While flyscreens are constructed to serve as protective screens against insects they are valuable assets to every home as they enhance the circulation of air in dwelling places to a desirable standard.
Flyscreens in Australia offer more than just insect protection—they can also reduce UV exposure, improve ventilation, and enhance home security with modern designs. Few people know that some advanced flyscreens are bushfire-rated, making them ideal for properties in fire-prone areas. They can also help lower energy bills by promoting natural airflow, reducing the need for air conditioning.
The expense of fly screening differs a lot depending upon the classification of the flyscreen, area of instalment and intricacy of the work. In this, we cover factors that affect the cost of flyscreen installation in Australia, the costs of installing flyscreens and more.
Flyscreen Types And Their Installation
But before we look at the costs let us first look at what is entailed in the flyscreen installation process. Fly screens are screens that are installed at doors and windows to keep out flies and mosquitoes while allowing for fresh air. There are various types of flyscreens, including:
- Fixed Flyscreens: These are fixed on the doorstep and are normally fitted to windows or doors, which are rarely used.
- Removable Flyscreens: These can be removed when necessary, perfect for those doors and windows that are used most often.
- Retractable Flyscreens: These are meant to be retracted to a housing thereby making them appropriate for doors and windows.
- Magnetic Flyscreens: These are quicker to install and can be removed as well; normally for use indoors or in small windows.
Factors That Affect Flyscreen Prices
Several variables regarding the cost of installing fly screens can apply to houses in Australia. Flyscreen installation cost depends on the type of material used, the type of installation that may be fixed or removable and the size of the job. Here’s a breakdown of the key elements that determine the cost:
Type of Flyscreen
Each type has its pricing structure:
- Standard Fixed Flyscreens: These are the simplest form of flyscreen; and the least expensive; they are commonly made from coated mesh of aluminium or plastic. It will cost anywhere between $100 – $150 per window for a standard fixed flyscreen project.
- Retractable Flyscreens: These cost higher prices given their functionality and looks. The cost of putting in place a retractable flyscreen is estimated to be between $250 and $400 for every unit based on size and type.
- Magnetic Flyscreens: These commonly incur less amount of money and are perfect for apertures such as windows or doors. Magnetic fly screens will cost between $60 and $100 per unit for installation.
- Pet-resistant Flyscreens: If you have pets at home, you might consider getting a pet-proof flyscreen. These screens are made of a stronger material to handle pet damage and installation is from $150 to $250 per window.
Material Used
Flyscreens can be made from different materials, and the choice of material will affect both the performance and the cost of installation:
- Aluminium Mesh: The most popular material due to its high durability and relatively low cost. Aluminium mesh fly screens usually cost about $100 to $200 for the window.
- Fibreglass Mesh: This material is somewhat more flexible and resistant to corrosion but may cost a bit more than the Aluminium mesh. Average costs range from $ 150 to $ 250 per window.
- Stainless Steel Mesh: Stainless steel mesh is preferably used if you require a flyscreen that is most durable and secure. However, this variety is the most costly. The most common prices range from $250 to $400 for the installation of stainless steel fly screens per window.
- Polyester Mesh: Around 92% of flyscreens utilise polyester mesh because of the material’s lightweight structure and cost-effectiveness; however, the material may break down quickly over time. Polyester mesh fly screens may cost anything between $80 – $150 per unit.
Size of the Area to Be Screened
The size of the area that needs to be screened is also among the few factors that will determine the total cost. An increase in the size of the windows and doors will take up much material and manpower, hence coming at a higher cost.
Type of Window or Door
It’s also important that the type of window or door being installed has an impact on the process to be followed. For example, if the fly screens are to be fixed on sliding windows or doors then framing may be a bit elaborate and this may slightly raise the price of the fly screens. Some common door and window types and their associated costs include:
- Sliding Doors/Windows: The cost for a slider window or door can range from $150 up to $300 per unit.
- French Doors: The installation of fly screens on double doors will cost between $250 to $450.
- Standard Windows: Areas that incorporate standard-sized windows cost between $100 to $150 to have a flyscreen installed.
- Custom Windows: The cost of the installation increases with uniquely shaped or when the size of windows that you want is not standard; the price range per single window is between $150 and $300.
Labour Costs
Labour costs also differ from one area of Australia to another depending on the company you hire from. Currently, the cost of fly screening still ranges between $40 and $80 for an hour of work done. In this case, the total labour cost will just depend on how long it will take to install. A normal standard installation differs in the following way; the time it takes to complete the work is usually between 1 and 3 hours. By the same, the costs of labour for a standard window may vary from $50 to $200 per window.
