The complete guide
Fitting a magnetic window screen
I was a little sceptical about how well these screens would work and how easy they would be to install. I was wrong on both counts. I’m thrilled at how good they are, how nice and discrete they are and how easy they were to install and we have 2.2 meter tall windows. They were even able to customise my order to fit my tall windows. Customer service was excellent too. I can’t recommend them enough and I would definitely use them again.
Darren Chun
A Variety Of Options to Choose From
FREE FAST DELIVERY ACROSS SWITZERLAND FOR ALL ORDERS CHF50+ or more (Save CHF22)
Available in set pre-made sizes or custom made to your requirements
The premier magnetic insect screen that you can easily self install & custom fit to your window
- Professional size adjustable DIY window screens suitable for all window types
- Quick & Easy To Install – no tradesman tools required
- High quality fire-retardant insect mesh
- Powerful magnet sealing – life-time warranty on magnet attraction
- Can be easily removed without damaging your window frame (ideal for rental properties)
Available in x2 mesh options
Grey in colour - suitable for all insects, flies and mosquitos
Standard Mesh Specifications
18 X 16 (thread count per square inch) mesh insect screening, and is woven from permanent glass yarn, coated with a protective vinyl to ensure lasting beauty, colour and flexibility.
It is produced under the most exacting conditions to meet extremely rigid specifications. Phiferglass is noncombustible and will not rust, corrode or stain. Dark Phiferglass screens offer the best outward visibility of the product line.
- Colour: Grey
- Diameter: 0.011″ | 0.279mm
- Open Area: 66%
Black in colour - also suitable for all insects, flies and mosquitos - but has a tighter weave that will also prevent Midges (what are Midges? - click here)
Midge Mesh Specifications
20 x 20 (thread count per square inch) mesh.
Known as NO-SEE-UMS screen, this fiberglass screen is a tightly woven 20×20 mesh designed to keep out smaller flying insects like no-see-ums, gnats, sand flies, and other bugs that may inhabit marshy or coastal areas.
While densely woven, this screening still allows good ventilation and visibility and provides some daytime privacy. 20×20 Fiberglass screening is woven from permanent glass yarn which has been coated with a protective vinyl to ensure lasting beauty, color and flexibility. It is produced under the most exacting conditions to meet extremely rigid specifications.
Fiberglass screen is noncombustible and will not rust, corrode or stain, making it perfect for windows, doors, patios, and pools.
- Colour: Black
- Diameter: 0.013″ | 0.33mm
- Open Area: 45%
DUE TO CURRENT DEMAND PLEASE ALLOW 5-7 DAYS DELIVERYDirect To Your Door - All Across Switzerland
Order the frame size that is slightly larger than the window you want to screen – you are able to easily cut the frame to fit (with a cutting blade or strong scissors – no tradesman tools required).
EASILY ADAPTABLE
Magnetic fly screens can be custom adapted to fit windows of all types and sizes, simply and easily.
DURABLE & LONG LASTING
PROFESSIONAL LOOK
The Premier Magnetic Window Flyscreen
The DIY magnetic window screen is installed onto your window via a “permanently temporary” magnetic strip so that it does not affect your existing window frame and is especially designed to blend into the background, principally being invisible from a distance.
This effective low cost (cheap!) temporary flyscreen allows you to have a high quality of life without the worry of mosquitoes, lizards or other insects in your house. It is easy to remove for cleaning (just spray/clean with water and detergent).
If you have double hung or casement windows and are scratching your head about what is the best DIY fly screen solution to protect your family and house from those irritating, dirty and potentially disease carrying insects – DIY magnetic insect screens are the ideal solution.
Magnetic fly screens can be custom cut to fit windows of all types and sizes, simply and easily.
They are very durable and flexible making them not only easy to clean but also easy to use.
Finger tabs on the bottom corners of each magnetic fly screen enable you to pull the screen away from the window to give you easy access to open and close your window.
The magnetic insect screen flexes easily out of the way providing you unhindered access to open and close your windows, just let the corner tab go and it will simply snap back into place.
The flexible PVC frame of the magnetic insect screen is far less bulky and obtrusive compared with traditional aluminium framed fly screens.
“On older homes where no 2 windows are the same size and sometimes out of square also, magnetic screens are ideal because they are individually measured to fit with millimetre accuracy to ensure that they fit perfectly.”
The overall effect of having slimline frames and the fly screens being easily DIY custom fitted to individual windows results in a very tidy and professional looking finish that often gives a lifting effect on a room. They are the perfect addition to any home.
