Sliding glass doors are a wonderful addition to many homes because they allow for a lot of light and a smooth transition between the indoors and out. However, they also make your home vulnerable to pests, UV radiation, and fluctuating temperatures that you do not want in your home. Screens offer a solution to enjoy the benefits of sliding glass doors while mitigating these drawbacks.

Retractable Screens

Retractable screens, a relatively new and sophisticated product, can be pull across doors and windows, and rolled back and hidden in a cassette system when not required.  This enables the maximum control of the flow of air and the amount of sunlight that gets into the house.

Advantages of Retractable Screens:

  • Versatility: It provides the convenience of opening and closing the screen when needed for fresh air and insect protection and then retracting the screen when not needed for a clear view.
  • Durability: Retractable screens, made with durable materials like mesh fabric and aluminum frames, resist tearing, weather conditions, and wear and tear.
  • Low Maintenance: They are easy to maintain; all one has to do is roll the screen in and out when using or not using it. They can be cleaned regularly with a soft brush or hose, which is usually enough to keep the working properly.
  • Improved Aesthetics: Cassettes conceal the screens when not in use, so they do not interfere with the beauty of your sliding glass doors.
  • Energy Efficiency: Retractable screens can protect from direct sunlight and hot or cold air and thus reduce the use of air conditioning and heating.

Traditional Screens

Standard screens are fixed on the door’s width throughout the width of the sliding glass door. They offer a sustainable solution to insect control and supply of fresh air in the house.

Advantages of Traditional Screens:

  • Costeffectiveness: Fixed screens are less expensive that retractable sliding screens due to their cheaper materials and fixed design.
  • Excellent Insect Protection: Standard screens provide complete protection against insects and are ideal for areas where insects are prevalent.
  • Simple and Sturdy: Traditional screens are not intricate systems with few parts prone to failure or often need replacement.

Which is Best for Your Home

In this case, it will be important to compare the pros and cons of retractable and traditional screens to establish which options above will be more appropriate for the sliding glass doors in your home. Consider the following factors when making your decision:

  • Budget: Retractable screens are slightly more expensive than conventional screens, which are available at a relatively lower cost.
  • Insect Protection: Conventional screens are the most suitable for cases where total protection from insects is the main goal.
  • Versatility: Retractable screens are more convenient if you prefer a screen that can be pulled open or stored away as needed.
  • Aesthetics: If the sightline is a problem, the retractable screens may be more appealing.
  • Maintenance: Some retractable screens’ benefits include requiring less maintenance than traditional ones, which may require washing more often.

Enjoy the fresh air without the bugs!

Halton Retractable Screens offers a variety of retractable screen doors to create a comfortable and private outdoor living space. Their screens are available in single, double, and patio door sizes and can even be motorized for larger openings. So, what are you waiting for? Upgrade your home with a retractable screen door from Halton today!