Window fly screens: complete guide to choosing the best

Window fly screens: everything you need to know

Fly screens are an essential complement for any window, especially on the Costa Brava and in Girona, where mosquitoes and other insects are common from spring to autumn.

Choosing the right fly screen depends directly on the type of window and opening you have. A poorly chosen fly screen can make it difficult to open the window or may not fit correctly, leaving gaps where insects get in.

At Instal Tancaments we install fly screens alongside our PVC windows, ensuring the system is compatible and works perfectly.

Types of fly screens: which do you need?

1. Roller fly screen — The most popular

The roller fly screen retracts into an overhead cassette when not in use. It's the most practical option and the most installed.

• Advantages: retracts completely, takes up no space when not in use, easy to operate
• Ideal for: casement and tilt-and-turn windows
• Price: from €60-120 per window installed
• Drawback: the spring mechanism can deteriorate over time if low quality

2. Sliding fly screen — For sliding windows

The sliding fly screen glides along a horizontal track, just like a sliding window leaf.

• Advantages: very simple operation, durable, no mechanisms to break
• Ideal for: sliding windows and terrace doors
• Price: from €50-100 per window installed
• Drawback: doesn't retract, always occupies part of the opening

3. Fixed fly screen — The most affordable

The fixed fly screen is installed with an aluminium frame that fits into the window opening. It doesn't open or move.

• Advantages: cheapest option, no moving parts, very durable
• Ideal for: windows that are never fully opened, bathroom or storeroom windows
• Price: from €30-60 per window installed
• Drawback: doesn't allow the window to fully open, makes glass cleaning difficult

4. Pleated fly screen — For large doors

The pleated fly screen folds accordion-style like a bellows. It's the best option for large openings such as terrace doors.

• Advantages: retracts to just 4-5 cm, works in large openings, clean aesthetics
• Ideal for: terrace doors, large enclosures, garden access doors
• Price: from €150-300 per door installed
• Drawback: higher price, pleated fabric can accumulate dirt in the folds

5. Magnetic fly screen — The easiest to install

Magnetic fly screens attach to the frame with magnets. They're a quick solution for rental properties or second homes.

• Advantages: no-drill installation, easy to remove and replace
• Price: from €20-40 per window
• Drawback: less precise fit, can fall off in strong wind

Fly screen comparison: price and compatibility

Type	Price from	Compatible with	Retracts	Durability
Roller	€60	Casement, tilt-and-turn	Yes	High
Sliding	€50	Sliding window	No	Very high
Fixed	€30	Any	No	Very high
Pleated	€150	Large doors	Yes	High
Magnetic	€20	Any	Yes (removable)	Medium

Which fly screen to choose for your window type?

• Casement window (inward opening): roller fly screen — retracts to open the window
• Tilt-and-turn window: roller fly screen — compatible with both opening positions
• Sliding window: sliding fly screen — glides on the same track
• Terrace door: pleated fly screen — allows free passage when retracted
• Second home / rental: magnetic fly screen — no drilling, easy to remove

If you're unsure what type of opening your windows have, see our article on PVC or aluminium windows where we explain the different systems.

What makes a good fly screen?

• Fibreglass vs. polyester mesh: fibreglass is more resistant, doesn't deform with heat and lasts longer.
• Aluminium vs. PVC frame: powder-coated aluminium is more robust and salt-air resistant in coastal areas.
• Retraction spring: on roller types, the spring should be stainless steel with a braking system to prevent slamming.
• Fit to opening: a custom-made fly screen is always better than a cut-to-size standard one.

Fly screens on the Costa Brava: special considerations

• Tiger mosquito: present all summer, especially in humid areas. The mesh should be 18×16 threads/cm² or denser.
• Salt air: on the seafront, choose marine powder-coated aluminium frames.
• Wind (Tramontana): fixed and sliding fly screens resist wind better than roller types.
• Second homes: if you only use the property in summer, magnetic screens are practical as they're removed in winter.

Professional installation vs. DIY

You can buy fly screens at DIY stores and install them yourself, but the difference with professional installation is notable:

• Exact measurement of the opening (openings are never perfectly regular)
• Custom manufacturing — no cutting or gaps
• Correct anchoring to the window frame
• Guaranteed compatibility with your window type

At Instal Tancaments we include fly screens as an option in all our window quotes. If you already have windows and only need fly screens, we install those too.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to fit fly screens throughout the house?

For a flat with 5-6 windows, installed roller fly screens cost around €400-700. Fixed screens would be around €200-350.

Can fly screens be fitted to PVC windows?

Yes. Fly screens are installed on the outer frame of the window or on the wall. They're compatible with PVC and aluminium windows of any brand.

How long do they last?

A good-quality fly screen lasts 8-15 years. The mesh can be replaced without changing the frame, reducing maintenance costs.