Are you looking to transform your outdoor living space into an oasis that your family and house guests will love for years to come? Motorized roll-down screens are a great addition to your outdoor patio that will add immense value and create a four-season room to be enjoyed.
What are Outdoor Patio Screens?
Outdoor patio screens are screens that are installed on your outdoor living space that add another dimension. Depending on the mesh or fabric they’re built with, they can be used to control solar rays, bugs, or wind while adding curb appeal to your home.
How Do Outdoor Patio Screens Work?
Outdoor patio screens are powered by an electric motor that drops and raises the mesh or fabric that is kept in the housing. Sidetracks are installed on either side of the opening, and the mesh or fabric has a zipper welded onto the edges that are guided in the tracks. Outdoor patio screens can be installed on the surface of the opening, in the jamb of the opening (or underneath the header), or, if your opening allows for it, you can recess the screens in a pocket so only the mesh is visible when in operation. These mounting applications allow for installation flexibility depending on how your outdoor patio is built. Contact your local Mirage dealer to learn what the best option is for having screens installed on your outdoor patio!
Best Screens for Outdoor Patio
The best screen for your outdoor patio depends on what you’re looking to get out of your outdoor living space. Outdoor patio screens are customizable and can be made with various meshes depending on your needs. If you are looking to keep bugs under control in your outdoor living space, then insect mesh would be your best option. If you want more privacy from your neighbors, you could opt for a privacy mesh, which would block the view. Whatever your needs are, we can help you find the perfect solution for your outdoor patio using motorized screens.
Why Consider Screens for Outdoor Patios?
Outdoor patio screens provide insect protection, wind resistance, and privacy, enhancing your outdoor experience. Beyond functionality, these screens enhance the aesthetics of your patio. If you are choosing screens for your outdoor living area, consider the dual benefits of practicality and design.
Privacy
Outdoor patio screens work great if you are trying to add more privacy to your outdoor living space. The privacy mesh will block your neighbors from viewing inside your outdoor living space while the screens are down, but you will still be able to look outside through the mesh.
Pest Control
Outdoor patio screens for pest control are one of the most common reasons for homeowners to invest in them. You have the option to get different grades of pest control mesh depending on whether you want more visibility or not on your outdoor patio. The most common pest control mesh would be No See Um mesh which would keep even the smallest pests out of your outdoor living space. Read our blog – How to get rid of no see ums?
Weather Protection
Another benefit of outdoor patio screens is they can help protect you from wind and other weather. For wind control, you would want to go with a solar mesh or privacy mesh, as the weave is tighter and will not allow wind to come through the mesh screen. It is important to keep in mind that outdoor patio screens are tested for wind, but it isn’t their sole purpose to block wind, and they will be required to retract into their housing when strong winds are present to prevent damage.
Sun Protection
One of the most common uses for outdoor patio screens is for sun protection. Those strong UV rays are beaming down on you and your house guests on your outdoor patio, and you’re looking for a way to block them. The best solution would be to go with a 90 or 95-grade solar mesh that will block most of the sun coming into your outdoor living space while still allowing airflow.
Types of Mesh for Patios
In the past, screens were simply crossed wires arranged to look like mesh screen. Nowadays, high-quality screens can serve many purposes, not just mesh. The advancement of technology has made modern screens more useful than ever before. Here are some top-quality mesh for patios you can choose from:
Sun Control Fabrics
The options for sun control fabrics for your outdoor patio screens are:
- SunTex 80 (This type of mesh will block up to 80% of the sun’s rays from entering your outdoor living space)
- SunTex 90 (This type of mesh will block up to 90% of the sun’s rays from entering your outdoor living space)
Insect Control Mesh
The options for insect control mesh for your outdoor patio screens are:
- TuffScreen No See Um (This heavy-duty and tear-resistant mesh is a tightly woven 20×20 mesh designed to keep the smallest bugs out)
- Solar Insect Screening (This mesh offers not only insect protection but will also block up to 65% of the sun’s rays, which will improve daytime privacy while still allowing you to see out)
- No, See Um (This mesh is incredibly lightweight and durable and provides the best insect protection from even the smallest pests)
Privacy Fabrics
The options for privacy mesh fabrics for your outdoor patio screens are:
- SunTex 95 (This mesh is intended for privacy and will block up to 95% of the sun’s rays. It functions as a privacy screen while also offering protection from the sun and insects. This mesh will also allow for cooler temperatures inside your outdoor patio while in use)
- SunTex 97 (This mesh is also intended for privacy and will block up to 97% of the sun’s rays. It will help with heat and glare control while still offering protection from insects)
Blackout Fabrics
The options for blackout mesh fabric for your outdoor patio screens are:
- Sheerweave Blackout Mesh (This mesh is a durable laminated blackout fabric that will completely block light from coming into your outdoor patio)
Vinyl
Outdoor patio screens can also be made of vinyl fabric. Your options for vinyl screen material are clear or solid-colored vinyl. Solid-colored vinyl comes in a variety of colors, so consult with your local Mirage screens dealer. Typically, you will need to have at least a 4-inch border of solid-colored vinyl, and the rest can be clear vinyl in the center.
How to Select the Best Screen for an Outdoor Patio?
The best screen for your outdoor patio depends on what use you are looking to get out of them! We recommend that you contact your local Mirage screens dealer and have them guide you to the best option for your outdoor living space. Mirage dealers are professionally trained to diagnose and offer solutions for your screening needs and are always happy to help!
Get the Best Screens for Outdoor Patio from Mirage Screen Systems
Mirage outdoor patio screens are some of the best screens on the market and are installed through our expert dealer network, which will ensure you are happy with the work completed. To learn more information about outdoor patio screens, please contact your local Mirage screen dealer through our dealer locator, and they will be happy to assist you with the process!
