Insect Screen

Keep the Bugs Out & Let the Breeze In with Retractable Screens

Insect screens make it possible to open up your home and allow the fresh air in without worrying about pesky or even dangerous bugs. Traditional window and door insect screens consist of a wood or metal frame with some sort of screen fabric stretched across it. While these screens are reasonably effective in preventing insects from coming in, they are at best unattractive and at worst down right ugly. Traditional screen doors are particularly unattractive because they tend to sag or bend with use, or the fabric gets torn out of the frame.

In recent years retractable screens have been available as an alternative to traditional insect screens. Retractable screens have an inconspicuous and attractive aluminum frame and a screen fabric that stores away when not needed. The retractable screens available, until recently, were definitely a better looking addition to any home than traditional screens, but they do not always provide reliable protection from insects. The use of a spring to hold the fabric tight across the opening makes these retractable screens vulnerable to the wind. Anything more than a mild breeze may blow the fabric out of its track and a little stronger wind may cause the mechanism to retract – either way leaving your home open to insects.

Screen Solutions Inc has introduced the Plissé (PLEE’-say) retractable screen. This new design does away with the spring loaded fabric of other retractable screens and uses a unique pleated fabric to fold away when not needed. In a test using a common household fan to simulate wind, a spring loaded retractable screen failed to stay in its track with the fan 24″ away while the Plissé stayed put even when the fan was placed right up to the fabric. To view a report on this test click here.