Window Screens in Duncan

Open windows are one of the best parts of living in the Cowichan Valley. From late spring through early fall, Duncan's warm days and cool evenings make natural ventilation the obvious choice over running air conditioning. But open windows without screens mean you're inviting in everything from mosquitoes to wasps to the occasional curious moth.

Good window screens let you keep that fresh air flowing without the uninvited guests. And if your current screens are torn, bent, or missing entirely, replacing them makes an immediate difference in how comfortable your home feels.
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Why Window Screens Matter More Here

Duncan sits in one of the warmest, most temperate zones on Vancouver Island. That means windows are open more months of the year here than almost anywhere else in BC. More open window time means more exposure to insects, pollen, dust, and debris.

Homes near the Cowichan River, around Quamichan Lake, or backing onto forested areas deal with higher bug pressure than homes in town. Mosquitoes breed near water, and Duncan has plenty of it. Proper window screens on every opening in your home aren't a luxury in these areas. They're a basic comfort necessity.

Beyond bugs, window screens also catch cottonwood fluff, leaf debris, and the fine dust that kicks up during dry Cowichan Valley summers. They keep your window sills cleaner and reduce how much airborne material gets into your living space.

Types of Window Screens We Install

Not every window needs the same screen solution. We work with several types to match different window styles and homeowner preferences.

Fixed frame screens are the standard option. They sit in the window frame and stay in place. Simple, effective, and easy to remove for cleaning. These work well on windows that stay open most of the season.
Sliding window screens track along the window frame and slide open or closed. They're ideal for horizontal slider windows, which are common in Duncan homes built from the 1970s onward.
Retractable window screens roll into a compact cassette when not in use, keeping your window view completely clear. These pair well with retractable door screens for a consistent look throughout your home.
Roll-down screens work well for larger windows or openings where you want the option of full coverage or full view depending on conditions.
Hand installing window screen into white frame for insect protection and ventilation purposes easily outdoors.

Getting the Right Fit

Window screens only work properly when they fit precisely. A screen that's too loose lets bugs through the gaps. One that's too tight bows or pops out of the frame. Off-the-shelf screens from hardware stores are sized to generic dimensions that rarely match your actual windows exactly.

We measure each window individually and build screens to fit your specific frames. This means tight, consistent coverage with no gaps at the edges. The frames are cut to size, the mesh is tensioned properly, and the clips or springs that hold the screen in place are matched to your window type.

For older Duncan homes, this custom approach is especially important. Heritage homes and older construction in areas like the downtown core or along the river often have non-standard window sizes that simply don't match anything you'll find pre-made.

Screen Mesh Options

The mesh material matters more than most people realize. Standard fiberglass mesh is the most common and works well for general insect protection. It's affordable, easy to replace, and comes in charcoal or gray tones that minimize visibility from inside.

Aluminum mesh is more durable and resists tearing better than fiberglass. It's a good choice for ground-floor windows or homes with pets that might push against the screens.

Solar screen mesh reduces heat gain and UV exposure. For west-facing windows in Duncan that get direct afternoon sun during summer, solar mesh can noticeably reduce indoor temperatures and protect furniture from fading. If you're already looking at motorized screens for your patio, adding solar mesh to your hottest windows extends that sun management to the rest of your home.

Pet-resistant mesh uses a thicker, vinyl-coated material that stands up to claws and pushing. If your cat likes sitting in the window or your dog gets excited when someone walks by, this mesh prevents the tears and holes that standard screening can't survive.
Person measuring a window frame with a tape measure.

Replacing Old or Damaged Screens

A lot of Duncan homes have window screens that came with the house and haven't been touched since. Over time, fiberglass mesh gets brittle from UV exposure, frames oxidize and lose their shape, and the rubber spline that holds the mesh in the frame dries out and shrinks.

If your screens have small tears, holes from pets, or mesh that's pulling away from the frame, it's usually more cost-effective to replace them entirely rather than patch. New frames, fresh mesh, and proper hardware give you screens that fit right, look clean, and actually do their job.

We handle full replacements as well as rescreening existing frames when the frame itself is still in good shape. Either way, you end up with screens that fit your windows properly and hold up to daily use.

Seasonal Screen Care

Window screens in Duncan don't need much maintenance, but a little care extends their life significantly. Rinse them with a hose once or twice during summer to clear off pollen, dust, and cobwebs. If you remove screens for winter, store them flat in a dry spot so the frames don't warp.

Check the spline, the rubber cord that holds the mesh in the frame, once a year. If it's cracking or pulling away, replacing it is a quick fix that prevents the mesh from coming loose. We can handle spline replacement as part of a service call if you'd rather not do it yourself.
Close-up of a sliding door track with leaves and debris.

Get Your Duncan Home Properly Screened

Whether you need a full set of new window screens, replacements for a few damaged ones, or an upgrade to solar or pet-resistant mesh, getting the right screens on your windows makes your home more comfortable from spring through fall.

We work with homeowners across Duncan and the Cowichan Valley. Let us know what you need and we'll come measure up and walk you through your options.
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