The Open-Door Lifestyle: Why Your Patio Needs a Modern Flyscreen

In South Africa, the sliding door is more than just an entryway; it’s the gateway to a lifestyle. It’s the wide-span opening that connects the living room to the patio, the kitchen to the braai area, and the bedroom to the garden. Homes are built around this seamless indoor-outdoor flow, embracing the fresh air, natural light, and sense of space it provides.

But this idyllic connection often comes with a significant drawback: an open invitation for mosquitoes, flies, and other insects. For too long, homeowners have had to compromise—either keeping doors closed on beautiful evenings or battling pests that spoil the atmosphere.

Modern flyscreens, designed specifically for sliding doors and patios, have revolutionised home design. The flimsy, tacked-on screens of the past have been replaced by sophisticated, durable systems engineered to integrate perfectly with a home’s most-used openings.

The key lies in a design that mirrors the function of existing doors. These flyscreens operate on their own lightweight, parallel tracks, gliding smoothly and effortlessly beside glass panels. This makes them exceptionally practical for high-traffic patio doors, offering an immediate barrier when needed and sliding discreetly away when not in use.

A custom approach is essential. A premium system is never a one-size-fits-all product—it’s custom-manufactured to fit the exact configuration of any opening, whether it’s a standard single slider, a four-panel centre-opening (OXXO) door, or an expansive multi-panel stacker that opens an entire wall to the entertainment area.

The true innovation, however, lies in the material. Modern flyscreens use advanced, PVC-coated fibreglass mesh—an ‘almost invisible’ barrier. The fine, black mesh is durable and UV-protected to withstand the harsh South African sun. Its greatest aesthetic advantage is its clarity—it cleverly absorbs light, allowing the eye to focus straight through to the garden and view beyond. The result is a screen that delivers complete insect protection without sacrificing airflow or visibility.

To ensure seamless integration, these systems feature slim aluminium frames that can be powder-coated to match existing sliding door frames, whether aluminium, wood, or steel. When combined with intelligent engineering—such as integrated weather strips to seal gaps—the flyscreen becomes a discreet, almost-invisible element of the home’s architecture.

This represents the ultimate upgrade for any home with a patio. It offers the freedom to leave doors wide open, day or night. It allows homeowners to enjoy a cool cross-breeze without the constant battle against insects, and to entertain guests in a comfortable, pest-free environment. It’s no longer about compromise—it’s about perfecting the open-air lifestyle that sliding doors were always meant to provide.

Contact: Cornerstar
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