The Ultimate Guide to Buying Retractable Screen Doors: Benefits and Options

Retractable screen doors are useful for homeowners looking to combine the best of indoor and outdoor living all year round. This type of screen solution provides a subtle yet effective barrier that allows fresh air and sunlight into your home while keeping pests outside. During hot, insect-prone summer months in the Gold Coast and Tweed Heads region, it integrates easily with the style of your home and maintains your family’s comfort. 

Retractable screen doors are easy to use, versatile and available in different styles. Like any other screen choices, however, they come with their own unique set of advantages and considerations. It is important to choose your screen door wisely to maximise durability and longevity.  

Goldco® Security provides professionally manufactured and expertly installed fly screens and security screens on the Gold Coast and Tweed Heads region. 

Here is the Goldco® Security guide on what you need to know if you are screen door shopping and considering choosing the retractable option.  

 

What are retractable screen doors?

As the name suggests, retractable screen doors roll back into a canister when not in use, leaving an unobstructed view of your outside area. Made from flexible mesh, these doors are perfect for door styles such as French and bi-fold doors, which typical screens can be difficult to fit. 

 

Pros and cons of retractable screen doors

If you are wondering whether retractable screen doors are right for your home, here are some advantages and limitations to help you decide: 

Pros

An unobstructed view

When the screen is retracted, you have a completely clear view of your backyard or outdoor area from the comfort of your indoor living space. 

Efficient use of space

Because they require no swinging space, retractable doors let you make the most out of the area around your doorway. 

Ventilation and protection

These screen doors allow fresh air and sunlight into your home while protecting you and your family from insects and UV rays. 

Less wear and tear

The screen retracts when not in use, reducing its exposure to natural elements and accidental damage. 

Cons

A higher cost

Retractable screens are typically more expensive than more traditional styles. 

More maintenance

The addition of moving parts means a little more cleaning and lubrication compared to traditional styles.

Less security

Unlike security screens, retractable screens are not made to resist forced entry. 

 

What to look out for when screen door shopping

Not all retractable screen doors are made equal. Here are some factors to take into consideration before you make your purchase:  

Security

If your home is in a high-risk area for intruders, you may want to consider a security screen door. 

Durability

Different materials (and their strengths) affect how sturdy your retractable screen door will be and how long it will last. 

Pricing

Retractable screen doors vary in price depending on factors like quality, size and installation method. While quality is the most important factor for a long-lasting screen door, it is possible to find an excellent-quality screen door while working  to a budget. 

 

Retractable screen door options

The two main types of retractable screens are:

  • Smooth (or roller / flat mesh). Featuring a similar design to roller blinds, these screens roll up into a canister on the door frame when not in use. 
  • Pleated screens. These screens feature mesh that folds into itself when not in use in a concertina / accordion style, like a pleated curtain.

Retractable screens

Why you should choose Goldco® Security’s retractable screen doors

Goldco® Security has been supplying fly screens and security screens to the people of the Gold Coast and Tweed Heads region since the 1980s. Whether you are upgrading your current space or starting a new build, we have retractable screen doors and windows that are custom-made to suit your home and lifestyle.  

Goldco® Security supplies custom-made retractable screen doors that are perfectly suited to outdoor entertaining areas, alfresco spaces and sliding / bi-fold door openings. Our different mesh types include Standard Patio for the general insect population, Pet-Lite (which is up to 10 times stronger than standard mesh) and Sandfly (a finer mesh to filter out stronger insects). Our retractable doors are uniquely designed for challenging openings including bi-fold doors, stacking doors, French doors, and even pillarless corner openings where two screens meet at a 90-degree angle without a centre post.

With every new door made, Goldco® Security takes into account the size and configuration of the opening, your home’s architectural style and colour matching to existing frames. With an innovative customer-focused approach, we provide Australian-made quality you can count on. 

Call Goldco® Security on (07) 5572 2628 or send us an email for an obligation-free quote on your own retractable screen door.