Just like countless other people, if you’re also curious to know “how do retractable screens work?”, then you have come to the right place.

A retractable screen allows homeowners to make the most out of the warm, summer season – without worrying about crawly, flying insects. And that’s not all. Apart from keeping annoying insects at bay, retractable screens are also great for ventilation since they can be opened and closed as per your needs. Once the sunny season bids you farewell, these screens can easily be brought down and stored away, allowing you and your dearest to enjoy wonderful views without any interruptions.

Although retractable screens are undeniably more expensive than fixed screens, it’s worth mentioning that the fruits of your investment will be relished for decades to come.

Keep scrolling to learn how retractable screens for patios, doors, or windows work along with other important details about this exceptional invention.

What Are Retractable Screens?

Put simply, a retractable screen is an insect shade/screen that’s used to prevent unwanted creepy crawlies from entering your home. These screens can easily be pulled down or across an open space such as patios, windows, doors, etc. Homeowners generally opt for retractable screens because they are easy to open/shut and can easily be wrapped back into a tiny canister for storage.

Presently, several kinds of retractable screens are available in the market. Each kind comes with a unique mechanism and is fitted either horizontally or vertically. Below we have listed some of the most popular types of retractable screens.

Types of Retractable Screens

• Magnetic Screens– This retractable screen is attached to the edge of a window/door using a removable magnetic strip. Owing to their simple installation, magnetic screens are popularly used in various settings.
• Paneled Screens– These retractable screens comprise multiple panels which slide effortlessly on a special guide. Paneled screens are commonly used for big openings since panels can easily be added until the desired area is entirely covered.
• Flat Mesh Screens– Flesh mesh screens use a track system that’s extremely discreet and barely noticeable to work. These screens are available in both single and double panel versions. Regardless of the version used, the discreet capability of flat mesh screens enables users to enjoy wonderful views without any interruptions.
• Pleated Screens– Pleated screens are identical to flat mesh screens since the same track system is used for operation. But there is one slight difference: the pleated meshes aren’t as subtle as the pleats of a flat mesh screen. Nonetheless, these screens are highly popular among households with children and people with below-average eyesight since they’re easy to see.

Furthermore, some retractable screens use an accordion-style system that slides open and close, whereas, others use a spring-loaded mechanism that rolls up the screen in a small housing or canister. Keep in mind, that the type of retractable screen you chose will be substantially based on its usage.

When it comes to the design aspect, retractable screens are typically made up of clean lines, slim frames, and concealable hardware. The aim of manufacturers is to create screens that are easily bendable and indistinguishable from the screen’s background. With the right color selections, you can have a screen that’s almost invisible to the eye.

How Do Retractable Screens Work?

The answer is quite simple: the mesh/fabric of a retractable screen loops around a roller enclosed in a protective canister or housing. Depending on the type of retractable screen you select (motorized or fixed), the screen will either be powered by an electric motor or a spring fixed inside the housing canister.

The installation and control system of your retractable screen will also depend on its type. Some retractable screens roll up and down using a lever or crank. But nowadays there are more up-to-date versions available. These versions include an electric motor in the housing that rolls the screen up and down with a simple press of a button.

Contemporary retractable screens often come with remote controls or a switch that needs to be installed on an adjacent wall. There’s no denying that the latest retractable screen versions are getting smarter with additional automation integrations. For instance, many screens entail sensors that detect the amount of light present. Owing to these sensors, the retractable screen can analyze lighting conditions and automatically open/shut based on the need of the hour.

These supplementary features might seem trivial at first but they’re making a huge difference in how customers deal with retractable screens.

If you want to know which retractable screen is best suited for your needs, don’t hesitate to reach out. Panama Shades experts will not only share the best choice for you but will also reveal how much a retractable screen will cost you in Texas.

Panama Shades: Ensuring Excellence Since 2005

Retractable screens are available in different types and forms (such as motorized or fixed retractable screens). Each type comes with its own set of benefits and shortcomings. So, be sure to perform sufficient research before choosing a retractable screen for your home or you can even reach out to a professional installer for help.

If you are in Texas, feel free to reach out to us for a quick quote that’s absolutely free. Panama Shades experts will be more than glad to tell you how much retractable screens will cost, including both the supply of high-quality retractable screens as well as its installation charges.

If you’re searching for more useful guides on retractable screens, their installation process, types, maintenance tips, and more, be sure to check the rest of our blog section. Panama Shades strives to ensure every client is equipped with all the necessary knowledge to make a decision that’s best for them.