Spring Allergies? How Pollen-Resistant Screens Can Help

As the temperatures begin to rise, the days become sunnier, and plants and flowers start to bloom, there’s nothing better than opening your windows or screen doors to let some fresh air into your home. Without a window screen pollen filter, air may not be the only thing you’re letting in when you open your windows. Spring is the season when you’re most likely to see and feel the effects of pollen—the almost microscopic particles of yellow dust that collect on your car, outdoor furniture, and window and porch screens. Pollen is not only annoying to clean up, but it can also wreak havoc on your sinuses if you’re allergic to it. Roughly 81 million people in the United States suffer from seasonal allergies, and pollen is the leading cause. Pollen in the air can cause sneezing, congestion, runny nose, and watery eyes. If you have asthma, pollen may even be a trigger for an asthma attack. If you tend to suffer from these allergy symptoms each spring, continue reading to learn about a window screen pollen filter and other spring allergy solutions for your home. 

What is Pollen?

Pollen is a powdery yellow material produced by most plants (flowers, trees, grass) to help fertilize other plants of similar species. These tiny grains are small enough to be picked up by the wind and carried through the air. When pollen counts are high, those with seasonal allergies are likely to suffer, even when they are indoors.

Understanding Pollen Particle Size

Pollen is usually measured in microns—a unit which measures the diameter of a spherical object and, like the word microscopic suggests, is exceptionally small. Pollen can vary in size from 10 to 1000 microns. To put this in perspective, a single human hair is roughly 100 microns wide. This means that your average window and porch screens may not be protected against pollen floating in the breeze if they are not made of the right materials. Most window screens are made to prevent insects and other intruders from entering your home, but they may not be suitable for keeping particles as small as pollen out. 

Can Insect Screens Prevent Pollen from Getting Indoors?

There are a variety of screen fabric/ mesh densities on the market, each offering a varying layer of protection from insects or other pesky nuisances. The mesh density is measured by individual strands per square inch. For example, a standard insect screen is woven with 18 vertical and 14 or 16 horizontal strands per square inch, commonly referred to as 18×14 or 18×16. In areas that are affected by no-see-ums, a more tightly woven 20×20 screen mesh is used. However, blocking pollen particles requires a tightly woven filtration screen mesh, known as an allergy screen.

If you need clarification on which screen is going to work best or need a pro to help install your allergy guard, Screenmobile can help. 

Allergy Screens

One temporary solution for keeping pollen out is to install a window screen pollen filter. These allergy-reducing screens can be fitted to your existing window screens and will prevent smaller pollen particles from entering. Allergy screens are cut to size, fitted to your window, secured with window caulking or tape, and can be removed once allergy season is over. Studies suggest that pollen screens can effectively reduce the amount of pollen entering through windows by 80-100%, depending on the type and size of pollen particles. 

Pro’s + Con’s of Allergy Screens

Cons:

• More maintenance. Since allergy screens are effective at blocking pollen, they are also incredibly effective at blocking/ collecting dust. Customers will need to wash their screens more often to keep them working properly. 
• Potentially reduced airflow: as the pollen screen collects particles, it will start to clog up the screen, potentially reducing airflow. This is easily solved by cleaning the screen to remove those built-up pollen and dust particles. 

Pros: 

• Studies have shown allergy screens to be effective at reducing allergens entering the home.
• Allergy screens also act as an insect barrier, so you can prevent both the bugs and the dust from making their way indoors.

Other Tips for Mitigating Seasonal Allergies

• Check pollen counts for your area. When pollen counts are high, consider closing your windows and reducing outdoor activity.
• Use central AC and air purifiers that can filter out allergen particles.
• Clean pollen off your window and porch screens frequently throughout the spring season.
• Ensure your screens are free of rips or tears and that there are no gaps between them and the frames. 
• Eliminate dust from surfaces around your home. (If you struggle with dust we highly recommend The Cleaning Authority)

Final Thoughts on Pollen and Home Screens

If you want to continue enjoying some fresh air through your open windows without suffering from seasonal allergies, you’ll need to make sure your window screens can block tiny pollen particles. If you need help figuring out where to start or would like more information about the different allergy screening solutions available, reach out to Screenmobile. Their team of experts can guide you in your screening project from start to finish. From measuring, manufacturing, and installing, window screening by Screenmobile means a guaranteed fit with friendly and knowledgeable service. Let Screenmobile help protect you from seasonal allergies this spring!