What would you do without your screen door, or the screens in your home’s windows? What did people do before these things were invented? You might be surprised to learn that horse hair and cheese cloth played roles in the origins of what we now take for granted.
The story of today’s metal, fiberglass or other synthetic wire screens goes back to the turn of the 19th century when sieves, used for sifting bran from meal, were made from horse hair.
Horse hair as a weaving and sieve material was ultimately unsatisfactory. Innovation led to its replacement by fine metal wire, with wire cloth being invented in the early 1800’s. Wire cloth was soon being used to protect stored food such as meat and cheese. Other applications included ox muzzles, coal ash sifters, glue production and strainers for milk and other liquids.
At the time of the American Civil war (1861-65) a coating of paint was applied to wire cloth, provide protection from the elements, so that it could be sold as window screens. Until then, cheese cloth was sometimes used to prevent bugs from entering windows. The flimsy delicate nature of cheese cloth would have been a constant frustration. The new wire cloths quickly became popular, marking the beginning of the metal window screen industry. Painted iron wire was soon improved upon with galvanized iron. Towards the end of the 1800’s, bronze, copper, brass then steel became popular materials for manufacturing screens. By the early 1900’s, metal screens were easily available throughout North America.
Also in the early 1900’s, a movement against flies and other insects was gaining momentum. The idea was spreading that insects weren’t just a nuisance – they spread disease. A common project for Boy Scout troops was to build and install residential window screens. At that time, screens were simply nailed to wooden frames. The smaller patches of screen left over from this process led to mini screens being attached to the end of a stick – the fly swatter.
By the mid 1900’s, wire used in screens was being coated for increased durability. Further advances included the invention of the spline system to make replacing screens much easier, as well as attaching screens to frames much more secure. Spline, sometimes known as screen bead, is typically made of foam or vinyl.
Today, screens come in a myriad of materials, fibre sizes, mesh sizes and colours, and can be used for bug, sun and wind protection as well as privacy. Screens can still be attached to frames with spline or with even more secure zippered systems. They can be fixed in place or part of a retractable system, either manually operated or motorized. Screens cover small and large openings, even serving as retractable walls around patios and garage doors.
The future may see nanotechnology screens used to filter air. Researches are working towards a thin fabric that could be applied and removed from existing screens, and would filter out air particles, keeping indoors free of pollutants and allergens.
Screens play a critical role in providing protection and comfort in today’s homes and businesses. At Solaris, we are constantly on the lookout for new screen technology and applications. Our focus on screen and shade solutions keeps us up to date on what’s available to provide the results our customers want.
Call us today to find the best solution for your screen needs!
Timeline of Window Screens
1200s – “Sticks and Stones”
Technically speaking, humans have been using “screens” since they began building windows into buildings. Mostly made of ceramic, wood, and stone – these primitive screens kept people and large animals from intruding, while allowing light and air to enter the building.
1823 – “First Modern Mention”
In 1823, The American Farmer mentioned “wove wire for window screens” in its publication. This is the first known mention of the woven wire window screens we still use today. (grit.com).
1840s – “Affordability for Many”
The Gilbert and Bennett Manufacturing Co., out of Redding, Connecticut is credited with inventing the first affordable woven mesh wire window screens – although they were not originally sold for this purpose. The affordable material was popularly used as a replacement for expensive horsehair sieves (culinary instruments) to Southern customers.
1861 – “Civil War Begins”
When the Civil War began in 1861, the Gilbert and Bennett company lost much of it’s Southern market. Therefore, the corporation expanded its product line to include affordable window screens for residential use. The screens were painted in order to reduce rust. (grit.com)
1870s – “Absolute Misery”
According to the National Museum of American History, prior to the 1870, mosquitos and other annoying insects were kept at bay by keeping windows and doors shut – even throughout the summer for most common people. The first known ads for window screens specifically are dated back to 1873, where the ad promises screens to be the difference between “absolute misery and sweetest comfort” by allowing customers to keep their windows open while blocking the mosquitoes from entering.
1880s – “Awareness Increasing”
Moving into the 1880s, window screens started to become more popular, as knowledge of diseases carried by mosquitoes and flies reaches the public. Songs on the subject became increasingly popular such as, “Oh! That Horrid Mosquito” – which was published in 1882 (americanhistory.edu).
1890s – “Patents Pending”
Although there was not a patent awarded specifically for screens to keep insects out, many US patents were awarded for various window and patio screen innovations by the late 1890s. Many, many companies began producing and selling the fabric as window screens.
1922 – “Twitchell Corporation”
Twitchell Corporation had it’s beginning almost 100 years ago, in 1922. Twitchell is the company that invented Textilene, the highest quality PVC coated screen fabric used by us at CC Sunscreens and many other leading companies – due to it’s durability and effectiveness.
1950s – “Eradicating Diseases”
Did you know that the introduction of mesh screens for windows and porches was considered a first line of defense against mosquitoes and the types of diseases they carry? Window screens have been accredited with helping to eradicate these types of diseases (such as typhoid, and yellow fever) in the United States by the 1950s.
1992 – “CC Sunscreens Established”
In 1992, our friendly, family-run company entered the Phoenix market. We are proud to offer quality sun screens and patio shades in an attempt to satisfy homeowners with a solution to cut back on energy costs, while increasing the comfort levels inside Valley homes.
How CC Sunscreens Can Help
Before we know it, our famous triple degree weather will be once again upon us. Get ahead of the weather, by reaching out to us for your free, no obligation in-home consultation and quote. See for yourself why we have one of the best reputations in the area by contacting us today. We look forward to helping you to reduce heat in your home this summer while simultaneously reducing energy costs and your carbon footprint.