Accessibility and Complexity
If the place where the flyscreen has to be fitted is a little awkward or the plane of fitting requires a little more work, the price will be slightly on the higher side. For example, having flyscreens put up where windows are high or recessed or in areas where it may only be possible to access by scaffolding or a ladder will attract extra charges. Additional fees that escalate price include preparing complex jobs such as stripping off the old screen or even having to fix the frames that surround the window.
Cities And Average Costs Of Flyscreen Installation
Flyscreen costs for homes in Australia can range per type of flyscreen, location, and size of the window or door to be installed. Here's a general overview of the typical price ranges for flyscreen installation in various Australian cities:
- Sydney: A common type of flyscreen is the standard fixed flyscreen which for a window would cost between $100 and $180 in Sydney. An average standard door flyscreeen installation should cost between $150 and $250.
- Melbourne: For placing a fixed flyscreen in Melbourne, the price tag usually ranges from $90 to $160 in a window and $140 to $230 when installed in a door.
- Brisbane: Depending on the area, for instance for Brisbane, the average cost of window fly screen installation is approximately between $100-$170 while that of a door flyscreen should be between $160-$240.
- Hobart: In Hobart, you will be charged between $85 and $140 for a window and between $130 and $210 for the door.
- Darwin: Windows flyscreens range from $120 to $190 and doors from $170 to $260 in Darwin.
- Canberra: Window fly screen installations in Canberra will cost between $100 and $160 for windows while door installations continue to cost between $150 and $230.
These prices are based on ordinary fly screen materials and normal installation. Additional accessories, including stainless steel mesh or retractable screens, may more than double the price. It is also important the price can be adjusted by local demand or even the installer's experience level or the complexity of the work.
How Much Flyscreen Repair Costs
Generally, flyscreen repair costs in Australia are based on the kind of damage or tear that the screen has or even the size of the screen in question. Here's an overview of typical repair costs:
- Mesh Repairs: Minor repair work like mending a single hole on a window costs anywhere from $50 to $80. If the whole mesh has to be replaced, you can spend between $80 to $150 on a standard mesh for each window. Mesh replacements for pet lovers may be more expensive; ranging from $150 to $250 per window.
- Frame Repairs: The prices for repairing small damages in the frame are around $40 to $80. If the framing is destroyed beyond repair, framing may cost between $100 to $250 per window depending on the material used.
- Sliding Doors & Large Windows: Repairing the mesh or frames on a sliding door or large window can cost anything between $150 to $350 for a replacement of mesh and $200 to $450 amounts for frames.
- Retractable Flyscreens: Frequently, repairing retractable systems, that is, problems with springs or mechanisms costs between $150 and $300. If the unit needs replacing, the cost ranges from $250 to $400.
- Labour Costs: The cost for labour in most instances of repair costs between forty and eighty dollars per hour in most instances, depending on the kind of repair. On self-assembly, kits for mesh replacement are found to cost $20 to $50.
- Maintenance Costs: Annual maintenance can help avoid a lot of repair jobs and some companies give an annual maintenance service for $100-$150 per year.
How to Reduce Costs on Flyscreen Installation?
If you're looking to save money on flyscreen installation, here are some tips:
- a. Opt for Standard Mesh Screens
Aluminium fly screens are less expensive, but pet-resistant or stainless steel mesh fly screens give extra longevity and security. If restricted by budget, basic aluminium or fibreglass wire mesh is recommended.
- b. DIY Installation
Nevertheless, if you are a do it yourself person, you could possibly buy ready-made fly screens for homes and fix them on your own. Most flyscreen suppliers provide do it yourself kits that contain all that is required in installing the flyscreens on windows and doors.
- c. Bundle Your Installation
Some homeowners need their flyscreens to be installed on more than one window or door, so ask the installer to offer a discount for bulk purchases. Some firms have lower prices for extensive projects than they have for small projects.
- d. Shop Around
As is common with supplies of all equipment and materials to construction sites, various suppliers and installers may charge different amounts; thus, having more than one quote can help. When buying flyscreens it is also important to compare the price, the quality of material and whether it is covered by warranty.
- e. Seasonal Discounts
Make your flyscreen installation plans during the off-season of the year, this could be during the off-summer or off-rainy season. There are high seasons for hiring the services of a flyscreen expert and these are during the spring and summer season hence the high charges.
Conclusion
Flyscreen installation is a necessary job to secure your house from insects and to regulate the flow of air in your house but one must know how much cost is incurred while doing the same. Homeowners can anticipate an average cost of window fly screen installation to range between $100 to $450 per window or door based on the kind of fly screen, the kind of material and the amount of work that is involved.
Having flyscreens is one of the best decisions that you can ever make for the comfort, hygiene and even health of your living space. Thus, if you have a clearer picture of what the process will cost, you will be able to make the best decision for yourself and live without insects for years.