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Installing a top-quality retractable screen door allows you to enjoy fresh air without the risk of flying insects or pests inviting themselves inside. We spent hours researching the top models available online, evaluating quality, value, and ease of installation and use.

Our favorite, the Andersen LuminAire Retractable Screen Door, is easy to set up, disappears when not in use, and can adjust to fit a variety of door sizes.

Here are the best retractable screen doors.

 Home Depot

Who else recommends it? Bob Vila also picked the Andersen LuminAire Retractable Screen Door.

What do buyers say? 2,000+ Home Depot reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above.

This retractable screen door installs easily, functions smoothly, and fits doors of various widths, making it a popular pick. The Andersen LuminAire is a great option for adding a screen to your exterior door anywhere you want the ability to enjoy fresh air, an unobstructed view, and no bugs—thanks to the SlideAway insect screen. Unlike conventional screen doors that are always visible, can be easily broken, take up space on your deck or porch when open, and may bang shut, this model is convenient and neatly rolls up inside its slim storage cassette when not in use.

The LuminAire retractable screen door is 80 inches tall and fits door widths between 32 and 36 inches, but it can be easily modified for doors less than 32 inches as well. This model is only appropriate for inswing doors—doors that swing out won't be able to accommodate the housing.

 Home Depot

For a similar function and form to a retractable screen door at a fraction of standard prices, consider an instant screen door like this easy-to-install version. Constructed of a fine fiberglass-poly mesh, this option features a weighted bottom and can be attached to the door frame using the included Velcro strips or tension rod. With such simple steps, this budget screen can be installed quickly and easily.

If you're frustrated by flimsy screens on some budget retractable screen doors, this option is a good solution. It offers easy in-and-out access while serving as a deterrent to flies and other pests seeking to get inside your house. It's also easy to take down seasonally or for special events.

 Home Depot

Some storm doors are made to let the fresh air in and keep everything else out with a built-in retractable screen. The Anderson 3000 Series is a full-view storm door with a retractable screen that requires no additional installation and is ready in an instant. If you're also shopping for a storm door, an all-in-one unit like this model can help you add a screen without purchasing a separate door.

With just one hand, you can pull down a screen that replaces the top pane of glass—which seamlessly slides into the bottom of the door for safe storage. The benefit of this type of retractable screen door is its versatility. You won't need to do any drilling or separate installation to add a screen to your existing storm door. The Anderson 3000 series storm door is available with a number of different finishes and hardware options to make sure this door looks right at home once installed.

 Home Depot

If you're shopping for an easy-to-install retractable screen door for sliding doors, you'll find what you're looking for in this Brisa model designed to fit slider door walls. It measures 78 inches tall, and it can be sized to fit openings between 32 and 36 inches with simple modifications to Larson's Quick-Snap track system.

When not in use, the retractable screen neatly slides into its cassette—giving you a clear, full view of the world outside your sliding glass doors with no screen to interrupt the scene. At the same time, the mesh screen features a visible stripe to ensure that you spot the screen when it's in use.

Lowe's

If you're looking for a retractable screen door for high-traffic areas, shop for a version that stands out as being open or closed. When you or your guests are frequently going in and out of the screen door, it can be easy to forget the screen is in place and accidentally walk into it, knocking it out of the tracks. The Larson Inspire features a pleated screen for greater visibility.

While other retractable screens often use striping to provide a visual cue, it isn't always noticeable or eye-catching. However, the pleats give this screen a dimensional appearance that is hard to miss. Whether you're looking for a retractable screen door for your patio, front door, or another entry point, you'll appreciate the form and function of the Larson Inspire.

Home Depot

French doors are designed to give you an enhanced connection to the outside world, but if you're trying to keep bugs out and pets in, that can be hard to do. A retractable screen door for French doors, like this model from MMI, is a great option. This variety allows you to enjoy the fresh air and quick outdoor access without worrying about incoming insects.

Two retractable screen doors meet in the middle to provide full-width coverage for your French doors. One of the best things about this design is that you can choose to have one or both of the doors open at a time since they move independently. And even though it might look intimidating to install a screen for French doors, users report that installation is relatively simple and quick. The end result is two retractable screens that are out of sight in a moment or ready to stand guard against pests.

 Home Depot

If your door measures more than 80 inches in height, you'll need a retractable screen specifically built for tall doors. This model from Brisa is designed with taller entryways in mind and offers additional height with the same E-Z Glide track system as other Larson retractable screen doors.