Contact us today and one of our experienced staff will be in touch to provide you with a no obligation free quote and answer any questions you may have about DIY magnetic flyscreens.
How To Install A Window Magnetic Insect Screen
- Measure your window
- Apply the magnetic strip around your window frame (this is a 3M self adhesive product & is very strong)
- Cut your screen to size and build the screen (see the Build Your Screen In 6 Easy Steps guide below) (the mesh is secured to the screen by using a grooved magnetic strip – pretty ingenious)
- Attach the now magnetised screen to the magnetic strip around your window
- Enjoy your open window and let air in to your house without any bugs, flies, spiders or mosquitoes
Magnetic Screen: Everything You Need to Know About Window Screens With Magnets
Fresh air is one of the simplest pleasures of home life, but opening a window often comes with an unwelcome trade-off. Mosquitoes find their way in within minutes, flies circle your kitchen, and dust blows across your furniture. A magnetic screen solves this problem with elegant simplicity, giving you a barrier that snaps into place in seconds and removes just as easily. No screws, no tools, no permanent changes to your window frames.
The concept behind a magnetic window screen is straightforward, yet the engineering that makes it work reliably has evolved considerably in recent years. Today’s window screens with magnets are stronger, more versatile, and better looking than ever before. Whether you are new to the idea or considering an upgrade from an older model, this guide walks you through how magnetic screens work, what makes one better than another, and how to get the most out of every screen you install.
Understanding How a Magnetic Screen Works
A magnetic screen consists of a fine mesh panel bordered by a strip of flexible magnets. This magnetised border attaches to a corresponding magnetic strip that you fix to your window frame using a peel-and-stick adhesive. When you bring the screen close to the frame, the magnets attract each other and lock the screen into position along all four edges. The seal is firm enough to stay in place during a breeze but light enough to peel away with one hand whenever you need to close the window or remove the screen for cleaning.
The genius of this system is that it turns any standard window into a screened opening without requiring hardware, modifications, or professional installation. You can have a fully functioning insect barrier in place within minutes of opening the packaging, and you can take it down just as quickly without leaving any trace behind.
The Role of the Magnetic Border
The magnetic border is the defining feature that separates a magnetic window screen from every other type of insect screen on the market. This border runs continuously around the full perimeter of the mesh panel, creating an unbroken magnetic seal when the screen is in position. The continuous contact eliminates the gaps that insects exploit in screens held by clips, Velcro, or tension alone.
Quality magnetic screens use flexible magnetic strips with a consistent pull force from corner to corner. Cheaper alternatives sometimes use individual magnet segments spaced along the border, which leaves small gaps between magnets where the seal is weaker. These gaps may seem insignificant, but mosquitoes are remarkably skilled at finding and exploiting even the smallest openings. A continuous magnetic border closes this vulnerability entirely.
Types of Magnets Used in Window Screens
The strength and longevity of a window screen with magnets depends largely on the type of magnet material used. Most magnetic screens use flexible ferrite magnets, which are made from a composite of iron oxide and a flexible binder material. Ferrite magnets provide a reliable hold for everyday use and are lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and affordable. They perform well in moderate conditions and are suitable for the majority of residential windows.
Premium magnetic screens may use rare earth magnet formulations, typically neodymium-based compounds embedded in a flexible strip. These magnets produce a significantly stronger pull force per unit of length, which translates to better wind resistance and a more secure seal. Rare earth magnetic strips are particularly beneficial for windows in exposed locations where gusts could dislodge a standard ferrite-based screen. The stronger connection also compensates for minor surface irregularities on the window frame that might weaken the bond of a less powerful magnet.
Advantages of a Magnetic Window Screen Over Traditional Options
Traditional window screens have been around for well over a century, and they work. But they come with compromises that a magnetic screen neatly avoids. Understanding these advantages helps explain why magnetic window screens have become one of the fastest-growing categories in the home improvement market.
Instant Installation Without Tools or Skills
Installing a traditional fixed screen typically requires measuring, cutting mesh to size, securing it in a frame channel with spline, and mounting the completed assembly in the window using clips, screws, or tension springs. The process takes time, requires tools, and involves a learning curve that can result in wasted materials if measurements are off or the mesh is not tensioned evenly.
A magnetic screen bypasses all of this. You apply the adhesive magnetic strip to a clean frame, let it cure, and press the screen into place. The magnets align themselves, the mesh sits flat, and the job is done. A complete beginner can install a magnetic window screen correctly on the first attempt in under ten minutes. For someone outfitting an entire home, this time saving adds up to hours compared to traditional screening methods.
