How do Retractable Screens Work?

Screens are great barrier options for places in the house where you might want to have a connection between the comfort inside your home and the great outdoors. Imagine a little patio with screen walls – you can lounge up on your favorite chair with a book while feeling the breeze rolling by. Screens are permeable barriers that allow the flow of air, while preventing insects and minimizing the sunlight going through.

retractable screen door

Retractable screens like those from Go Retractable are aesthetic screen barriers that are flexible enough to be able to roll up into a housing attached to an edge of an opening such as a door or a window. However, these retractable screens can be applied almost anywhere a homeowner can imagine.

How Do Retractable Screens Work?

The key feature of retractable screens that distinguish them from traditional screens is the fact that retractable screens can be rolled in and out. Retractable screens heavily rely on their flexibility as they are able to roll up into a hardware housing. The placement of the hardware housing depends on what the retractable screen is covering.

For example, retractable screens would have vertically mounted housings for windows and walls. With a vertically mounted housing, these retractable screens roll up and down. Vertically mounted retractable screens are also very common for patios and porches. Retractable screens can also be installed horizontally for doors and other walkways.

Double wide doors serve as special cases because retractable screens can roll from both sides. Both ends of the retractable screens can then meet in the middle with the help of magnets for a tight seal.

Regardless of which way they are mounted, installation of retractable screens typically include tracks that would run perpendicular to where the screen rolls. For example, a screen that rolls up and down would have a track at the left and right to guide it as it moves. The track also ensures that the screen stays put. Tracks may not be necessarily included, but they help give the screen a tight look as it travels up and down predestined paths.

Controlling the retractable screen depends on the type and make of the retractable screens installed. Some roll up and down by working a crank or lever. However, more modern retractable screens include a motor in the housing that would be able to roll up and roll down a screen by just a press of a button. These modern retractable screens may come with a switch to be installed on a nearby wall, or maybe even a remote control. Modern retractable screens can even be smarter with some automation integration. For example, sensors can be put up to detect the amount of light present and the retractable screens can be triggered by certain light conditions. These little touches can really make a big difference for the user experience of these retractable screens.

Benefits of Retractable Screen

There are numerous reasons why people might consider retractable screens. Firstly, since retractable screens are often made-to-order, they become an ideal option for those who need screens that don’t follow standard sizes. Retractable screens are also ideal for people who might want the benefits of the screen, but not all the time.

For example, an individual might prefer retractable screens over their front porch during the morning to avoid the direct sunlight, but have the screens up during the afternoon to fully enjoy the view.

Retractable screens are also a great way to avoid insects. With the mesh size small enough, retractable screens can be rolled down during certain times of the year when the insects are getting out of hand. Once insect season is down, these retractable screens can simply be rolled up again.

Having the ability to roll up screens is such an advantage because in reality, the usefulness of a screen is not year round. Plus, rolling up retractable screens during off months means that they won’t be simply gathering dust and collecting dirt throughout the year. Thus, retractable screens would require less cleaning than traditional screens.

Another benefit of these retractable screens is that they are relatively easy to install, compared to other home improvement ideas. However, the best step forward will always be to have professionals install these screen barriers – especially if motorized retractable screens are involved.

Fortunately, there are a lot of companies and businesses that offer retractable screens along with their installation services. Plus, they also typically have a reliable customer hotline for any problem that may come up.

Retractable screen doors are also a great way to preserve the aesthetics of a certain style – a benefit that is allowed because they are not permanently fixed. For example, french doors or antique style doors and windows will greatly benefit from retractable screens because the screens can be put down when in use, but they can also be rolled up afterwards. This means that their temporary usage would be effective while also maintaining the aesthetic style of the surroundings.

Ultimately, the main benefit of having retractable screen doors over traditional screens is the option of having a screen present and absent at will. This may seem trivial, but the convenience of switching between the two will become very apparent once retractable screens have been fully integrated into a person’s life.

These retractable screens can be installed along glass windows to offer additional privacy and for sunlight control, and still be able to be rolled up to have a full view through the glass window.

Conclusion

Retractable screens are a great way to spruce up the house. Especially modern retractable screens that can be remotely controlled, these functional decorative pieces can really step the game up for those who are considering some home improvement ideas.

When it comes to getting retractable screens, it is best to go for the best quality fabric and hardware because the ability of these screens is also the reason why they might eventually get sufficient wear and tear.