Advantages of Retractable Screen Doors

Retractable screen doors are a popular addition to any home for several reasons. First of all, they accomodate to your needs far more than a traditional swinging screen door. Instead of slamming behind you or trying to shut you out as your trying to get those youngsters through the door, the ease of a sliding screen door gives you convenience, and retracts until you are ready to shut it. They provide insect protection even though you can still enjoy the outdoors. Retractable screen doors often can come with sun protection, blackout density material for enhanced shade, and weather proof materials to last against the elements. Retractable screen doors are also very simple to operate and often come with magnetic catches that ease closing and sealing the door. They are a simpler choice to the more awkward and clumsy tradtional swinging screen doors.

Heavy Duty Retractable Screen Doors

If your retractable screen door is getting a lot of traffic, then chances are that a cheaper, lighter screen door will not last as long as you want it to. If that's the case with your house, then you should think about buying a heavy-duty retractable screen door. These are usually made out of tougher material, are wider (usually around 2-2 1/2 in.) and have steel tracks and wheels. Make sure that it also has a steel latch, and not some cheap plastic or other less durable material. Also, heavy duty retractable screen doors should have reinforced magnetic seals to securely shut your door everytime someone goes in and out. All these attributes of a heavy duty door will ensure that your door will last for many, many years, and it will withstand all the manhandling your friends and family can give it.

Sun Protection in Retractable Screen Doors

Retractable screen doors provide a doorway to the beautiful outdoors, giving you maximum exposure to the environment, air, and of course, the sun. If you are less than cordial about having the sun's ray beat on you and your carpet and furniture, then you can buy a sun screen. These often can be rolled up or attached on your door screens at will. When the sun is highest in the sky, you are able to provide sun protection for you carpet and furniture to prevent fading and sun discoloration. Sun screens are a denser material, often 80% more dense than regular screens. Denser screen material also means less heat from the sun will be able to come in your house. Sun control retractable door screens can block much of the sun's rays, giving you a break on the air conditioning bill.

What Retractable Screen Door to Look for if you have Pets

What you’re looking for in a retractable screen door depends on your needs. If you have pets in the house (ones that can scratch, chew, and are fairly powerful), then a pet resistant screen is a good choice for you. These can be up to ten times as enduring and tear resistant than normal retractable screen doors. These doors with pet resistant screens will ensure that your dog or cat will not be able to punch a hole through the screen, if they find an interesting animal pattering around outside. Another choice is a heavy-duty screen, which is about five times heavier in weight than the standard bug resistant screen door. This will not only ensure that your pets do not break through the screen by running at them, but it will be impervious to chewing, which can slowly wear away some pet resistant screens. When you’re shopping around for a retractable screen door, just ask questions and make sure you’re getting a door that fits your needs. A last option that may be less desirable to most people is a pet guard, that covers the bottom half or third of your door. It is usually made out of aluminum and will prevent tears from pets jumping up on the screen door.

Two Types of Retractable Screen Doors

Retractable screen doors usually come in a single or double assembly. Single retractable doors are easy to install- many times they can be bought as a do-it-yourself kit. Their primary purpose is to replace the single swinging screen door, giving your house that new, elegant look compared to the antiquated look of the old-school swinging door. Double retractable screen doors are also a very common upgrade for remodeling or renovating houses. They are two single retractable screen doors facing opposite of eachother, and slide inward. These doors offer a simple and refined solution to the lumbering double swinging screen doors. They also offer the widest and most unobstructed view from inside the house.

Retractable Screen Door Pricing

Retractable screen doors are a very attractive addition to any home. They allow you to experience the outdoors without compromising the environment within your home. Retractable door screens are priced very fairly when considering the beauty they add to your home and view. Entry level retractable door screens are priced around $110-180. If you want to go with something a little more extravagant or customized to your home, you'll have to pay upwards of $200. However, most retractable screen door kits will stay in the low hundred dollar range.