What should you consider when installing custom-made insect screens? This is a question we regularly receive at Port of Altea. The short answer rarely consists of just one brand or model. For custom-made insect screens, the property, measurements, sun, wind, and daily use must all be considered together. In this article, we explain how to properly organize load-bearing capacity, accessibility, and adjustment in advance.
Start with the problem you want to solve
A product is only as strong as its mounting. Spanish façades can consist of hollow brick, concrete, insulation, tilework, or a combination of these.
Write down which windows, doors, or terrace areas are involved, when the problem occurs, and who will use the system. A bedroom has different requirements from a rental apartment, a large sliding door, or a terrace used mainly in the afternoon.
What makes custom-made insect screens technically different?
Custom-made insect screens are designed to allow ventilation without mosquitoes and other insects. The window frame, mesh, profile, handle, and available space therefore all deserve attention. Looking only at the visible material is insufficient; the components behind it determine whether the system operates smoothly, safely, and reliably.
On the Costa Blanca, direct sunlight, high surface temperatures, gusts of wind, and salt or sand often occur together. A product that works well in a sheltered situation may require a different configuration on a high or exposed terrace.
Measure before making a final choice
Photos and approximate measurements are excellent for an initial discussion, but not for production. We measure the opening at multiple points and check the frames, façade, roller-shutter box, door handles, downpipes, windowsills, power points, and unobstructed movement. On terraces, we also consider the position of the sun, the desired shade, and walking routes.
The mounting side affects the final dimensions. Mounting within the reveal, on the face of the opening, against the façade, or beneath a ceiling are technically different situations. A centimetre that seems unimportant on paper can in reality determine whether a door can still open.
Operation: practical rather than merely modern
Electric operation is convenient for large or frequently used systems. Solar power avoids the need for new cabling in suitable situations. Manual operation remains logical for small sizes and simple use. We also discuss who will use the product and whether individual, group, or sensor-based operation is desired.
Automation helps, but does not completely remove the need for responsibility. A wind sensor must be positioned and configured correctly and is not a guarantee against every sudden gust. When in doubt, retract your outdoor sun protection.
Which aspects of quality are not immediately visible?
Profile thickness, construction, bearings, motor power, mounting hardware, fabric tension, and replaceability are not always visible in a lifestyle photo. Therefore, ask not only about colour and delivery time, but also about the system design, limitations, and maintenance.
A realistic quote specifies the exact configuration, operation, and installation. With custom-made products, cheap becomes expensive when a product does not quite fit, cannot be mounted properly, or causes daily irritation.
Maintenance in Spain
Remove loose sand before working with water or a cloth. Clean profiles, guides, fabric, or mesh according to the product instructions and do not use aggressive solvents. Do not leave sun-protection fabric rolled up while wet for extended periods, and never force a system that is jammed.
After strong winds, check that everything is straight and moves freely. With motors, unusual noise is a reason to stop. With insect screens, a clean bottom guide prevents the mesh from being strained unevenly.
Common mistakes
- Ordering with approximate measurements or based on a photo alone.
- Considering wind, sun direction, and the mounting surface only after choosing the product.
- Comparing a bare internet price with fully installed custom-made work.
- Choosing electric operation without planning the cable route, panel position, or controls.
- Continuing to operate a product when it moves stiffly or hangs unevenly.
What changes with an apartment, villa, or holiday home?
In an apartment, the rules of the comunidad, access via a lift or balcony, and a uniform façade appearance often play a role. With a villa, an exposed location, large widths, and multiple façade orientations are more important. For a holiday home, it is also important that guests or property managers can use the system safely without extensive instructions.
This also means that not every opening needs the same product. A bedroom may require blackout performance, a living room may need to preserve the view, and a terrace may need a large shaded area. By considering these functions together, the colour and operation can remain consistent while the technology differs for each opening.
When is repair advisable and when should you replace the system?
With a relatively new system that has one worn component, repair may be the logical choice. This could involve adjustment, a motor, an operating component, or locally damaged mesh. When profiles are bent, several components show wear, or spare parts are no longer available, replacement may ultimately be more reliable and cost-effective.
First, have the cause of the problem identified. Replacing only a motor will not help if a roller shutter runs unevenly; installing new fabric will not solve poor anchoring. The cause must be addressed before a new component is subjected to the same load again.
How should you assess samples and examples?
View fabric, profiles, or mesh outdoors and at different times of day. Bright sunlight makes colours appear lighter and shows the texture differently from artificial light in a showroom. With screen fabric, the view from inside to outside is also important. With insect-screen mesh, pay attention to transparency, strength, and the distance at which the mesh remains visible.
Also ask how a large product is divided. A small sample says nothing about seams, box dimensions, posts, or the relationship between width and projection. A technical drawing or clear confirmation of the measurements prevents surprises after production.
Practical checklist for your appointment
- Take photos from inside and outside.
- Note the approximate width, height, and preferred operation.
- Indicate when sun, wind, or insects cause the most inconvenience.
- Mention existing roller shutters, sun protection, and power points.
- Discuss access, floor level, and permission from the comunidad.
Advice and installation on the Costa Blanca
Port of Altea combines product advice with professional measuring and installation. Visit our page about custom-made insect screens, discover the complete range of outdoor sun protection and insect screens, or make an appointment at our showroom in La Nucía.