By Steve ยท Owner & Licensed Security Installer (Master Security Licence #000105713)
Reviewed by Steve
Last updated: 18 June 2026
What fly and insect screens cost in Sydney: window versus door screens, retractable versus fixed, re-mesh and repair prices, the mesh options, and how fly screens differ from security screens so you know what you are paying for.
Key product notes
Fly screens keep insects out and are far cheaper than security screens because they use light insect mesh in a light frame and offer no forced-entry protection.
As a rough guide, window fly screens cost roughly $40 to
20 each, hinged or sliding door fly screens around
20 to $300, and retractable door screens more.
A re-mesh or repair of an existing frame is the cheapest option, often well under the cost of a new screen.
Shire Security Doors and Screens supplies fly screens and tested security screens across the Shire. Free quote on 0410 474 256 or steve@shiredoors.com.au.
How much do fly screens cost in Sydney?
Fly screens are an inexpensive way to keep insects out while letting air in, and they cost far less than security screens because they are designed only to stop bugs, not intruders. As a rough Sydney guide, a standard window fly screen runs roughly $40 to
20 supplied and fitted depending on size, a hinged or sliding door fly screen around
20 to $300, and retractable door screens more again because of the mechanism. A simple re-mesh of an existing frame is the cheapest option of all, often well under the price of a new screen.
Price depends on the size of the opening, the mesh chosen, whether it is a window or door, and whether you need a new frame or just a re-mesh. Importantly, a fly screen is not a security product, so if security is part of your goal you should compare these figures with tested security window screens at about $480 to $700 per window. This guide breaks down window screens, door screens, mesh and the fly-versus-security difference.
Window fly screens: roughly $40 to
20 supplied and fitted
Hinged or sliding door fly screens: about
20 to $300
Retractable door screens cost more due to the mechanism
A re-mesh of an existing frame is the cheapest option
Window fly screens: new, fixed and repairs
Window fly screens are the most common and the cheapest. A standard fixed or hinged window fly screen sits in a light aluminium frame with insect mesh and is sized to the opening, with larger windows costing more. If your existing frames are sound but the mesh is torn, sagging or sun-damaged, a re-mesh, replacing just the mesh in the existing frame, is the most economical fix and refreshes the screen for a fraction of the cost of a new unit.
Magnetic and clip-in options exist for awning and casement windows, and custom shapes cost more. For a whole house, doing several windows in one visit keeps the per-screen cost down. We can quote new window fly screens, re-meshes and repairs together so you spend only where it is needed.
Standard window fly screen: light aluminium frame with insect mesh
Re-meshing a sound frame is the most economical fix
Magnetic and clip-in options for awning and casement windows
Doing several windows in one visit lowers the per-screen cost
Door fly screens: hinged, sliding and retractable
Door fly screens cost more than window screens because they are larger and need to open and close. A hinged or sliding door fly screen in a light frame is the standard, economical choice for keeping insects out of an entry or patio door. Sliding insect screens run on the existing door track, while hinged insect doors swing on a light frame, both at the lower end of the door range.
Retractable fly screens, which roll the mesh away into a cassette when not in use, are the premium option for doors and large openings where you want the screen invisible when open; the mechanism makes them dearer than a fixed insect door. As with windows, a torn door screen can often be re-meshed rather than replaced. We help you choose between a simple insect door and a retractable system based on how the opening is used.
Hinged or sliding door fly screens: standard, economical choice
Sliding insect screens run on the existing door track
Retractable screens roll away into a cassette but cost more
Torn door screens can often be re-meshed instead of replaced
Mesh choices for fly screens
Fly screen mesh is light insect mesh, not security mesh, and the main choices affect visibility, airflow, pets and pests. Standard fibreglass insect mesh is the economical default and keeps out flies and mosquitoes. Pet-resistant mesh is a tougher PVC-coated mesh that withstands cats and dogs pushing against it, useful on doors. Fine or midge mesh has a tighter weave to stop tiny insects like sandflies and midges, handy near water, at the cost of slightly reduced airflow and visibility.
These meshes are all about insect control and durability, not intrusion resistance. They are held in a light frame and can be cut or pushed through, which is the fundamental difference from the high-tensile stainless steel mesh used in security screens. Choosing the right insect mesh is about matching the pests, pets and outlook of each opening, and we can advise during the quote.
Standard fibreglass mesh: economical, stops flies and mosquitoes
Pet-resistant mesh: tougher PVC-coated mesh for cats and dogs
Fine or midge mesh: tighter weave for tiny insects near water
All are insect meshes, not intrusion-resistant security mesh
Fly screens versus security screens: what you pay for
The big price gap between fly screens and security screens reflects completely different products. A fly screen uses light insect mesh in a light frame and is built only to keep bugs out, which is why a window unit can cost as little as $40 to
20. A security screen uses high-tensile stainless steel mesh, often 316 marine-grade, in a strong, fixed frame built to resist forced entry, and is tested to AS 5039, which is why a security window screen costs about $480 to $700 and a security door
,000 to
,600 installed.
The practical point is that a fly screen is not a cheaper security screen, it is a different thing, and it offers no protection against intrusion. If your goal is insects only, a fly screen is the sensible, economical choice. If security is part of the goal, a security screen is the right spend, and it keeps insects out as a bonus. We supply both and can advise which suits each opening. Call Steve on 0410 474 256 or email steve@shiredoors.com.au.
Fly screen: light insect mesh, insects only, from about $40 to
20 a window
Security screen: stainless steel mesh, AS 5039 tested, from about $480 a window
A fly screen is not a cheaper security screen, it offers no intrusion resistance
As a rough guide, a window fly screen runs about $40 to
20 supplied and fitted depending on size, a hinged or sliding door fly screen around
20 to $300, and retractable door screens more again. Re-meshing an existing sound frame is the cheapest option of all, often well under the cost of a new screen.
What is the difference between a fly screen and a security screen?
A fly screen uses light insect mesh in a light frame to keep bugs out only, with no forced-entry resistance, which is why it is cheap. A security screen uses high-tensile stainless steel mesh in a strong frame tested to AS 5039 to resist intrusion, which is why it costs much more. A fly screen is not a security substitute.
Is it cheaper to re-mesh a fly screen than replace it?
Almost always, yes. If the frame is sound but the mesh is torn, sagging or sun-damaged, re-meshing replaces just the mesh in the existing frame for a fraction of the cost of a new screen. This applies to both window and door fly screens and is the most economical way to refresh tired insect screens.
How much do retractable fly screens cost?
Retractable fly screens cost more than fixed insect doors because of the cassette-and-spring mechanism that rolls the mesh away when not in use. They suit doors and large openings where you want the screen invisible when open. For an accurate figure we measure the opening, as size and configuration drive the price.
What fly screen mesh is best for pets or tiny insects?
For pets, pet-resistant PVC-coated mesh withstands cats and dogs pushing against it and is popular on doors. For tiny insects like sandflies and midges, fine or midge mesh has a tighter weave to keep them out, useful near water at the cost of slightly reduced airflow. Standard fibreglass mesh suits general fly and mosquito control.
Should I get fly screens or security screens for my windows?
If you only want to keep insects out, fly screens are the economical choice at roughly $40 to
20 a window. If security is part of the goal, a tested security window screen at about $480 to $700 is the right spend, because it resists forced entry and keeps insects out as a bonus. We supply both and can advise per opening.