention goes a long way toward the safety of family and community while complacency comes with considerable risk.

Screens for Home Ventilation and Protection

Screen Manufacturers Association would like to remind seasoned homeowners and those entering the world of home improvement and maintenance that a large variety of screening choices are currently available. Screens for ventilation and protection from insects are available for windows, front and back doors, sliding doors, pet doors and even garage doors, and when kept in repair or replaced annually will provide everyone with peace of mind.

Repair and replacement, and additions of custom or standard screens are available for all areas of the home where insects can invade.

Manufactured on giant drums it is possible to obtain many sizes and screen mesh. Fiberglass screen will not shrink, rust or dent is resilient, easy to use, and long lasting, standard grade fiberglass screening is recommended for windows and doors. Mesh: 18 x 16 wire diameter .011" Colors vary and standard width is 4" through 54" in 2" increments plus 60", 72", 84 and 96", Roll Length: 100' or 600' heavy-duty fiberglass screen is recommended for patio and pool enclosures. The thicker wire diameter and slightly more open mesh make this the perfect choice for large areas such as porches, patios, and pool enclosures. Mesh: 18 x 16 wire diameter .013" Colors vary and Standard Width: 24", 30", 36", 42", 48", 54", 60", 66", 72", 78", 84", 90", 96", 102", 108" Roll Length: 100'. 20 x 20 Fine mesh screen is proven to be effective in areas that need protection from tiny insects commonly referred to as sand fleas or "no-see-ums". Heavy gauge construction allows use in patio enclosures as well as windows and doors. Mesh: 20 x 20 wire diameter .013" Colors vary and Standard Width: 36", 48", 60", 72", 84", 96", 108", Roll Length: 100'.

	Courtesy of Screen Manufacturers Association

Customers with pets will be sure to appreciate pet resistant screening. Made of vinyl-coated polyester, this fabric is much heavier than traditional fiberglass or aluminum screening. Pet screen is resistant to tears and damage caused by household pets. Color is typically black, standard width: 36" and 48", Roll Length: 100'. Fiberglass screen is manufactured under strict standards to assure that the colors are consistent and the mesh is uniform for all products including garages, pool cages, screen porches, lanais and patio enclosures. To clean screens, simply wash down with a hose. Please visit www.SMAINFO.org for a full history of the industry giants, their products and ready contact information.

Courtesy: Home Improvement News and Information Center