The great thing about retractable insect screens is that they provide insect and sun protection only when needed. Think about it – if you could retract your screens when they’re not in use, they’d be cleaner, protected from damage and suffer much less environmental wear. Not to mention your improved view from not always having to look through a screen.
So, what should you look for when choosing a retractable screen for windows, doors or wide openings, like a garage?
- The first concern is the spring mechanism. It must be powerful enough to smoothly retract the screen. Too many so-called retractable screens have weak spring systems that simply won’t retract the screen smoothly.
- The second item is to look for is deep tracks with substantial weather stripping that securely hold the screen material in place when the screen is extended. Shallow tracks with little or no weather stripping will allow the screen material to pull out of the track, even in light winds. Not to mention little critters can easily get around the screen material and into your home.
- Third on your checklist should be how secure the screen pull bar is when the screen is extended. Look for full-length magnets on door screens to keep them securely closed. Window screens should have a secure latch with weather stripping to provide a tight seal at the widow sill. NOTE: If a screen has a weak pull bar latch system, that may also indicate a weak spring mechanism.
- The fourth item to look for is a sturdy pull bar and handle. If the pull bar is flimsy and becomes distorted easily, you’ll likely have a screen that retracts unevenly with wrinkles in the screen material. Besides being a hassle to retract, it will also shorten the life of the screen material and cause it to jam inside the housing.
- And finally, make sure your screen has a brake or clutch that provides smooth, even retraction. Many retractable screens will snap back if they slip from your fingers as you’re closing it. A braking system lets the screen slowly glide smoothly and quietly back to the retracted position.
Follow these five tips, and you’ll be sure to purchase a quality retractable screen that you’ll enjoy (and bugs will hate) for years to come. Thanks for reading!