This retractable screen is housed in a slim cassette that preserves curb appeal when the screen door is not in use. The Brisa retractable screen door has a subtle high and low striping that serves as a visual cue for you, your kids, and your pets that a screen is in place, so you won't run into it when you're walking in or outside.

Final Verdict

Our best overall pick is the Andersen LuminAire Retractable Screen Door (view at Home Depot), which is easy to install and adjusts to fit doors of various widths. Those with glass sliding doors might check out the Larson Brisa Retractable Screen Door (view at Wayfair), as it has a neutral design and retractable screen that won't get in the way of your view.

Dimensions

It's important to take precise measurements of the opening where you want to install the retractable screen door. Otherwise, the screen door that you choose may not fit correctly, leaving gaps or creating noticeable bends and wrinkles in the material that can affect the appearance and function of the screen. To avoid this issue, use a tape measure to measure the width and height of the doorway.

Most products are offered in multiple sizes, so you should be able to find a retractable screen door that fits the doorway and your tastes. Measure the height from the ground to the top of the door frame and measure the width at the bottom of the doorway, the middle of the doorway, and the top of the doorway to ensure accuracy.

Mesh Material

The purpose of a retractable screen door is to allow air to flow into and out of the home without letting insects, leaves, and other small objects pass through the mesh. Typically, screen doors are made with either fiberglass mesh or polyester mesh, though some screens may also be made with aluminum mesh.

Fiberglass mesh is a durable material that is resistant to damage, making it a great choice for high-traffic areas, like the front door. The thick layer of fiberglass keeps pests out and air in, though it hinders the view of the outside world more than polyester or aluminum mesh.

Polyester mesh is one of the most commonly used materials because it's inexpensive, easy to see through, and keeps the pests out. However, polyester is typically the least durable choice. If you choose to go with polyester, look for a product with a high fiber count.

Aluminum mesh is generally the most expensive option, but also the most durable. It allows ample air and sun into the home. Aluminum mesh is typically coated for increased protection against rain, wind, sleet, and snow.

Frame Finish

Retractable screen doors are designed to roll up into a frame, but you need to think about what type of frame the screen has and whether it is the right choice for your home. Think about the finish and if it will look appealing with the doorframe. You can find ABS plastic frames in various colors. These frames are flexible, lightweight, and can be painted to match the decor.

Metal frames can also be painted, and they are significantly more durable than ABS plastic. There are also magnetic retractable screen doors that fasten directly onto the doorframe with nails or tacks. While the screen doesn't roll up into a frame, it can be opened and secured to the sides of the doorframe, so it isn't in the way.

Single vs. Double Door

Retractable screen doors come in various sizes, including both single and double door. When you are measuring the dimensions of the doorway, note whether it is a single or double door. Single-door retractable screens commonly measure between 30 to 40 inches in width, and they are typically more affordable than a double-door product because they are made with less material. A double-door retractable screen will usually measure about 60 to 80 inches in width, making it ideal for French door walkouts.

FAQ

• What is a retractable screen door?

  A retractable screen door is a screen that can be installed over a single- or double-door opening to prevent pests from entering the home without blocking the airflow into and out of the house. The screen is designed to retract or roll up into the screen door frame when it's not in use. This allows for a clear view through the window, and it also reduces the wear-and-tear on the screen.

• How do you install a retractable screen door?

  The installation process for a retractable screen door is relatively straightforward. Measure the width and height of the doorway, then purchase a compatible screen door product. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer to connect the screen door track system to the screen's housing and attach the housing securely to the door frame. Cut and adjust the screen as necessary to get the proper fit.

• How does a retractable screen door work?

  Retractable screen doors are designed to roll out into the doorway when the door is opened, allowing air into the home while blocking out pests. The screen can then retract or roll up into the screen door housing when the door is closed. This is commonly achieved with a spindle at the top or side of the door that's used for rolling and unrolling the screen material.

This article was researched and edited by Lily Sperry, a lifestyle writer and commerce editor at The Spruce. When reviewing our writer's suggestions, she considered price point, design, and ease of installation to ensure that you can find the right screen door for your home.

Additional reporting and research for this article was done by Timothy Dale, a long-time home improvement expert specializing in plumbing, construction, and product recommendations, among other topics.

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Source: https://www.thespruce.com/best-retractable-screen-doors-4587125

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