Screen Tight makes six porch screening systems. Each one is built for a different combination of porch type, installation environment, and design goal. This guide breaks down how they compare so you can find the right fit for your project before you order.
All Six Systems at a Glance
| System | Material | Mount Type | Spline Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Tight | Vinyl | Surface | Round | Standard surface mount installs on existing framing |
| Multi Track | Vinyl | Surface or interior | Round | Maximum install flexibility |
| Screen Wall | Carbon fiber PVC | Interior | Flat | Large spans, no wood framing required |
| Fast Track | Aluminum | Interior | Flat | Large spans, no wood framing required |
| Mini Track | Aluminum | Interior | Round | Low-profile interior installs |
| MeshGuard | Vinyl | Surface | Proprietary | Code-compliant guardrail areas on elevated porches |
Comparing by Mount Type
Mount type determines how your screening system attaches to your porch structure. It affects installation complexity, appearance, and whether you need to be up on a ladder.
Surface mount systems install on the face of your porch framing, facing either outward or inward. Fewer components, faster installation, and the most practical choice when framing is already built out.
Interior mount systems install on the inside of the porch framing for an inset look. On elevated porches, interior mounting can reduce the need for tall ladders. The trade-off: more complex on porches with angles or many zone-height verticals.
| System | Mount Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Tight | Surface | Simple install on existing porch structures |
| Multi Track | Surface or interior | The only system that does both |
| MeshGuard | Surface | Designed for the guardrail zone on elevated porches |
| Screen Wall | Interior | Includes framing components; no existing structure required |
| Fast Track | Interior | Includes framing components; no existing structure required |
| Mini Track | Interior | Low-profile aluminum profile for a clean inset finish |
Comparing by Material
Material choice matters most if you are in a coastal or high-humidity environment. Salt air corrodes metal over time. Vinyl (PVC) systems hold up where aluminum and other metals would eventually pit and degrade.
| System | Material | Coastal/Salt Air Suitable |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Tight | Vinyl | Yes |
| Multi Track | Vinyl | Yes |
| Screen Wall | Carbon fiber reinforced PVC | Yes |
| MeshGuard | Vinyl | Yes |
| Fast Track | Aluminum | Use caution in high-salt environments |
| Mini Track | Aluminum | Use caution in high-salt environments |
All six systems feature hidden fasteners, so screws are covered and protected regardless of which system you choose.
Comparing by Spline Type and Screen Hold
Spline type affects how tightly the screen is held in place, which matters most for large spans and high-wind areas.
Flat spline systems provide a stronger, tighter screen hold and are the better choice for large spans or consistently windy locations. Round spline systems handle standard span sizes well and are compatible with thicker mesh materials including pet screen and tiny insect screen.
| System | Spline Type | Best Span Performance | Thicker Mesh Compatible |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Wall | Flat | Strongest hold for large spans | Yes |
| Fast Track | Flat | Strongest hold for large spans | Yes |
| Screen Tight | Round (.175) | Standard spans | Yes |
| Multi Track | Round | Standard spans | Yes |
| Mini Track | Round | Standard spans | Yes |
| MeshGuard | Proprietary | Guardrail zone specific | Yes |
Screen rolls are available up to 100 feet by 9 feet. Adding zone-height verticals to any design creates additional tighter holds regardless of which system you use.
Which System Is Right for Your Situation?
You already have wood framing and want the simplest install
Screen Tight or Multi Track. Both surface mount to existing structures with minimal components. Multi Track also gives you the option to interior mount if your design calls for it.
You need to build framing from scratch
Screen Wall or Fast Track. Both include the structural components to design your sides and zones without adding wood two-by-fours. Screen Wall is PVC; Fast Track is aluminum.
Your porch is elevated and needs a code-compliant guardrail
MeshGuard. It replaces the need for traditional balusters or pickets with a code-compliant screening solution that keeps your sightlines open. It shares a cap with Screen Tight for an integrated look, or can be used on its own.
You’re in a coastal or high-salt-air environment
Stick with vinyl: Screen Tight, Multi Track, Screen Wall, or MeshGuard. All four are PVC-based and built to resist corrosion over time.
You have large spans or a high-wind location
Screen Wall or Fast Track. The flat spline used in both systems provides the tightest screen hold for wide spans. Adding zone-height verticals to any design will also improve hold.
You want a clean, low-profile interior finish
Mini Track. The aluminum profile sits low and clean inside your porch framing for a minimal, finished look.
Still Have Questions?
Use the Ask a Porch Pro feature to get a recommendation based on your specific porch dimensions, environment, and design goals.
