16/18 vs. 20/20 Screen Mesh: Know the Difference Before Installation
If you have pine needles penetrating your roof screens like invthe image above you have the wrong type of screens installed.
Understanding the difference between 16/18 and 20/20 screen mesh can save you years of frustration and maintenance.
What Is 16/18 Screen Mesh?
The standard screen installed on most pool cages and screen enclosures is 16/18 screen mesh. The numbers refer to the number of vertical and horizontal strands per square inch of screen material.
In most cases, if you do not specifically request 20/20 screen mesh, your contractor will install the standard 16/18 mesh.
The Problem With 16/18 Screen Mesh Near Pine Trees
After cleaning thousands of screen enclosures over the years, one thing has become very clear: pine needles and 16/18 screen mesh do not get along. Why? Because pine needles penetrate your roof screens on a daily basis.
If your pool enclosure, patio screen, roof screen, or mansard screen is located near pine trees, pine needles can easily become lodged in the larger openings of 16/18 mesh. Removing them can be a time-consuming and frustrating chore.
Pine needle removal is not included in our screen enclosure cleaning service for a reason. You cannot successfully remove hanging pine needles with a pressure washer.
Benefits of 20/20 Screen Mesh
If your home is located near pine trees, 20/20 screen mesh is often the better choice.
The tighter weave helps prevent pine needles from penetrating the screen openings and becoming stuck. Pine needles may still collect on top of the screen, but they are much easier to remove compared to screens made with 16/18 mesh.
The image below shows pine needles resting on a 20/20 roof screen. While cleanup is still necessary, the difference in maintenance is significant.
Does 16/18 Screen Mesh Let In More Sunlight?
Yes. One advantage of 16/18 screen mesh is that it allows slightly more sunlight and natural light to pass through.
Some homeowners choose 16/18 mesh because it may help warm pool water by a small amount, typically around 1 to 3 degrees. It can also make covered patios, lanais, and nearby rooms feel a little brighter.
However, the cost difference between 16/18 and 20/20 screen mesh is usually minimal.
Which Screen Mesh Should You Choose?
If your property has few or no pine trees nearby, standard 16/18 screen mesh may work perfectly fine.
However, if pine trees surround your pool cage or screen enclosure, 20/20 screen mesh is the smarter long-term investment. Spending a little more during installation can save countless hours of cleaning and frustration in the future.
Before your screen enclosure is installed, ask your contractor which mesh they plan to use. If pine needles are a concern, request 20/20 screen mesh.
Your future self will thank you.
