On summer days, it is simply impossible to do without a high-quality mosquito net for balcony doors. It is this simple device that allows a person to enjoy fresh air and not worry about mosquitoes, midges and other insects that can enter his home.
Unfortunately, not everyone knows how to properly install such a structure, so they are forced to deny themselves a comfortable rest. So that you can get rid of this problem, we will look at what a mosquito net should be like for a standard balcony door, what to look for when purchasing it, and how to install such a structure.
We put a mosquito net on the balcony
Types and components
Fastening of each type
Do-it-yourself mosquito
It is impossible not to pay attention to the advantages of the protective structure. One of the most important advantages of a mosquito is already clear. You will forget about night hunting for annoying mosquitoes and constantly buzzing flies. There will be no need for insect repellent chemicals that can harm pets. The design is easy to use and low maintenance. To clean it from dust and dirt, just wipe it with a damp cloth.
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In addition, this thing is very resistant to damage. If you have a child at home, then you don’t have to worry - the metal version of this protection is not so easy to tear or cut.
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What colors can you choose?
Manufacturers make profiles for mosquito doors in white, brown or black. However, the canvas is presented to clients in a wide variety. Color range of devices:
- green shades;
- orange colors;
- brown shades;
- nut;
- Ivory;
- shades of gray;
- metallic;
- white.
In addition, there are 3 main types of canvas. The first of them is “Anti-cat”. This is a dense material that is intended for pet owners. It will be impossible to damage it. The second type is anti-dust. To protect the user from dust, manufacturers make a very fine mesh. Through it, dust from the street will not enter the room. The third type of canvas is a standard mesh.
Determining the type of construction
Essentially, a mosquito net is a mesh cloth with a frame, in which instead of glass a mesh cloth is installed and secured with iron fittings. The frame itself can be made of metal, plastic or wood. This way you can find a product similar in material to your windows.
The most reliable designs are those that contain cross bars. They give the product rigidity and stability. In stores, you most often find options with one transverse bar, which is located at a height of approximately 70-80 centimeters from the bottom.
Types of paintings
Before attaching a mosquito net to the door, you need to figure out what type of fabric you need.
- The standard option is fiberglass woven into 1x1 millimeter cells.
- Antipollen is made of nylon with small rectangular cells. It is mainly used by people suffering from allergies, since such a mosquito does not allow pollen and annoying poplar fluff to pass through.
- Anti-dust. It has the smallest cells that can trap microscopic dust. It is suitable for those who have a long construction project under their windows, or for those who live next to a highway - a source of large amounts of waste.
- The anti-cat is made of steel. An animal will definitely not be able to damage this mesh material.
Therefore, when choosing a material, focus solely on your needs and the location of your balcony.
The cost of the product will directly depend on the frame, size and included accessories. You can buy a curtain at a hardware store for a price starting at 200 rubles. A mosquito mounted on a plastic or metal frame will be several times more expensive. The price here will depend not only on the material, but also on the size of the frame itself.
Accessories
These are fasteners, handles and special seals that ensure a tight fit. However, the mandatory set with which the product is supplied must also include a door closer, a latch and a magnetic lock.
To install a mosquito net on a balcony door, additional fittings are required, which most likely will have to be purchased separately. Less often, the seller supplies it complete with the product.
Purchase and installation methods of the product
- When craftsmen install a plastic door on a balcony, they can usually also install mosquito nets into the door opening.
- You can also place an order at any company that produces metal-plastic models.
- And finally, ready-made nets with magnets for the door can be purchased at stores that sell household goods.
Mosquito net installation process
To acquire a suitable, truly practical product, you need to study what types of mosquito nets are available, their advantages, disadvantages and installation rules.
How to attach a mosquito net to a door
They differ not only in the component of the canvas, but also in the methods of fastening. Each has its own characteristics.
Swing mechanism
This is one of the most popular products on the market today. Its operating principle is similar to a regular window. This type is very easy to install and operate.
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The frame is fixed on hinges around the perimeter of the opening. It is important to note: the mosquito gate should open in the direction opposite to the door. For a more reliable grip, a magnetic lock is required here.
