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Why does it seem commonplace that most homes in the UK don't come with screens of any kind? I'm referring to screens over the windows and a screen door for the back. Here in the States, they are simply a part of any home.
I have a few friends in the UK, and you can rely on them mentioning the bugs or spiders that are in the house. When I ask if they have screens, they all say no. I've checked online and it appears there are screen companies in the UK, but they seem to only be a small niche in the marketplace.
Most of the UK doesn't have many insects flying around in summer, though if you live in the south and leave your windows open in the evening, the room will be full of moths, mosquitoes, various other flies fairly quickly.
I'll admit that window screens are practically rather useful, but I could never explain to my American friends how ugly and oppressive they are: they give a house, and actually whole streets a closed and unwelcoming look, almost like bars, and they kill daylight in a house more efficiently than anything, I think.
In Europe lots of people have transparent net (sheer) curtains that work great as a bug screen, as well as allowing those inside to see out while not letting outsiders see in (in daylight). Those are beautiful, and washed frequently giving the windows a crispy, clean look. They also love to open the windows and let the fresh air in. I don't see much of it in the States where windows tend to be sealed, and people rely on A/C and air fresheners even in cooler weather.
Most Americans never clean their windows, most likely because of the screens. At least, I never saw anyone doing it, except sometimes on professional buildings.
Another unwelcoming and oppressive thing are window blinds. They are always closed. Wonder why even bother to have windows...
Most of the UK doesn't have many insects flying around in summer, though if you live in the south and leave your windows open in the evening, the room will be full of moths, mosquitoes, various other flies fairly quickly.
When I was in Saint Lucia they had those screens over the windows. Over here we just don't have the same amount as insects..
My windows have been open all day because it's so hot. Two in the lounge, one in the kitchen, one at the top of the stairs, and one each in the toilet and bathroom....... oh, and our bedroom window.
It's true that in some parts of the US, people rarely open their windows (my sister remarked on this when she moved to Oklahoma; because of the wretched climate, either the heat or the a/c is ALWAYS on), but we open them all the time in California and there are very few bugs here. I appreciate the screens because they keep my cats from walking straight out the windows.
We also use blinds to keep the light and heat out at certain times of the day. They are constantly being adjusted as the sun moves. Probably in the UK, bright direct sunlight is not as much of a problem. Never thought of blinds as oppressive; curtains thick enough to block the sun would be much more oppressive.
My windows have been open all day because it's so hot. Two in the lounge, one in the kitchen, one at the top of the stairs, and one each in the toilet and bathroom....... oh, and our bedroom window.
No bugs flying round in the house.
Last year anytime I opened the window wasps will fly in I suspect there was a wasp nest nearby. But this year I've got the windows open (all of them) and not one insect in here..
Saint Lucia - open a window just a crack and nightmares will fly in.
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