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How to improve an old-style fly screen vent?

You know those 7cm ×35cm mesh which serve as air vent and fly screen but couldnt prevent dust coming in ,bring in heat in summer and excessive chilled weather in winter. I have been trying to put filter material over it to prevent dust but would like to know how others managed it.

They come with older house and seems to be fixed.

Any idea what easy options do i have?

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Heating and Cooling

Doors and Windows

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MitchellMc

Hi @Onearmman,

Any chance we could get a slightly clearer image of the vent/flyscreen? One with the light on might be sufficient.

Would you be open to permanently sealing it and installing an exhaust fan to compensate? Filter material will certainly prevent dust from entering, but I'm unsure how successful it would be at preventing heat/cold transfer. I'd imagine not very effective. Perhaps we could even design some type of panel that's fitted over the filter mesh when extreme temperatures are present and removed when not.

I am looking forward to further images. Once we have them, I trust our knowledgeable members will have plenty of advice for you.

Mitchell

Onearmman

Hi, Here is another photo. Hope this is better.

MitchellMc

Many thanks for the additional image @Onearmman. What were your thoughts on closing off this vent? It sounds like it's causing more drama than it's solving.

Personally, I'd recommend cutting some plywood slightly larger than the opening, painting it with exterior paint and then screwing it onto the exterior side of the frame to cover the gap. An exhaust fan would then be installed to provide ventilation.

Let me mention @TedBear, @Noyade and @JDE to see if they have any thoughts.

Mitchell

TedBear

Hi @Onearmman I agree 100% with @MitchellMc

Those old vents are barely effective anyway since there is no flow of air which is needed to remove smells or condensation.

I also recommend that you block it over as suggested, or get a glazier to replace the glass with a full length piece (the more expensive option). Then install the fan.

(Another option could be to frame a piece of corflute instead of the plywood. It's cheap, easy to work with (scissors) and if sealed into the frame it will block air but will let light through.)

EricL

Hello @Onearmman

It's great that you've received excellent recommendations from @MitchellMc and @TedBear. Just to add to the suggestions made. I propose adding a bit of style to your corflute cover for your window. I suggest using a glue gun to stick parts of the corflute together. I've placed a diagram below to give you an idea of how you can add a sliding feature to your corflute cover.

I suggest using the 5mm thick panel instead of the 3mm for extra rigidity. the entire assembly can be either stuck on with tape or you can use your glue gun to keep it in place. The sizes indicated are for reference only, please adjust them to your needs.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Onearmman

Hi all,

Thank you so much! I think i know what to do now with those ideas.

Have a great day.

feeowna

Hi Eric

i have the same vents but was wanting to block them to stop the draft in winter making my house cold. With your suggestion above using corflute, do you remove the flys teen altogether and replace it with the corflute?

JacobZ

Hi @feeowna,

Thank you for your question and welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

There is no need to remove the flyscreen, you would simply attach the corflute over the top, that way it can be removed in the hotter months and return to providing ventilation while keeping the bugs out.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

feeowna

Hi Jacob

thanks for your reply. How do you suggest I attach it?

JacobZ

Hi @feeowna,

You could use VELCRO Brand Black Heavy Duty Stick On Tape on the corflute and around the frame. This will allow you to stick it on, while still allowing it to be removable.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

feeowna

Hi Jacob

Fantastic idea. Thank you. I’ll give it a go.

Nintiblue

I have the exact same challenge! My thinking is different to all the posts though. When we get gusts of easterly winds typically fine grit dusty and particles are blown into the bathroom and settle on top of the Toilet, the floor and vanity sink.

Particles of this visual size are heavier and blowing in only when they can pass straight through the flyscreen a strip across the top of the window. So in my mind the only thing I need to do is repel and deflect those visible dirt particles before they hit the fly screen mesh. My approach would be to make a neat two layered set of louvre. The outer louvre angles down “/“ and behind it an inner louvre angles up “\”. And if useful replace or over patch a finer grade fly screen. All these can be bought at Bunnings. Easy to make from 7 mm ply or gal or a section of flat color bond steel. You could make a prototype first out of corflu and hot glue gun and secure it to sit on the out side of that flyscreen section. Air can still pass in and out as can steam. But as particles are heavier they should be repelled by the first louvre then at slowed speed repelled by the inner down facing second louvre and finally very fine particles mostly repelled by the final flyscreen grade mesh.

what do others think?

JacobZ

Hi @Nintiblue,

It certainly sounds like it would work to me. The prototype, using corflute and hot glue, also seems like a good way to confirm suitability before moving into manufacturing something more permanent.

I'd love to see how well it works and help out wherever I could if you had plans to make it a reality.

Jacob

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