Easy Removal for Cleaning and Seasonal Storage
Fixed frame screens are notoriously tedious to remove and reinstall. The clips corrode, the springs lose tension, and the frames bend if handled carelessly. Many homeowners leave fixed screens in place year-round simply because removing them is too much hassle, even when they would prefer to have unobstructed windows during cooler months when insects are not a concern.
A magnetic screen peels off in seconds and goes back on just as quickly. This ease of removal encourages regular cleaning, which keeps the mesh clear of dust and pollen and maintains maximum airflow. It also means you can store screens during off-season months and enjoy completely clear windows without any hardware left behind on the frame.
No Damage to Window Frames or Walls
Screw-mounted and clip-mounted screens leave holes, scratches, and marks on window frames. Over time, these attachment points can cause paint to chip, wood to split, and aluminum to dent. The damage is cosmetic but cumulative, and it becomes a particular concern for homeowners looking to sell or for renters who need to return their property in original condition.
Window screens with magnets attach via adhesive strips that are designed to be removable without damaging the underlying surface. When it is time to take the magnetic strip off, it peels away cleanly, and any minor adhesive residue can be removed with a gentle solvent. This non-destructive installation makes magnetic screens the screen of choice for rental properties, heritage homes, and any situation where preserving the condition of the window frame is a priority.
Superior Seal Against Insects
The magnetic attachment creates a seal that is remarkably consistent across the entire border of the screen. Unlike clip-mounted screens that secure at discrete points with open spaces in between, or tension-mounted screens that can shift and create gaps over time, a magnetic screen maintains contact along every centimetre of its perimeter. This continuous seal is one of the most effective insect barriers available in a residential screen product, and it achieves this effectiveness without any of the complexity associated with gasketed or compression-sealed commercial systems.
Choosing the Right Magnetic Screen for Your Windows
With a growing number of magnetic screen products on the market, selecting the right one requires attention to several key factors. The best choice for your home depends on your window types, local climate, the level of insect pressure you face, and how frequently you plan to open and close your screens.
Mesh Material Options
The mesh panel in a magnetic window screen is typically made from one of two materials, each with its own strengths. Fiberglass mesh is the most common choice and offers a good balance of durability, visibility, and airflow. It resists corrosion, does not dent or crease permanently, and provides a clear view through the screen with minimal visual obstruction. Fiberglass is also lightweight, which places less demand on the magnetic border and helps the screen sit flat without sagging.
Polyester mesh is an alternative that offers greater strength and better resistance to tearing and stretching. It is a popular choice for households with pets or in situations where the screen may be subject to physical contact. Polyester mesh is slightly thicker than fiberglass, which marginally reduces airflow and visibility, but the trade-off is worthwhile when durability is a primary concern. Some magnetic screen suppliers offer both options and can advise on which is better suited to your circumstances.
Mesh Density and Its Impact on Performance
Mesh density, measured by the number of openings per linear inch, determines how effectively the screen blocks insects and how freely air passes through it. A standard mesh density of 18 by 16 openings per inch is sufficient to block common household insects including mosquitoes, house flies, and wasps while allowing generous airflow. This is the most widely used density for residential magnetic screens and works well in most environments.
Higher density mesh, sometimes called no-see-um mesh or fine mesh, features smaller openings that block tiny biting insects such as gnats, midges, and sand flies. This finer weave is essential in tropical or coastal areas where these micro-insects are prevalent. The denser mesh reduces airflow by a small percentage compared to standard weave, but for anyone who has experienced the misery of invisible biting insects infiltrating through a standard screen, the slight reduction in ventilation is a very acceptable compromise.
Frame Compatibility and Sizing
Magnetic screens work best when the adhesive magnetic strip is applied to a flat, smooth surface around the window opening. Most modern window frames in aluminum, vinyl, and painted wood provide suitable mounting surfaces. Frames with deep textures, heavy weatherstripping in the magnetic strip’s path, or surfaces coated with silicone-based treatments may require additional preparation to ensure a reliable adhesive bond.
Sizing is equally important. Most magnetic screen suppliers offer a range of standard sizes designed to cover the most common window dimensions, and many of these are trimmable to allow you to adjust the screen down to a precise fit. For windows with non-standard dimensions, custom-sized magnetic screens provide the ideal solution, arriving pre-cut to your exact measurements for a clean, professional appearance with no trimming required.
Screens for Unusual Window Shapes
While the majority of magnetic screens are rectangular, some suppliers can produce custom shapes to fit arched, circular, or angled windows. These specialty screens require precise templating and careful magnetic strip placement to ensure the seal follows the contour of the frame accurately. If your home features non-rectangular windows and you want magnetic screen coverage for those openings, look for a supplier that explicitly offers custom shape capabilities and has examples of completed installations to demonstrate their expertise.
