Fiberglass vs Pet-Resistant Screen: Which Is Best for Buffalo Homes?
If your window or screen door needs repair, one of the first questions you’ll face is which screen material to choose. For most homeowners in Buffalo and Western New York, the decision comes down to fiberglass screen vs pet-resistant screen.
Both are great options—but they’re designed for different needs. This guide breaks down the differences so you can choose the best screen for your home, lifestyle, and budget.
What Is Fiberglass Screen?
Fiberglass is the most common screen material used in residential window and screen door repairs.
Why Fiberglass Is So Popular
Flexible and easy to tension properly
Resistant to rust and corrosion
Clean, low-visibility appearance
Cost-effective and long-lasting
For most Buffalo homes, fiberglass screen offers the best balance of durability, airflow, and affordability.
Things to Know
Fiberglass performs very well through Western New York’s changing seasons. It’s ideal for:
Standard windows
Light-use screen doors
Homes without heavy pet traffic
👉 This is the option we recommend most often for everyday residential use.
What Is Pet-Resistant Screen?
Pet-resistant screen is a thicker, reinforced mesh designed to stand up to claws, pressure, and repeated use.
Why Pet Owners Choose It
Stronger than standard fiberglass
Holds up to scratching and pushing
Ideal for sliding screen doors and main entry doors
Things to Know
Pet-resistant screen trades a small amount of airflow for durability. It’s best for:
Homes with dogs or cats
Screen doors used daily
High-traffic entryways
If pets frequently lean or scratch at your screen door, this option can save you from repeated repairs.
Which Screen Material Is Best for Buffalo Homes?
For most window screens and light-use doors, fiberglass screen is the clear winner. It performs well in Buffalo’s climate, looks great, and keeps costs reasonable.
Pet-resistant screen makes sense when:
Screens are frequently pushed or scratched
Doors are used constantly
You want extra durability at high-risk entry points
Many homeowners even choose a mix of both—fiberglass for windows and pet-resistant for screen doors.
DIY vs Professional Screen Replacement
Some homeowners attempt DIY screen replacement, but material choice is only part of the equation.
Common DIY issues include:
Wrinkled or sagging screens
Incorrect spline size
Uneven tension that shortens screen life
Professional screen repair ensures:
Tight, wrinkle-free installation
Correct material selection
Long-lasting results
At Buffalo Clean & Clear, we replace screens on-site, saving you time and frustration.
Serving Buffalo & Western New York
We help homeowners across Buffalo, West Seneca, Orchard Park, Elma, East Aurora, Cheektowaga, Depew, and Lancaster choose the right screen materials for their homes.
Whether it’s one window or multiple screen doors, we’ll make sure it’s done right.
Need Help Choosing the Right Screen Material?
If your screens are torn, sagging, or damaged, we’ll help you pick the best material and handle the repair from start to finish.
Contact us today!
Call or text Buffalo Clean & Clear at 716-800-1281
Fast, affordable screen door screen replacement
Local, friendly, and professional service
