A retractable screen door rolls into a slim housing when you don't need it and pulls across when you do — letting you keep an open doorway clear most of the time and screened when insects are out. Here's what to know before buying.
How it works. A mesh panel winds onto a spring-loaded roller inside a side housing. A top track and bottom guide keep it straight as it slides across the opening; a magnetic or latch closure holds it closed.
Best for: entry doors, French doors, patio doors and large openings where a fixed screen would be in the way. When retracted, the doorway is fully open — no screen to walk around.
What to decide:
- Housing side: left or right, based on the door swing and wall clearance
- Mesh type: standard fiberglass for visibility; pet-resistant or heavier mesh for durability
- Guide style: a bottom track, or a trackless magnetic guide for a flush threshold
- Size: built to the exact door opening width and height
Quality matters. Cheap retractables sag, blow open and fail in a season. A well-built retractable with a strong roller, sealed housing and a captured mesh guide lasts years and holds up in coastal wind.
Measure or have us measure. Accurate opening dimensions are essential. Configure online for DIY or book professional measurement across the Lower Mainland.