However, there is one significant drawback - due to the fact that both frames open in different directions, the amount of free space on your balcony will be reduced.
Roll
Its design completely replicates a roller blind. It consists of a base on which a protective sheet is wound, and a special holder is attached to its end.
One of the most important advantages of the product is that you do not need to think about how to attach this mosquito net to the door. It is mounted above it, and then lowered and raised as needed.
In addition to this, she has a number of other positive qualities:
- Small size. It is suitable even for the smallest balconies.
- It does not need to be removed in winter. Simply roll up the roll and put a protective cover on it.
- Modern and stylish appearance.
- Possibility of mounting on any side of the door.
However, it is not suitable for older people; it will be difficult to constantly bend over to pick it up.
Sliding canvas
In its operating principle, this design resembles a wardrobe door. It can be attached to the floor and ceiling on guides into which rollers are inserted, due to which movement occurs.
There are several nuances that are worth paying attention to. Such a mosquito can only be fixed in a certain opening, where all elements are equipped with rollers and move along guides. Therefore, if you live in a standard high-rise building, this option will not suit you.
It is also important to provide free space for the frame to move along the wall.
Harmonic
If the design of the balcony allows you to install a sliding mosquito net, but there is nowhere for the canvas to move, then you can use the accordion option.
This mesh also moves using rollers, only one side is fixed. When opened, it folds like an accordion, and usually closes with a strong magnetic lock.
Curtain
The product does not have a rigid frame or frame. This “curtain” consists of two identical panels, along the edges of which there are magnets. The mosquito is fixed in the doorway, and the magnetic strip remains in the middle. With a little effort, the two parts of the mesh move apart and open the passage.
This type has several advantages, which is why they are so popular:
- Light weight
- Easy to attach
- Easy care
- The opportunity to choose an unusual design; in the store you can see such canvases in a variety of colors, with or without patterns.
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Roll or roller shutter
This type is the most convenient. It works in a similar way to roller blinds: it tightly covers the window, but if you need to remove it, it can be easily moved up. It is much more convenient to use than the two previous varieties, very mobile and looks good. It is not necessary to dismantle it for the winter, since it will not fall even under strong impact.
The structure includes a box, a handle and guides to make it easier to lower and raise the net; there is a spring in the box. All measures to care for it consist only of washing with a damp sponge.
Homemade insect repellent
If you have the time and the necessary tools, you can make the design yourself.
You will need:
- Net
- Wooden slats and blocks
- Nails, screws, liquid nails or glue
- Drill
Instructions
- Measure the doorway. Keep in mind that the frame of the structure is 4 centimeters larger than the door itself on each side.
- In accordance with the figures obtained, cut the canvas, and also saw the beams for the future frame. Corners must be cut at an angle of 45 degrees. All details must be made in duplicate.
- Having assembled the first frame, stretch the canvas over it and secure it to the tree using push pins.
- After this, apply glue along the edges and press the second part of the frame. After the composition has dried, the necessary fittings can be installed on the frame.
The process of making the plastic version can be seen in the video.
Sequence of work
So, everything is prepared, and you can get to work. The sequence of operations looks like this:
- We carefully measure the perimeter of the light opening. We make a tolerance of 1/10 on each side. This is how we get the dimensions of our frame. For the canvas, add another 3–5 cm on each side.
- We are building a drawing of the future structure. Once again we check all the dimensions, draw up an estimate for materials and fasteners.
- We purchase everything necessary for the work and prepare the tools according to the list.
- Using a miter box and a hacksaw, we cut the boxes to specific sizes. At the ends, the cut is brought out at 45° to join the corners.
- We combine boxes without lids in pairs and put reinforcing angles inside. We mark the holes and drill them with a drill. We use a square to check that the boxes are aligned strictly at right angles.
- Using a riveter, we assemble two opposite corners (in the shape of the letter “G”).
- Then, having checked the corners again, we assemble the remaining two corners in the same way, obtaining a finished frame.
- The next stage is performed with assistants. Someone holds the frame, someone stretches the net over it. The third puts lids on the boxes, carefully fixing the canvas to the frame.
- The insect screen is ready. All that remains is to install it on the window frame using z-shaped brackets.
