Start enjoying your evenings without pests and add living space to your home with motorized garage door screens. Turn your garage into a usable space. In this guide we will discuss what retractable garage door screens are, the different types available, their benefits, and much more.
What is a retractable garage door screen?
The term “retractable garage door screen” is a bit of a generic term. In general it refers to any retractable screen that screens in your garage’s door opening. Or in other words, it is a screen that retracts (opens up and down) to “screen in” your garage when the door is open.
There are different types of garage door screens, but they all have some similar characteristics. These include the following:
- Retractable – the garage screen retracts up and down, either by manual operation or via a motor, allowing you to easily open and close them on demand
- Track system – the screens run on a track system, which encloses your garage’s door opening and makes operation easier
- Screens keep pests out while allowing cool, fresh air in
- Can be made to fit a single, double or 3 car garage
- Custom garage screens have many options, including multiple color options
As we mentioned earlier, there are different types of garage door screens. Below we talk about the different types.
Types of motorized garage door screens
Retractable hurricane screens (for your garage)
If you own a home in Florida then hurricane screens may be your best option if you do not have a hurricane proof garage door.
Hurricane-rated retractable screens are not made specifically for garages. They can be used as hurricane protection for several areas of your home, including your patio, pool area, outdoor spaces, large openings, and garage doors.
What is a hurricane-rated garage screen?
It is a retractable screen system that can protect your garage against hurricanes. Unlike non-hurricane rated screens they are constructed from heavy-duty, impact resistant materials. These include a heavy duty aluminum frame system and a high-impact resistant aramid screen. They are engineered, tested, and approved by the state of Florida to be hurricane-rated. Hurricane rated means they can withstand the pressure, and impacts of hurricane winds and flying objects.
Hurricane screen systems are installed on the exterior of your garage door. The screens are retractable, and the screens open and close by running along a track system. They have a low-profile housing box at the top that houses the screen while it is in the open position. The housing box also houses the electric motors for motorized versions.
They have all of the benefits of a non-hurricane rated garage door screen, but they can protect your garage door from being damaged during a storm.
These retractable screens are offered in both manual and motorized versions.
Non-hurricane rated retractable bug screens
Do you have an impact garage door or hurricane shutters over your garage door? If yes, then a hurricane screen system would not be necessary. In this case you are probably looking for a regular retractable garage screen system that lets cool, fresh air in while keeping pests out.
If so, then a retractable bug screen is a great fit.
These are retractable screen systems that are made with non-impact resistant screens. Their main purpose is to keep pests out while allows fresh air in. They also provide privacy.
They are also offered in both manual and motorized versions.
Garage door screens: Motorized vs manual
When it comes to garage door screen systems you can choose between manual and automatic (motorized) operation. We briefly discuss each of these below so you know which each one is.
Manual garage door screens
Manual garage door systems require you to manually open and close them. This is typically with a crank system or similar. And while they are not motorized they are still easy to use, and can be opened and closed by mostly anyone.
While manual screens are fairly easy you should consider two things:
- how often you will open and close them
- how many screens you have to open and close each time
If you will rarely open them and only have one or a few then this is probably not going to be an issue.
Motorized garage door screens
Motorized garage door screens are basically the same as the manual version. The difference is in how you operate them. Instead of cranking them up and down they open and close automatically by their electric motors.
This means opening and closing the screens is fast and easy. You can control them via a switch system or a button remote. It is similar to how you operate your motorized garage door itself. And when it comes to setting up your system you have different options. You can set up your screens so you can control individual screens or control all of them together. For instance, do you want to open and close all the screens at one time, or have the ability to open one, close another, etc.
Roll up garage door screen uses & benefits
Motorized retractable screen systems have many benefits. This is why they are popular in Florida. Some of their many benefits are discussed below.
Keep pests out while letting cool, fresh air in
If you live in Florida you know how enjoyable the evenings are. This is true whether you are working in your garage or just sitting in your garage relaxing. But it is difficult to sit outside at night past a certain time as mosquitos will eat you alive.
Garage screen systems allow you to enjoy the fresh air while keeping mosquitos and other pests out.
And this makes your garage a usable space, which adds living space to your home.
In addition, they are a great way to keep critters and debris out of your garage while having the door open for extended periods of time.
Shade
Another great benefit of motorized garage screens is that they provide shade from the sun’s harmful UV rays. This is especially beneficial if you use your garage during the day and want to keep the door open. In other words, it is a great way to have your garage door open while reducing the sun glare and heat in it.
Easy to use & operate
Retractable garage screens are easy to use and operate. This is true regardless of if you go with a manual or motorized system. Retractable systems are head and shoulders better than
Privacy
In addition to keeping pests out garage door screens provide privacy. Similar to screen enclosures on your lanai or patio, the screens reduce visibility inside your garage. This allows you to enjoy your garage without the onlookers and observers looking in.
Great looks
Garage screens come in a wide range of quality and types. Some lower-quality, big-box and internet superstore types can look cheap and can actually downgrade the appearance of your home. However, if you opt to install a high-quality system this will not be the case.
For instance, Eurex Shutters brand hurricane screens and roll down bug screens have low profile housing boxes and tracks as well as high quality screen materials. So when the screen is open, the low profile housing box and tracks are barely visible. And when it is down the high quality screen looks high-end, making your home look great.
Garage door screen installation near you
Do you want custom, motorized garage door screens installed on your home? If so it is best to hire a professional. Garage door screen installers will measure your garage and create a custom screen system to your exact specifications.
If you are looking for high quality, hurricane-rated or non-hurricane garage door screens in Southwest Florida we can help. Eurex Shutters has been installing hurricane screens and roll down bug screens systems in Florida’s Gulf Coast for 35+ years.
