Retractable screens serve a very different purpose than storm doors. In this blog, we will break down the differences between retractable screen doors and storm doors so you can make an educated decision about what will work best for your home. Retractable screen doors are screens that retract into a housing when not in use. Unlike a traditional hinged or sliding screen door, retractable screens only cover your doorway when in use. The retractable screen housing is mounted to the frame of your door with top and bottom tracks that guide the mesh in and out. Retractable screens come in a variety of colors and sizes that will fit your home perfectly, and they also have different handle options that you can choose for ease of use.
A storm door is a second door installed on the outside of your existing door, which serves as protection against the elements. Some storm doors have retractable glass or screen mesh panels that allow fresh air into your home. Storm doors come with different sizes of glass panels and are more customizable in terms of design than retractable screen doors. The downside of a storm door is that it covers your existing door and will block the view.
Retractable Screen Doors
Retractable screens are screens that retract into a housing when not in use. They are mounted to the side of your doorway and come in a variety of colors and sizes. Mirage retractable screen doors have the option of being installed with a standard handle, which is a handle that opens the screen by pulling to break the magnet from the strike plate, or the PivotPro handle, which releases the magnet with a simple twist. Our retractable screens can cover screens up to 9 feet high and 5 feet wide, or 10 feet wide for French doors, using two screens. All Mirage retractable screen products are installed by a certified Mirage dealer who will visit your home to install the screen in as little as one visit!
Features and Benefits of Retractable Screen Doors
Recent years have seen retractable screen doors become one of the most popular home improvement options. As a result, homeowners are able to enjoy the fresh air of the summer months while integrating their outdoor and indoor living spaces.
- Design: Retractable screen doors are designed to be installed on single-entry doors, sliding patio doors, French doors, and so much more! They are mounted on the side of your existing doorway and blend in naturally without obstructing the view. Retractable screens are made with high-quality aluminum and mesh that ensure they will operate for a very long time without issues.
- Space Saving: Unlike traditional hinge or sliding screen doors, retractable screen doors retract back into their housing when not in use. The retractable screen unit is mounted on the side of your doorway and will typically be the same color as your door to blend in! This will ensure an unobstructed view of your door that you’ve spent good money on.
- Enhanced Ventilation: Retractable screens are a great way to ventilate and cool your home naturally! They allow fresh air into your home without the pesky bugs that come with it. If you have a retractable screen on your front door and back or patio door, this will create a cross-ventilation for added airflow in your home.
- Cost: Retractable screens are a custom product, so you will have to contact your local Mirage screens dealer to get a quote on the cost of your screening job. Visit our dealer locator (link) to find the nearest dealer today!
Installation Process
The installation process for a retractable screen door is straightforward when handled by a certified dealer. Once you have contacted your local Mirage dealer, they will either ask for photos and measurements of the door or they will come to your home to take measurements themselves. They will determine the best size, color, sill adapter, and handle options to fit your space. On the day of the installation, the Mirage dealer will cut the retractable screen door down to the exact size of your door and install it within an hour or two, depending on the application.
Storm Doors
Storm doors provide an additional layer of protection from bad weather and will prevent warm or cold air from coming into your home. Adding a storm door onto your existing door could be a good investment depending on the quality of your door and if it is already well-insulated. Storm doors are installed in front of an entry door and come in a variety of different sizes and designs to choose from.
Features and Benefits of Storm Doors
Many people believe that they don’t need a storm door if they aren’t in a hurricane zone. However, installing a storm door in your home brings a number of advantages, which you may not be aware of until you do so. Some of these are rooted in the primary purpose of the door, but others are more of a bonus. Consider these benefits before discounting the idea of installing a storm door:
- Energy Efficient: Storm doors will make your energy consumption more efficient as they will keep warm and cold air from coming into your home. Storm doors act as an extra layer of protection for your existing door and will make a big difference if your current door is not well insulated.
- Enhanced Security: Weather is not the only thing a storm door can protect your home from. Some storm doors come with protective grilles to deter anyone from trying to break into your home. Other storm doors can also come with security glass and heavy-duty locking systems to prevent break-ins.
- Protection Against Weather: Storm doors act as another layer of protection for your entry door. They are mounted on the outside of your existing door and made of high-quality metal and glass. They will keep the bad weather out of your home!
- Cost: For accurate pricing on having a storm door installed on your home, you would need to contact a business that sells and installs storm doors. Our dealer network focuses mostly on retractable screens, but a few of them may also install storm doors.
Difference Between Storm Doors and Screen Doors
Are you trying to decide whether you need a storm door or a screen door installed in your home? Both have their purpose, so keep these things in mind when deciding.
Ventilation and Airflow
The retractable screen door’s primary purpose is to allow fresh air into your home, naturally ventilating your living space while also keeping bugs outdoors where they belong! Storm doors can also have retractable panels with screen mesh behind them to allow fresh air into your home.
Aesthetics and Curb Appeal
Storm doors detract from the aesthetic of your existing door as they completely cover it, while retractable screen doors only go across your door when in use and retract back into their housing when not in use.
Security and Durability
Storm doors can act as a deterrent for intruders as they are heavy metal doors that is on the outside of your existing door. Some models come with protective grilles and locking systems that make it more difficult to gain access to your entry door. Retractable screen doors are not designed to deter intruders, as their primary purpose is to allow fresh air into your home!
Maintenance and Requirements
After your storm door is installed, it is recommended that you apply protectant to ensure longevity. You should wash and re-apply the protectant every 6 months. Wash your door and glass using only dish detergent, warm water, and a soft cloth. For retractable screen doors, it is recommended that you regularly clear the bottom track of any debris and annually clean the tracks, housing, and screen mesh with warm, soapy water and dry with a cloth. When you do the annual cleaning of your screen door, we recommend that you apply dry silicone spray to the tracks to ensure the mesh continues to run smoothly when retracting in and out of the cassette.
Climate Suitability
Storm doors can be used year-round to keep the warm and cold weather out of your home, while retractable screen doors should only be used when the weather is nice to allow fresh air into your home.
Screen Door VS Storm Door: Decision
Deciding between having a retractable screen door installed in your home or a storm door is simply a matter of evaluating your current door and how you hope to use it in the future. If you are looking for an option that will keep the warm and cold air out of your home while protecting your existing door, then a storm door would be your best option. If you are looking to allow the fresh air into your home to ventilate your dwelling naturally, then a retractable screen door would be your best option.
Retractable Screen Doors for all Homes by Mirage Screen Systems
Retractable screen doors are a great option for your home to allow fresh air in while keeping the bugs outside! They are sleek and discreet and come with many different options that will fit perfectly with your home. Mirage Screen Systems has been a leader in the retractable screen industry for over 25 years, providing the smoothest retractable screen to North American homeowners. If you are interested in learning more about retractable screens or getting a quote, please contact your local Mirage screens dealer, and they will be happy to assist!
