Skip to main content

Why a retractable screen may be just what your patio needs this summer

Your patio is the hub of all summer get-togethers including barbecues, garden parties, and late night conversations around the firepit. One slight inconvenience about summer? All the bugs and heat that even covered patio designs can’t repel! A retractable screen for your door, windows, or patio can help keep these critters away and keep you cool. If you’re still on the fence about a retractable screen for your patio, here are a few reasons why you should definitely get one.

retractable screens on windows
European Rolling Shutters / Flickr

What is a retractable screen?

A retractable screen, unlike a traditional screen door or window screen, works like a projector screen that withdraws back into its container. It’s also reminiscent of a cassette tape that’s wound back up, which is no wonder why its container is called a cassette. One big plus about retractable screens is that they fit on any type of door or window, whether they swing out or in.

When choosing a retractable screen, choose one that has full coverage to prevent bugs from getting in (especially from the top or bottom), a no-slam mechanism, and a small cassette for aesthetic reasons.

Prevent bug bites

One main reason folks love retractable screen doors is that they keep bugs out of your home. In the summer, these creatures thrive from the heat and overall abundance of food, but they tend to fly into homes during the day and are drawn toward warmth and light at night.

Tightly woven screen doors prevent even the smallest bugs from shuffling in. This is helpful for harmless bugs like ladybugs but even more so for potentially risky ones like mosquitoes.

Keep energetic dogs inside or out

Another reason we love retractable screens is that they keep our fur babies inside when temperatures are soaring outside, says The Money Pit. They may want to hang out near the door to get some fresh air, but a secure screen door will remind them to stay inside.

On the other hand, screen doors will keep your dogs out when it’s time for them to potty or if you leave them there intentionally when you’re not home, or if their dog home is outside.

patio with retractable screen
European Rolling Shutters/Flickr

Let the breeze roll in

This may be obvious already, but a screen door allows that refreshing summer breeze to roll in, says Bob Vila. Even when you have the AC on full blast, there’s nothing like fresh air on a hot summer day.

Alternatively, you can keep doors open when you need to air out the house any time of year. This helps improve indoor quality, which can get a little dirty from indoor cooking, burning candles, pet dander, and more.

Store it in place when not in use

Another benefit of using a retractable screen for your patio door is it’s stored in place when it’s not in use. This allows you to enjoy a view of your yard through your glass screen doors when the screen is pulled back. It also means you don’t have to dismantle the device, pack it up, and store it in a closet or the garage until you need it again.

When the retractable screen is in its cassette, you’re also protecting it from sun damage, rusting, dirt buildup, and snow. Which means, you most likely won’t have to replace your screen for years to come.

Outdoor patio screens provide partial shade

If you’re thinking of installing a retractable screen beyond your patio door, go for it. A summer patio will benefit most from a retractable screen to prevent bugs from coming into your home, keep pets inside, and let air circulate. Additionally, you can install side screens outside to protect you and your family from sun, wind, and even water depending on the weather. For both products, look for easy-to-operate models, soft-close mechanisms, and compact cassettes when shopping around. Whichever brand you go with, one thing is for sure: Your summer days will be much more enjoyable with a retractable screen installed.

Editors' Recommendations

Deb Goncalves
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Deb's work has appeared on Moms, Babygaga, and WorldAtlas. When she's not working (that's hard to say about a Capricorn), she…
6 easy ways to update your home for under $500
Update your home with these inexpensive, easy projects
Couple painting white walls

When most homeowners think of renovations, they think of time-consuming projects that always run over budget. And often, they’re right. But updating your home doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Tearing down cabinets and installing brand-new hardwood floors aren’t the only ways to up your home design game.

With a bit of planning and elbow grease, you can refresh your space with inexpensive home remodeling projects that will have a considerable impact. Here are six DIY home projects that you can easily complete for less than $500.

Read more
11 bad ideas for your front yard that will kill your curb appeal
Avoid these mistakes for your front yard
A front yard with xeriscape landscaping

You may be thinking about all the projects you want to tackle outdoors thanks to the warmer weather. While you may have grand plans to improve your curb appeal, taking the time and patience to properly land on a front yard design is important. If you want to ensure you're staying on trend and not dating your home, there are some common mistakes to avoid. These will help with the resale value of your home and leave you the envy of all your neighbors.
Landscaping mistakes
These are some common mistakes you'll want to avoid when thinking about landscaping your front yard.
Not having a game plan
One of the biggest mistakes is not having a plan when it comes to the design and layout of your landscaping. This can leave your yard feeling disjointed and your plants at risk of looking overgrown and out of place. Meet with a local garden expert or map out your front yard, including where all plants, trees, rocks, water features, and flowers will live. This will help ensure things don't look too busy or sparse, and it will make your yard feel well thought out.
Using the wrong plants
Understand which plants work for your exact yard. If they need full sun or partial shade, or require a lot of maintenance, it may be a disaster waiting to happen. Not only do you need to consider placement in terms of sunlight, but different flowers and plants have varying schedules of watering, so you want to know exactly what's expected before you plant them.
Too many decorations
Everyone loves a yard that changes with the season in terms of decor, but you can overdo it. You want to avoid garden decor that makes your front yard look tacky or cheap (we're talking to you, plastic deer), so keep decorations to a minimum.

Color pitfalls
We love color, but you need to be careful how and where you use it.
Choosing all one color
We love a monochromatic look as much as the next person, but your home should be welcoming and warm from the first glance. If you prefer having your house the same color as outdoor furniture and plants/flowers, use it as a backdrop. Add one or two pops of color with chair pillows or your front door to breathe a little life into your home.
Choosing too many colors
While it's good to have a little variety, you don't want to overwhelm the outside of your home. Bright colors may work in some parts of the country, but go easy on the rest of your choices. Picking one primary color and one contrasting color that complements it is the safest approach, especially if you're planning to sell your home.

Read more
Rustic but modern: Why water trough gardening may be right for you
Water trough gardening will have you planting in style — here are the pros and cons
Water trough with plants

Water trough gardening has been a rising trend in the green thumb community. There is no one-size-fits-all method to achieving a beautiful garden: Some gardeners create gorgeous vertical gardens, some prefer pyramid gardens, while others would rather start a hydroponic garden. But water trough gardening is unique because it typically uses steel or other metal and is often used to provide fresh, clean water to livestock on farms or ranches.

If you are looking to achieve a rustic yet modern look in your garden, a water trough planter can be the perfect vessel to hold your plants. Here are the pros and cons of water trough gardening so you can determine whether it’s the best gardening method for you and your space.

Read more