Tired of Fixed Window Screens & Blinds? We Don’t Blame You
Let’s face it: traditional window screens and blinds haven’t really changed much over the years. They are cumbersome, cluttered, dusty and above all, fixed in place. Not only can these systems leave your windows looking dated, but you also have no choice but to look at and use them season after season. At Magic™, we wanted to rethink window screens and blinds altogether. It was our goal to design systems that were more functional, user-friendly, aesthetically pleasing and, most importantly, could disappear when they weren’t needed. The result? Retractable screens, shades and blinds made with our patented Slide ‘N’ Hide® Technology.
We love sharing the benefits of these innovative systems with home and cottage owners. So let’s get into it! Here are the five most significant benefits of our retractable window screens, shades and blinds.
1. Enjoy Unobstructed Views
One of the biggest downsides of traditional insect screens is how they block your view of the outdoors. Fixed screens can block 50% of your view. This makes it that much more difficult to enjoy the scenes around your lakeside cottage or watch the kids in the backyard.
The primary function of these screens is to keep insects out during the warmer months when your windows are open. But what about the rest of the year when the windows are closed? In the early spring, fall and winter, fixed screens don’t do anything but block your view. Even in the warmer months, there are many days when having an unobstructed view outside would be preferable.
The Solution: Retractable Insect Screens
Our patented retractable screens come standard in all of our window, patio door, and Window Wall installations. They work to provide unobstructed views of the outdoors all year round. This adjustability gives home and cottage owners complete control over when, where and how they use their insect screens. Retract them for unimpeded views of the outdoors, and close them when you’re looking for extra protection from insects or the elements — it’s entirely up to you!
2. Increase Your Natural Light
In addition to obstructing outdoor views, fixed window screens can also restrict natural light. In fact, they block up to 50% of the natural light that streams through your windows. For home and cottage owners in Ontario, this means even less natural light during the winter months — a time of year when light is already hard to come by. Ridding your windows of these screens can help you maximize natural daylight year-round and reduce your dependence on artificial light.
The Solution: Retractable Insect Screens
These retractable screens can help increase your Visible Light Transmittance (VT) by 50%. This is a metric that describes how much visible natural light passes through your window units to illuminate your home. When you upgrade to windows and doors from Magic, all of your new units will come standard with these retractable screens. So you can choose when and where you want to increase your home’s natural light.
You should know: In Canada, energy efficiency metrics like VT, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient and U-Factor are used to calculate an overall Energy Rating (ER) for windows and doors. The problem? These metrics are measured without an insect screen in place. Considering that most window and door companies then use fixed insect screens on their units, the energy efficiency metrics they promote are entirely inaccurate. Retractable screens from Magic allow you to fully capitalize on all the energy-efficiency benefits of your windows and doors, including the VT, U-Factor and more.
Learn More About Why Canada’s Window Energy Rating is Misleading Here >>
3. Prevent Unwanted Heat Gain
After winter’s shorter, darker days, the abundance of natural light during the summer months can feel like a gift. But have you ever found yourself having to weigh the benefits of more natural light with more heat? During these warmer months, it’s easy to find yourself in a predicament where maximizing natural light in your home also means added heat gain. This unfiltered sunlight can raise the temperature inside your home and lead to inflated cooling bills. Plus, it can fade the colouring on your furniture and flooring over time.
The Solution: Retractable Solar Shades
In addition to our insect screens, we also carry retractable solar shades built with the same Slide ‘N’ Hide® technology. These solar shades can help improve your window’s overall performance, specifically the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) rating that describes how well your unit resists unwanted heat gain from solar radiation.
In sunnier, warmer conditions, sliding your solar shades into place helps to filter sunlight, while not cutting it off entirely. This means you can still let in the natural light while blocking out much of the added heat that can lead to uncomfortable interior temperatures during the summer. Plus, in colder but sunnier weather, the ability to retract the screen allows you to capitalize on the sun’s heat when it’s actually wanted.
4. Improve the Insulating Capabilities of Your Windows
Window units that can retain heat and keep your home well insulated are essential for homes and cottages in Ontario. The energy efficiency metric that measures how well your windows can avoid heat loss is called U-Factor. Anything you can add to your window units that improves U-Factor and boosts their insulating capabilities is a net good for your home — especially during the winter months. When your furnace is already working hard to heat your home, the last thing you want is for heat to escape through your windows and doors. The heat retention of your windows and doors is an important part of an energy-efficient home.
The Solution: Retractable Thermal Blinds
Improve the thermal efficiency and the look and feel of your windows and doors with the addition of retractable thermal blinds. Not only do they work to prevent heat loss and improve insulation, but they also disappear from view when they aren’t needed! The ability to fully retract the blinds out of sight when they aren’t in use can transform your windows’ aesthetic and create a cleaner, more modern look. Plus, our thermal blinds also function as blackout blinds that can help increase privacy.
5. Cleaner, More Stylish Window Units
Traditional screens and blinds can add unnecessary bulk and clutter to your window units and can leave them looking dated. Plus, these screens and blinds are constantly exposed to the interior and exterior elements, leaving them dirty, dusty and difficult to clean. If you’ve ever had to remove the insect screen to clean your windows, you know just how frustrating it can be!
The Solution: Patented Slide ‘N’ Hide® Technology
Aesthetically, it’s hard to beat screens and blinds that retract into the frame and out of sight. Our screens and blinds have a minimalist, functional aesthetic when drawn. When they are retracted, you won’t notice them at all. The only thing you will notice is a clean, uncluttered window that provides unimpeded views.
Screens and blinds that retract back won’t get dusty or dirty nearly as quickly as traditional systems. What’s more, the ability to retract the insect screen makes it far easier to give the exterior panes of your windows a quick clean. This means you won’t have to go through the hassle of popping fixed screens into and out of place.
Get More Style & Performance Out of Your Windows With All Three Retractable Screens!
Used together, these three retractable screen and blind systems give homeowners more control over the style and functionality of their windows and doors. The simple, elegant design of these systems can help you save on energy costs and feel more comfortable indoors by improving your windows’ overall efficiency by 40% or more. In addition, they work together to create a seamless, stylish and cohesive look that can elevate and modernize the aesthetic of your home.
If you’re looking for stylish, efficient, innovative replacement windows with retractable screens and blinds, reach out today. Book a free, no-hassle consultation with one of our representatives! They will walk you through the replacement process and help you understand the innovation behind our window and door systems.