Installing a Magnetic Window Screen Step by Step
Correct installation is the key to getting the best performance from your magnetic screen. While the process is simple, a few details make the difference between a screen that stays firmly in place and one that develops annoying gaps or falls off the frame prematurely.
Surface Preparation
The adhesive magnetic strip that attaches to your window frame needs a clean, dry, and smooth surface to bond properly. Begin by wiping the entire frame surface where the strip will be applied using a cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol. This removes dust, oils, moisture, and any other contaminants that could interfere with adhesion. Pay particular attention to corners and edges where dirt tends to accumulate. Allow the surface to dry completely before applying the magnetic strip. If your frame has a powder-coated or heavily textured finish, lightly sanding the contact area with fine-grit sandpaper creates a smoother surface that improves the adhesive bond considerably.
Applying the Adhesive Magnetic Strip
Start at one corner and work your way around the frame in a continuous line, peeling the adhesive backing as you go rather than removing it all at once. Press the strip firmly into the frame surface with consistent pressure, using your thumb or a flat tool to ensure full contact between the adhesive and the frame. Avoid stretching the magnetic strip as you apply it, since stretching can thin the adhesive layer and create a weak bond that fails over time. At corners, cut the strip cleanly and butt the next section tightly against the end of the previous one to maintain an unbroken magnetic surface around the entire perimeter.
Once the strip is in position, allow the adhesive to cure for the recommended time before attaching the screen. Most adhesives reach full bond strength within 12 to 24 hours, though some fast-curing formulas are ready in as little as four hours. Resisting the urge to test the screen before the adhesive has fully cured is one of the simplest things you can do to ensure a long-lasting installation.
Positioning and Attaching the Screen
With the adhesive fully cured, align the top edge of the magnetic screen with the top of the frame strip and let the magnets connect. Then gently smooth the screen downward and across both sides, pressing the magnetic border against the frame strip as you go. The magnets will guide themselves into alignment, but you can improve the seal by running your fingers along the border to ensure every section is in full contact. Check for wrinkles or bulges in the mesh and smooth them out by gently pulling the screen taut before pressing the final section of border into place.
Caring for Your Window Screen With Magnets
A well-maintained magnetic screen provides years of reliable service. The mesh, magnets, and adhesive strip each benefit from occasional attention that takes only a few minutes but significantly extends the life of the entire system.
Monthly Cleaning Routine
Remove the screen from the window by peeling it gently from one corner. Lay it flat or prop it against a surface and wash both sides with warm water and a small amount of mild dish soap. A soft sponge or microfiber cloth works well for loosening dust and pollen without damaging the mesh fibres. Rinse the screen thoroughly with clean water and let it air dry completely before reattaching it to the window. While the screen is off, wipe the adhesive magnetic strip on the frame with a damp cloth to remove any dust that may have settled on the magnetic surface, as this dust can gradually weaken the magnetic hold over time.
Inspecting the Magnetic Seal
Every few months, take a moment to inspect the magnetic seal around each screen. Run your finger along the border where the screen meets the frame strip and check for any spots where the connection feels weak or where a gap is visible. Common causes of weak spots include dust buildup on the magnetic surfaces, minor peeling of the adhesive strip, or a section of magnetic border that has been bent or creased. Most of these issues are simple to fix. Cleaning the magnets restores full strength, repositioning a peeled section of adhesive strip takes seconds, and gently straightening a creased border returns it to proper contact with the frame.
Extending the Life of the Adhesive Strip
The adhesive magnetic strip on the window frame is the component most likely to need attention over the lifespan of your magnetic screen. Heat, humidity, and UV exposure gradually degrade the adhesive bond, which can cause sections of the strip to lift away from the frame. To slow this process, keep the strip clean and avoid applying solvents or cleaning products directly onto the adhesive surface. If a section begins to peel, press it back firmly and consider reinforcing it with a small piece of additional adhesive tape behind the lifted area. When the original strip eventually loses its grip entirely, replacement strips are available from most magnetic screen suppliers and can be installed over the existing strip or after removing the old one.
Storing Screens During Cold Months
If you take your magnetic screens down for winter storage, roll each one loosely with the magnetic border on the outside to prevent the mesh from creasing. Store them in a dry location at moderate temperature, away from direct sunlight and sources of heat. Avoid stacking heavy objects on top of stored screens, as prolonged pressure can flatten the magnetic strips and reduce their holding power. A labelling system that matches each screen to its corresponding window saves time when reinstalling in the spring, especially if your windows are different sizes.
