Are you curious about what is a retractable screen door? As a homeowner, you probably are! People are constantly developing innovations and new ideas for the house. One of these innovations includes the use of retractable screen doors which provide homes with security, style, and functionality.

Retractable screen doors, as the name suggests, retracts. They disappear into their housing when they are not in use. They provide a flexible and convenient solution, particularly in situations where a fixed screen door might be considered obtrusive, blocking the view through the doorway.

retractable screen door installed on gray French door

How Do Retractable Screen Doors Work?

Retractable screens comprise a few elements that function as a unit to safeguard and beautify the house. They consist of a screen, guide rails, a housing that stores the screen when not in use, and a magnetic handle that retracts the screen to the housing when necessary. The screen opens as well as retracts back into the housing when the magnet is released. Together, these elements provide a successful screening solution.

They come in several types to suit any house door, including:

Retractable screen doors can also be motorized, wherein an electric motor aids the release of the screen from the housing and the retracting action back to the housing.

Manually operated retractable screens, on the other hand, rely on the push and pull forces applied to the handle. When pulling the screen across, it should be straight and parallel with the bottom track. Twisting the handle will cause it to bind. You can release the magnet by placing your thumb on the magnetic profile while grasping the handle and gently pulling the handle towards you. For double doors, gently press one handle while simultaneously pulling the other, using your thumb on the opposite handle for added leverage.

Advantages of Using Retractable Screen Doors

Here are some advantages that retractable screen doors offer:

Improved ventilation and airflow through the house

They provide an effective way to increase natural ventilation by allowing fresh air to flow into the house.

Insect protection

Retractable screen doors effectively keep out mosquitoes, flies, and other pests when your doors are open. This adds to overall comfort, allowing you to enjoy the flow of fresh air without being bugged by pests.

Unobstructed views and natural light

When the screen is retracted, it does not obstruct the view, allowing homeowners to enjoy the view of outdoors through the doorway. In addition, the screen enables natural light to pass through when the doors are open.

Energy efficiency

The flow of fresh air through the house helps regulate indoor temperature, reducing the need for air conditioning, especially during summer.

Increased home value

Many retractable screen doors come with customization options, allowing you to choose designs and colors to your liking. Retractable screen doors provide versatile options for enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your house, as they can fit different door types. With retractable screen doors, you are adding a modern and desirable feature that can enhance the overall value of your property.

Considerations Before Purchasing a Retractable Screen for Your Doors

No wonder, retractable screen doors offer many benefits, but how do you choose the best retractable screen door for your home?

Characteristics of high-quality retractable screen doors

Here are some qualities to look out for before buying one:

  1. Compact and aesthetic screen housing that provides seamless and effortless operation of the screen door
  2. A system that features a smooth retracting mechanism, avoiding abrupt and slamming movements of the screen door
  3. A system that completely keeps pests and insects out

Factors affecting the selection of retractable screen doors

When selecting a retractable screen door, it is also important to consider these factors:

Door size and style

Pick the size that fits your door opening. Single retractable screen doors fit single doors that are typically 80 inches wide and 36 inches tall. Larger openings such as double doors and French doors require larger screen openings as well. Double-door widths are usually twice that of the single door and have the same height. Before buying a retractable screen door, make sure to measure the exact size of your door opening, including the width and height fraction.

Durability and material

Choose a screen door that is made of materials that can withstand the weather conditions in your location. Retractable screen doors with aluminum housing and sturdy plastic components are the ones that exhibit long-lasting performance.

Installation

Some retractable screen doors may require professional installation, while others are designed for easy DIY installation. Choose one that aligns with your preferences and skills. The process of retractable screen door installation designed by Casper Screen only requires 30 minutes, which most DIY enthusiasts love.

Aesthetic appeal

Consider the design and finish of the retractable screen door. Choose a style that complements your home’s appearance, and opt for finishes that match your existing door.

Cost

The cost of the retractable screen door depends on a variety of factors and your preference. Find out how much you are willing to spend before weighing out options in the market.

Tips For Cleaning and Maintaining Retractable Screen Doors

Maintaining and cleaning the screens is simple and must be done regularly to keep the screens functioning properly.

  1. Clean all the dirt and debris off the track. Use a vacuum with a gentle brush attachment or canned air.
  2. Clean the screen door mesh using a damp cloth and a gentle upholstery attachment.
  3. Use a moist cloth and a non-abrasive cleaner to clean the metal components (pull bar, housing, tracks, mold, sill, and handles).
  4. Have professionals maintain and clean your screens once a year for more thorough cleaning.

Install Your Retractable Screen Door Today

Casper Screens professionally produces a wide range of retractable screens using premium materials to ensure endurance and durability. Our screens offer an essential boost to your living area and mix seamlessly with the aesthetics of your house, fitting perfectly into any opening. We have double retractable screen doors and single retractable screen doors.

Our retractable screen offers an excellent investment for the overall appearance of your home, as it lowers energy expenses and kees pests outside where they belong. It lets natural light and fresh air flow through while keeping the interior area accessible. It also enhances privacy and security and vanishes when not in use.

Contact us today to improve your living space and see the difference!