Pleated insect screens for an apartment on the Costa Blanca

Why choose this solution?

A good insect screen allows ventilation while keeping mosquitoes and other insects outside without daily hassle. The right type depends on the window, door, sliding direction, available space and use.

The best choice is the solution that people use naturally. We therefore discuss who operates the system, when protection is needed and how much visibility, ventilation, privacy or shading should remain.

Technical inspection before ordering

We measure the actual frame and check shutters, handles, tracks and obstructions. A pleated insect screen may be practical for a sliding door; a removable window screen is often suitable for a tilt-and-turn window.

A made-to-measure product can only function properly when the measuring method matches the system. We record the width, height, projection, installation side and operation, and check doors, windowsills, shutter boxes, drainpipes and other obstructions.

Specific to the Costa Blanca

For homes and projects with installation space, a community association and accessibility considerations, we encounter a wide range of façades and frames. The location may be sheltered, but it may also be fully exposed to sun or wind. That is why we do not base a proposal on a photo alone. A local inspection prevents an attractive solution from being applied incorrectly from a technical perspective.

From La Nucía, we schedule projects across the Costa Blanca as part of our regular service area. With multiple products, measuring, power supply, installation and operation can be combined in a single plan.

Colour, fabric, mesh and finish

The profile colour and mesh should blend in as unobtrusively as possible. Pets, children and frequent passage require extra attention to the bottom guide, closure and ease of operation.

We prefer to view samples next to the frame, façade brickwork and interior. Bright Spanish light changes colours considerably. Neutral shades may appear warmer or cooler, and dark materials become hotter; we take this into account without turning personal taste into a technical fairy tale.

Manual, electric or solar

Manual operation is simple, but for large or frequently used systems, electric operation can be much more convenient. Solar is especially interesting when cabling is difficult. The size, weight, frequency of use and available position for a solar panel determine whether it is a sensible choice.

For motorisation, we discuss wall transmitters, remote controls, possible sensors and operation by individual product or group. A wind sensor helps, but does not make solar shading indestructible; responsible use remains necessary in strong winds.

What determines the price?

The price depends on the size, system, profile colour, fabric or mesh, motor, accessibility and mounting surface. Installation on a straight, easily accessible façade is different from working at height, above a patio cover or on a surface that requires additional anchoring.

After measuring, you receive a proposal in which the product and installation are considered together. This means you are not comparing a basic internet price with a complete, installed made-to-measure product.

Maintenance in the coastal climate

Sand and salt require regular but gentle maintenance. Carefully rinse profiles and guides, remove dirt before it starts to cause abrasion and do not use aggressive cleaning products. Moving parts should not be treated randomly with grease or spray; follow the system's maintenance advice.

Do not leave a product wet and rolled up or folded for extended periods, and check after strong winds that everything moves freely. Addressing noise, misalignment or stiffness early often prevents more serious damage.

Common mistakes with made-to-measure solar shading and insect screens

A common mistake is ordering based on a rough wall opening. Frames are not always straight, tile edges may protrude and a shutter or door handle may sit exactly within the movement area. Wind resistance is also sometimes treated as an absolute figure, whereas size, installation, façade position and correct use together determine what is responsible.

A second mistake is choosing the cheapest system first and only considering power, installation and operation afterwards. This can result in visible cables, an awkward crank or a cassette that obstructs the door. With made-to-measure products, the complete usage situation should be established before production.

Combining solutions for a cooler and more comfortable home

External solar shading works most effectively when heat is stopped before it enters through the glass. This can be combined with internal solar shading for ambience and privacy. Insect screens then make it possible to ventilate during cooler hours without an invasion of mosquitoes. The products therefore serve different purposes and can complement one another.

With multiple façades, the same system does not need to be used everywhere. A zip screen may make sense on a large glazed frontage, a roller shutter in a bedroom and a pleated insect screen at the frequently used patio door. Coordinating the colour and operation keeps the overall appearance calm, while each opening receives the technically appropriate solution.

Checklist for a good quotation

• Are the exact dimensions, system type and installation position specified?
• Are the profile colour, fabric or mesh type and operation confirmed?
• Are the motor, transmitter, sensors and electrical connection included?
• Is it clear who will dismantle and dispose of existing products?
• Are lifting equipment, accessibility, mounting materials and adjustment included?
• Will you receive an explanation of use, wind and maintenance after installation?

These points make quotations comparable and prevent essential components from appearing as surprises only during installation.

From advice to installation

1. Discuss the opening, sun exposure and use.
2. Have the dimensions and mounting surface checked.
3. Choose the design, colour and operation using actual samples.
4. Receive a complete price for the made-to-measure product and installation.
5. Have the system installed, adjusted and explained.

Advice from Port of Altea

Would you like to know which design is suitable? Contact us or visit our showroom in La Nucía. Also view the main page about made-to-measure insect screens.