"Did you try pre-bending the edges slightly before installation? That little trick saved me from a lot of frustration (and band-aids)..."
That's actually a pretty clever tip—I wish I'd thought of it earlier. I went with fiberglass screens mostly because of cost and ease of handling, but now I'm second-guessing myself a bit. Have you noticed any significant rust issues with the metal mesh over time? My main worry is that even galvanized stuff might eventually rust, especially in damp conditions like we get here. Also, curious if anyone's tried aluminum mesh instead—does it hold up as well against critters and debris, or is it too flimsy? Trying to find that sweet spot between durability and budget...
I actually went with aluminum mesh on my last project because I was worried about rust too. It held up pretty well against weather, but honestly, it did feel a bit flimsy when installing—had to be careful not to stretch or crease it. Critters haven't gotten through yet, but I'm still keeping an eye out... durability-wise, metal mesh probably has the edge if you're okay with occasional maintenance.
Yeah, aluminum mesh is decent if rust is your main concern. I've used galvanized steel mesh a few times—it's sturdier during install and holds shape better. Just gotta hit it with some rust-resistant spray every couple years... not too much hassle, honestly.
Galvanized steel definitely holds up well, but honestly, I've been leaning more toward stainless steel mesh lately. Yeah, it's pricier upfront, but you skip the whole rust-resistant spray routine altogether. I installed some on a client's coastal property a few years back—salt air and all—and it's still looking solid without any extra maintenance. Might be worth considering if you're aiming for a set-it-and-forget-it approach...
Stainless steel mesh is solid, but honestly, I've had great luck with aluminum screening too. Installed it on a lakeside property about five years ago—zero rust and no sprays needed. Plus, easier on the wallet... leaves more cash for pizza after the job's done.
