We've had this screen door for about 12 years and really think it's a good alternative to a pricier installed screen door. We weren't in a financial position to have a screen door installed at that time, so I ordered this one.
It's a flexible fabric screen supported on an adjustable tension rod. The rod is secured at the top of the doorway, and the screen hangs from it. Here's a similar screen from Home Depot. The one in the link is for a single door. The one we have is for a 48-inch width doorway (which works on our 48" French doors). The screen goes up in under 3 minutes and requires no skill to install.
We need a screen for about 3 months each year. At the end of the season, I take it down, roll the screen fabric around the tension rod, and store it upright in a closet.
Our particular screen has an opening down the center. We don't use that opening. Instead we simply push the whole screen out of the way as we come and go. It falls back into place after entering or exiting.
So a price comparison -- the Home Depot 36-inch single instant screen door sells for about $24 (I think we paid about $30 for the 48-inch screen). A framed screen door (that would require installation) would cost upwards of $100 for a 36-inch width.
I just wanted to share this, as I think it's a good, budget-friendly alternative to a pricier screen door, especially for an area like mine, where I only need screening for 3 months out of each year. We actually prefer to not have a screen on this door the rest of the year, so we can see through the window better.
A friend has something similar at her house. Does the screen seal well enough around the edges that it does a good job keeping the bugs out?
ReplyDeleteHi Live and Learn,
DeleteWe allow our screen to hang loose, as it's easier for us. Our screen came with velcro tabs on the sides, which do hold the screen tight. We just don't like the actual use of velcro tabs. However, there are some screens that use magnets along the sides. These would work better at holding the screen tight along the edges and still be easy in and out.
I leave the back door open (with the screen in place) most of the day, and I'd say we get very few bugs in the house. I think it would depend on how buggy the area is just outside the door. Has your friend said how she likes hers for keeping the bugs out?
They have dogs going in and out all of the time, so theirs is not secured, either.
DeleteDH and I have also been looking at screen options, and my question is the same as Live and Learn. We don't need a screen year-round here, but when we need it, it really needs to let air in without letting mosquitoes, yellow jackets, and flies in. Seems like this sort of thing might work, logistically, and we'd welcome it financially (after the cost of our new slider/screen in the living room!$$$$) Sara
ReplyDeleteHi Sara,
DeleteAs I said to Live and Learn, the screens with magnet tabs along the sides would seal up pretty well while maintaining ease of use. Even without using side tabs, ours keeps I'd say about 98% of bugs out. Occasionally a bug hitchhikes into the kitchen while we pass through the screen. I notice every single year right after putting it up, using this screen really prevents bugs from getting into the house. Like I said, look for magnetic tabs, or even improvise your own magnetic tabs along the sides.
Thanks, that's all good to know. How about wind? Is it windy there, at all? I think we could manage to get it set back in place after we use it (and actually the door we'd need one for isn't used as much); but we do sometimes have breezy conditions here. Sara
DeleteHi Sara,
DeleteIn summer (when I use the screen), I'd say it's breezy. but not windy.