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Fly Screens for Sliding, French and Balcony Doors: A Complete UAE Guide

Oct 13
4 min read

Your door is the largest opening in your house. For residents of the UAE, the door is also the most frequented after the weather turns cool.


The short answer: the correct choice for a fly screen will depend on the width of the opening, the type of door, and the frequency of use of the passage through that opening. The following section covers all types of fly screen for sliding door, comparison charts, and FAQs.


new villa checklist UAE


Why Doors Are the Weak Spot


Doors have become wider and they also remain open longer than windows. An open balcony door when watering the plants will bring in more mosquitoes than an open window throughout a week.


The UAE makes it worse:


  • It’s bug time, it’s outdoor time. The mosquito is most active during the cold period from October to April, and after rainy periods.

  • Water can be found everywhere, from air conditioning drip trays to irrigation ponds.

  • Some species bite by day, so opening the door only in the afternoon won't protect you.


Fly Screens for Sliding Doors


Sliding doors lead to most UAE balconies, gardens and pool decks. The screen runs alongside the glass, so you slide the glass open and the screen keeps bugs out.


Look for:

  • A smooth glide. A screen that sticks gets left open.

  • A low threshold so nobody trips.

  • Snug edges, because gaps are where mosquitoes slip in.


Got a wide, multi-panel slider? One extra wide screen seals better than two smaller ones patched together.


Fly Screens for French Doors


French doors swing outward, hence the screen is fixed to the frame and not the door at the opposite end of its swing.


Features to consider include:

  • Double screens opening from the middle in order to preserve the feeling of spaciousness.

  • Clearance for handles and locks so nothing catches.

  • The right side. Outward-swinging doors should have their screens installed indoors and vice versa.


It may be important to note that some older villas have doors that are not perfectly square, hence the need for a professional measurement.


Fly Screens for Balcony Doors


Most tower balcony doors are sliders, but they face more wind, sand and sun than any ground-floor door.


Look for:

  • A sturdy frame that won't rattle or pop out in shamal winds.

  • Easy-to-clean tracks, because fine dust accumulates rapidly.

  • UV-resistant mesh for west-facing balconies.


Sliding vs French vs Balcony Doors: Quick Comparison


Door Screens are available in three widths: Single, Double, and Extra Wide. Here is a list of the doors that require these screens.

Door type

Common in

Best setup

Watch for

Usual width

Sliding door

Apartments, villas, pool access

Screen alongside the glass

Smooth glide, low threshold

Single or Double

Multi-panel slider

Villa living rooms

One continuous screen

Gaps across the full width

Extra Wide

French doors

Villas, terraces, courtyards

Frame-mounted double screen

Door swing, handle clearance

Double

Balcony door

High-rise apartments

Sturdy sliding screen

Wind, sand, sun

Single or Double


Mesh and Frames Suitable for the UAE Climate


Direct sun rays will weaken the cost-effective mesh. The sand will get into tracks and damage thin frames. Use rust, heat, and fading resistant frames made from powder coated aluminium, and then select your mesh:

Mesh type

Best for

Trade-off

Standard fibreglass

Most homes

Can tear under pet claws

Pet-resistant

Homes with cats or dogs

Slightly more visible

Fine mesh

Sand flies and tiny insects

A little less airflow

Stainless steel

Coastal homes, heavy use

Higher cost


Measurement and Installation


No matter how straight door frames appear, having a professional take the measurements is always worthwhile. Follow these steps for installation:


  1. Book a site visit. The professional will take the measurement of the opening and assess the door frame.

  2. Select your screen. Pick the frame that will match your interiors.

  3. Installation day. The custom-made screen will be installed, tested and demonstrated.


Do you rent? Make sure to discuss this with your landlord or building management.


Care Tips for Fast Results:


  • Brush or vacuum the screen to remove dust and sand.

  • Wipe the tracks after a sandstorm. This fixes most sticky screens.

  • Avoid using a pressure washer because it causes stretching of the screen.


Any small tear on the screen should be fixed immediately, because mosquitoes need only tiny holes.


Frequently Asked Questions


  1. Can I put a fly screen on my sliding door?


Yes. The screen is installed along the glass window, which means fresh air without bugs.


  1. Which is the best fly screen for French doors?

Double fly screen with central opening on the opposite side of door swing.


  1. Will the fly screen block my vision or the breeze? 


No way. Normal mesh allows enough airflow and keeps visibility clear.


  1. Does the fly screen stop sand flies?


Normal mesh stops mosquitoes and flies. Fine mesh stops sand flies and other insects.


  1. What is the cost of a door fly screen cost in the UAE?


Price depends on the width of your door and screen mesh. We will offer you the exact price after a site visit.


Ready to Reopen Your Doors Again?


Why choose between fresh air and mosquitoes? Schedule an appointment with Mosquitonet.ae, and our technician will measure your door and tell you what size and mesh to install.


 
 
 

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