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Benefits of Retractable Screens for Windows

| October 23, 2024

Are you tired of fixed window screens that obstruct your views and get incredibly dirty? Switch to retractable screens for windows – you won’t believe how much your experience of operating windows will change! These screens provide an elegant solution to keeping bugs out while allowing you to enjoy unobstructed views when the windows are closed. Keep reading to see for yourself why retractable window screens are irresistible to homeowners!

Key Takeaways

  • Retractable screens can be used only when needed. When not in use, they remain hidden within the window frame. This technology allows you to control how much natural light enters your house.
  • While fixed window screens are more budget-friendly, they block your views and need to be cleaned and maintained more often. Conversely, retractable window screens allow 50% more sunlight in, provide unobstructed views and aren’t as prone to wear and tear.
  • Magic’s Slide’N’Hide technology was developed for Ontario homes, excelling at aesthetics, functionality, and performance. Our products include fully retractable insect screens, solar shades, and blackout blinds.

Fixed vs. Retractable Screens for Windows

Retractable window screens glide effortlessly into place when needed and remain hidden within the window frame when not in use. This sets them apart from traditional screens that remain fixed within the frame.

Did you know that fixed insect screens block 50% of natural light and 50% of your view? While the unobstructed views are purely for your enjoyment, the decrease in the amount of natural light that enters your home can influence:

  • Energy efficiency; during the winter (if you live in a region with cold winters), you should maximize the amount of natural light that comes through your windows to allow it to warm your house up naturally.
  • Comfort; the more natural light we have in our houses, the better we feel; many studies have shown that natural light can boost our productivity and improve our mood; therefore, if you have fixed window screens that limit VT (visible transmittance, meaning how much natural light enters through a window) and are struggling with staying productive, you may have just found the culprit.
  • Energy bills; the less natural light enters your space, the higher your energy bills because you rely more on artificial lighting.

All these disadvantages vanish with a retractable window screen. These screens are not just about aesthetics; they are also highly functional. Keep reading to discover why retractable screens are better than fixed screens!

Are Retractable Screens for Windows Worth It?

Choosing between a fixed anda retractable screen can significantly impact your home’s functionality and appearance. Fixed screens are, without a doubt, a traditional choice. In recent years, however, more and more homeowners have leaned towards other screen technologies, which are – true indeed – more expensive but totally worth it. Let’s see why!

Price

It goes without saying that fixed screens are cheaper than retractable window screens. They don’t feature complex mechanisms, so if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, go for fixed screens. Nonetheless, remember that investing in high-quality treatments for your windows like retractable screens can lead to long-term savings on energy bills and an increase in property value. Magic’s product suite comes with retractable bug screens, at no additional cost!

Cleaning

Both retractable and fixed screens are easy to clean. But this isn’t something you should pay attention to. Focus on the fact that fixed screens are always in place. This means they accumulate significantly more dust, debris, and allergens. A retractable screen, on the other hand, is slid shut when not in use, thus protected from external factors. In other words, even though a fixed screen is easy to clean, it gets dirty more quickly, and you’ll have to clean it more often. Otherwise, dirty screens will affect indoor air quality – if you have allergies, this can turn into a nightmare!

Maintenance

Fixed screens are more prone to wear and tear than retractable screens. Considering Canadian weather, this shouldn’t come as a surprise. Our harsh winters are your screen’s worst enemy because they accelerate wear and tear. This means you’ll have to replace fixed screens more frequently.

On the other hand, retractable window screens – such as those from Magic – are installed on the inside and can stay out of sight when not needed. No wonder they’re covered by our 40-year warranty!

Views

Undoubtedly, retractable window screens take the lead in terms of unobstructed views. A fixed screen blocks 50% of your view, while retractable screens allow you to enjoy your surroundings – whether it’s a lake or a forest!

Unobstructed views aren’t essential for aesthetic purposes only; it’s also about safety. Let’s say your kids are playing in your front yard, and you need to keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t go out onto the street. Watching them would be much easier with a retractable screen!

Natural Light

Windows play a crucial role in the comfort of your home, and window treatments are part of the equation. Given that fixed screens block 50% of natural light, it goes without saying that retractable window screens win the race again. More natural light can:

  • help reduce energy costs, as you won’t have to rely too much on artificial lighting
  • enhance indoor comfort
  • increase solar heat gain during winter
  • improve your mood and overall well-being

Energy Efficiency

Let’s forget about insect screens for a minute and switch to, let’s say, solar screens. Magic’s solar screens, for example, are made from a light-filtering material that blocks heat from entering your home, as well as harmful UV rays. Thanks to their advanced technology, you can strategically improve your windows’ energy performance.

For example, you can keep the solar screens hidden in winter, thus increasing Visible Transmittance (VT) and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC). This can improve a window’s energy efficiency by 40%. Conversely, you can keep the screens open during summer when it’s extremely hot but hide them within the frame in the morning or evening to cool your house if temperatures are favorable.

How amazing is it that you can fully control how much sunlight enters your home?

Flexibility

Let’s say you have a window wall or French doors. Obviously, fixed screens won’t work for these. You’ll have to install magnetic screens that definitely need to be replaced frequently.

Why not go the extra mile and install screens that last 40 years and work for both windows and glass doors? Even more, Magic screens are strategically designed for window walls, sliding doors, and French doors so they stop at any point along the tracks. In other words, if you have a window wall with four panels, you can keep the screen open for only two panels, and use the other panels for exiting/entering the house.

This way, you can match the screens on your windows with those on the doors, ensuring a seamless interior design!

Fixed vs Retractable Screens: Pros and Cons

To make things easier for you, we’ve summed everything up in a list of pros and cons that will help you understand why retractable window screens are now favored among homeowners.

Fixed Window Screens

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TuV3a34_ZvQcPZzGrvfiwJRA4ljzvH-tSQDTRpZy_-w/edit?usp=sharing

Retractable Window Screens

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1AQCATwyd8A3nGZSipgZv_KdIR8qBXY5agv8eoEuF0Fg/edit?usp=sharing

Ready to Enjoy those Views and Bathe in Natural Light? Contact Magic!

Magic’s second name is innovation. This is how we developed our revolutionary Retractable Slide ‘N’ Hide screen technology manufactured from quality materials.

Our goal was to improve the functionality, performance, and value of your windows. You can now pick our retractable insect screens, retractable solar screens, and retractable blackout blinds, which can improve a window’s energy efficiency by 40%! They can be custom-made based on your design needs and preferences!

Book a free consultation to discover the innovative screen system we’ve perfected!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are retractable window screens?

Retractable window screens glide into place when needed and slide shut when not in use, remaining hidden within the window frame.

Are retractable window screens worth it?

Retractable window screens are absolutely worth it because they improve a window’s energy efficiency by allowing you to control how much light enters your house. They also offer unobstructed views when needed and are more durable than fixed screens.

How do retractable screens compare to fixed screens?

Retractable screens surpass fixed screens by providing better aesthetics, unobstructed views, more natural light, and enhanced energy efficiency. They are also more durable than fixed screens and don’t have to be cleaned as often.

Can you put a screen on any window?

Retractable screens can be installed on any window, including single-hung, double-hung, slider, and casement windows. Magic’s retractable screens are perfect for window walls and glass doors.

How long do retractable screens last?

Magic’s retractable screens for windows last 40 years and are covered by our warranty.

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