The versatility of motorized retractable screens allow you to create the perfect ambiance for your favorite indoor or outdoor living space. This could mean only insect protection, or you might be looking for shading solution for afternoon solar glare, or even extra privacy from neighbors - while still being able to enjoy the fresh air, a cool drink, and a quiet space. Even protection from cold or inclement weather is possible with special climate control mesh or clear vinyl. This enables a more controlled climate space all year depending on the chosen screen material where fans and heaters can be used.
Mesh Choices
Insect Protection:
Popular mesh choices include Phifer’s “TuffScreen” Regular or No-see-Um screen mesh for Motorized screen systems, as they are made to withstand heat, cold, wind and harsh conditions. Other high quality brands readily available include Twitchell’s Nano 50 and Nano 60 high strength insect screen mesh that can withstand winds and the weight and tug of the motorized screen system and its zippered tracks.
Solar and Privacy Protection:
Depending on the brand manufacturer, solar mesh choices provide varying degrees of solar blockage while still allowing exterior visibility. Soltis 86/92 made by Serge Ferrari, Twitchell’s Textilene 80/90/95 and Phifer’s SunTex 80/90/95. All Depending on the actual colour of fabric, the lightest fabric colors (think white) provide the most privacy on the one hand while the darkest colour fabrics (such as bronze or black) give the best unobstructed view even when the screen is down (This is why insect mesh for window screens is almost always chosen as black since it enables the clearest view).
Motors and Controls
Power insect screens are custom made to order with the powerful robust motors installed on the left or the right side of the unit according to personal preference or location of the nearest electrical outlet. These tubular motors have been engineered to withstand years of continuous operation numerous times through the day, even being equipped with sensors to prevent overheating of the motor, thus greatly increasing its longevity. Wall mounted or handheld remotes control the operation of the screen system - which are sometimes connected to the smart home system, or voice activated apps such as Google Nest or Amazon Alexa.
Frame Color Options
Retractable screen units powered by Alpha, Somfy or Mitjavila motors are manufactured with the highest quality powder coat finishes that are designed to withstand many years of exposure to sunlight and the elements. Colour considerations for a home can be either a perfect match to existing home colour themes, or a different colour for a sharp contrast.
Motorized Screen Safety Features:
The absence of any bottom tracks at floor level is another great benefit of motorized retractable screen systems, when compared to large opening (manual) screens that are pulled horizontally back and forth across an opening. These have high-maintenance bottom tracks that must be cleaned regularly to remove the dust, pollen, sand, and debris that collects there and must be lubricated often to keep them working properly.
Since motorized screen systems operate vertically, they only have one zippered track on the left and right sides of the opening, creating a perfect bottom seal by a special rubber or brush piling on the edge of the horizontal weighted bar (which keeps mesh taut), which keeps insects out. Track cleaning and lubrication is virtually eliminated as dust seldom enters the special side-mounted tracks.
Safety is a key bonus as there are no trip hazards to watch for which make motorized screens safer for children and the elderly (compared to manually operated horizontal screens) by eliminating any potential risk of falls or injuries.
