Phifer Screen has been the undisputed leader in fiberglass screen for many years, with a life expectancy of about 8-12 years, sometimes less for the tops of cages. This is determined by how much exposure to the weather your screens get. Other product brands are less expensive but only last 3-5 years.  Phifer Screen is identified by the red and yellow stripe on the edge of the screen (which gets trimmed off after installation).

​Hiring an uninsured company or individual to work around your house is taking a huge unnecessary risk. Make sure whoever you hire has workers compensation insurance. This protects you from liability if a worker is injured while on your property. Ask to see a copy of their certificates.  Be aware of companies that have only "workers comp. exemptions". These are legal, but some companies have 2 certificates and 3 workers on the job. That means someone is not insured. According to the law if someone is working on your home and is uninsured, the homeowner becomes the employer and could be responsible for their medical bills and disability payments if they fall and injure themselves. Most pool cages are at least 13' tall - if someone accidentally fell from the top you would want them to be properly insured.

​Make sure the company you use carries general liability insurance. This protects  your property in case of damage caused by the contractor and/or his employees. The insurance company will pay for the cost of replacing and/or repairing any damage that occurs. Legitimate companies are more than happy to provide certificates of insurance. In short, it is much safer to deal with a fully insured company.

When building or rebuilding a screen cage, only  licensed building or aluminum contractors are allowed to do the work.  An occupational license will not allow you modify structural components of the cage, or pull permits when needed.​

​Many companies sub-contract their labor; often to someone they may not even know and who may be possibly uninsured. If the sub-contractor does not have his own workers compensation for himself and his employees and someone gets hurt, you may be responsible the medical bills. The honesty and integrity of the workers are as important as the company you select.

​Yes, it comes in two sizes "18/14" and "20/20". These numbers refer to the thread count per square inch of screen. "18/14" would be 18 threads vertically and 14 cross threads horizontally in one square inch of screen. This is the industry standard screen and what you would find in most windows, sliding screen doors, pool cages and lanai's. "20/20" screen is a finer mesh screen that is sometimes used to keep out no see-ums and other smaller insects. It is also used on the tops of pool cages to help keep out the pine needles when pine trees are close by. Of course, with its finer thread count, "20/20" screen is more expensive than "18/14" screen.