If you’ve gotten quotes from more than one screen company, you’ve probably heard both materials mentioned without much explanation of the difference. Here’s the honest comparison.
Fiberglass screening is the material most of the industry treats as the standard, and it typically lasts around 7 to 10 years in Southwest Florida’s climate before it becomes more prone to tearing, especially in high-sun, high-humidity conditions. It’s a reasonable, well-established material, which is why it’s the benchmark most screen contractors, and most published lifespan estimates, compare against.
Poly (polyester) screening holds up longer than fiberglass in the same conditions. It carries a minimum 7-year warranty from the start, meaning its expected lifespan runs beyond where fiberglass typically begins to show wear. Poly is also generally more resistant to UV degradation over time, which matters given how much direct sun a Florida pool cage or lanai screen takes on across a full year.
Why the difference matters practically: a longer-lasting material can mean not needing a rescreen again for several additional years compared to the industry-standard option, fewer repeat service calls, less disruption, and more years of a pool cage that still looks and performs like new.
It’s also worth knowing that the better material doesn’t have to mean the higher price. Poly is what we use exclusively, on every job, and we’re competitively priced against, and often more affordable than, contractors installing fiberglass. You don’t have to choose between durability and a fair price; with poly, you’re not trading one for the other.