Common Misconceptions About Magnetic Screens
Despite their growing popularity, several misconceptions about magnetic screens persist. Clearing these up helps set realistic expectations and ensures you get the most from your purchase.
Misconception: Magnets Lose Their Strength Quickly
Modern flexible magnets used in quality window screens with magnets are engineered for long-term performance. Under normal conditions, these magnets retain their pull force for decades without any measurable decline. What people sometimes perceive as weakening magnets is almost always caused by dust accumulation on the magnetic surfaces, which creates a thin barrier that reduces the effective contact between the two magnetic strips. A simple wipe with a damp cloth restores the full magnetic strength and resolves the issue completely.
Misconception: Magnetic Screens Cannot Handle Wind
A properly installed magnetic screen with a continuous magnetic border handles moderate wind without any difficulty. The magnetic seal distributes holding force evenly across the entire perimeter, which is inherently more wind-resistant than point-fastened screens where force concentrates at the attachment hardware. In normal breezy conditions, the screen may flex slightly inward or outward but will maintain its seal. Only in severe weather with sustained strong gusts should magnetic screens be removed as a precaution, and this applies equally to most lightweight screen types regardless of their attachment method.
Misconception: They Only Work on Metal Frames
This is one of the most common misunderstandings about magnetic screens. While the screen itself uses magnets, it does not need a metal window frame to function. The system includes an adhesive magnetic strip that attaches to whatever material your frame is made from, whether that is wood, vinyl, aluminum, or composite. The screen’s magnetic border attaches to this installed strip, not to the frame material itself. This means window screens with magnets work on virtually any frame type as long as there is a flat surface available for the adhesive strip.
Magnetic Screens for Different Rooms and Situations
Different rooms in your home present different challenges and opportunities for magnetic screens. Matching the right screen specification to each room’s needs optimises both performance and comfort.
Kitchens and Cooking Areas
Kitchen windows benefit enormously from magnetic screens because cooking generates heat, steam, and odours that are best ventilated naturally. A magnetic window screen allows you to keep the kitchen window open while cooking without inviting flies that are attracted to food smells. Choose a screen with mesh that is easy to clean, since kitchen screens accumulate grease and cooking residues faster than screens in other rooms. The ability to quickly remove a magnetic screen for washing makes it particularly practical in this environment.
Bedrooms and Sleeping Areas
Night-time ventilation is essential for comfortable sleep, but it is also when mosquitoes are most active. A magnetic screen on bedroom windows lets you sleep with windows open throughout warm nights while maintaining a complete insect barrier. For bedrooms, prioritise a screen with fine mesh density to block even the smallest biting insects and ensure the magnetic seal is strong and gap-free, since even one mosquito in a bedroom can ruin a night’s sleep.
Living Rooms and Entertainment Spaces
In living areas where aesthetics matter more, look for magnetic screens with high-visibility mesh that provides a clear view to the outdoors. Dark charcoal or black mesh offers the best outward visibility because it reduces glare and blends visually into the background. The magnetic border should be slim and unobtrusive so the screen does not detract from the window’s appearance. For large living room windows, custom-sized magnetic screens ensure a precise fit that looks intentional and integrated rather than improvised.
Home Offices and Workspaces
Working from home near an open window with fresh air can improve focus and wellbeing, but not if insects are buzzing around your desk. A magnetic screen on home office windows delivers constant ventilation without distraction. The quiet, stable installation produces no rattling or flapping sounds that could interfere with video calls or concentration, and the screen can be removed instantly if you need to lean out the window or want an unobstructed view for a few minutes.
The Future of Magnetic Screen Technology
Magnetic screen technology continues to advance as manufacturers develop stronger magnets, more durable mesh materials, and smarter installation systems. Recent innovations include magnetic strips with enhanced UV-resistant adhesives that maintain their bond strength significantly longer in direct sunlight, anti-microbial mesh coatings that resist mould and mildew growth in humid climates, and colour-matched magnetic borders that blend seamlessly with popular window frame finishes.
As more homeowners discover the convenience and effectiveness of window screens with magnets, the market is responding with an expanding range of sizes, configurations, and quality tiers to suit every application. From single windows in a studio apartment to complete whole-home screening projects, magnetic screens are proving themselves as a modern, practical, and elegant solution to one of the oldest problems in domestic comfort. The combination of simple installation, reliable performance, and damage-free attachment has earned the magnetic screen a permanent place in the smart homeowner’s toolkit.