covered deck with furniture and retractable patio screens

Retractable Patio Screens: What They Actually Solve

Picture a covered patio on a beautiful August evening. The temperature finally cools down and the conversation is good, but then the wind picks up. Or the bugs find you. Or the patio lights let anyone walking by see straight into your space. Nights like these are what push many of our clients to ask about retractable patio screens.

Our screen systems are designed to solve four specific problems: sun, privacy, bugs, and wind. The right screen option for you depends on which of these problems you want to solve. During the design phase of your project, we’ll walk through your specific goals before making a recommendation. Whether you’ve got a covered deck, patio, or pergola, here’s what a retractable patio screen can do for you.

Shade

The solar screen mesh blocks up to 80-100% of harmful UV rays. That significantly reduces the heat radiating into your screened-in space. Along with lower cooling and energy costs, your patio becomes a more comfortable place to sit during the heat of the day. Add a fan to circulate the air, and you’re all set!

Privacy

Retractable patio screens add a layer of privacy without closing the space off entirely. You can still see out and people outside can’t see in. But keep in mind, color matters here. Lighter colors reflect light and obscure the view, which is best for daytime privacy. On the other hand, darker colors give you the best visibility, day or night, looking out from inside.

retractable patio screens in the up position, revealing the covered patio
retractable patio screens in the closed position, adding privacy to the patio

Insect Protection

If bugs are your main concern, our insect mesh is a great choice. It keeps the bugs out without cutting off airflow, keeping that open-air feel. A few weave options are available, depending on what kind of pests you’re dealing with. We’ll help you match the right one to your yard!

Wind Block

The tighter weave used in solar and privacy screens cuts down significantly on wind coming into the space. The track design and screen material hold up in changing weather conditions, and are strong enough to handle flying debris. Need some proof? Check out this durability test from our manufacturer! Magnet tracks in particular can handle strong gusts of wind and direct impact without dislodging the screen.

Retractable Patio Screens for Maximum Comfort

At this point you might be wondering if you need four different screens to solve your patio problems. You don’t. The right product handles sun, privacy, bugs, and wind in one screen, and that’s exactly what the MagnaTrack Screens system delivers. We install this system because it’s one of the best on the market, and it offers so many options for our clients.

A covered deck, patio, or pergola only gets real use when it’s actually comfortable. Retractable patio screens can make all the difference. Think of it this way: a space you’d only use twice a summer can turn into one you use almost every night. Contact us today to get started on your project!

TAKE LIFE OUTDOORS.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do I need a different screen for sun, privacy, bugs, and wind?

No. The right material handles all four in one screen. That’s exactly what the MagnaTrack Screens system does.

Will retractable patio screens work with my existing deck, patio, or pergola?

In most cases, yes. Retractable patio screens can be attached to most existing covered structures without a full rebuild. We’ll check your specific setup during the design phase to confirm the right track and screen configuration.

What screen color should I choose for the most privacy?

Lighter colors reflect light and obscure the view best during the day. Darker colors give you the clearest visibility at night, looking out from inside.

Can retractable screens actually hold up in strong wind?

Yes. The track design and screen material hold up across changing weather conditions. Magnet tracks resist strong gusts and direct impact from debris without the screen dislodging.

How do I know which retractable patio screen option is right for my space?

That’s exactly what the design phase is for. We’ll walk through your specific goals, whether that’s sun, privacy, bugs, or wind, and recommend the right material for your space.