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One of the major garage door screen manufacturers has a saying, “It’s not just a screen, it’s a lifestyle.” We’d have to agree. While the garage may be a utilitarian storage unit for some households, it serves entirely different purposes than when it was originally designed.
These days, garages are used as hobby shops and sports centrals; they’re used as man caves or in-law units, or they may be temporarily converted into a semi-studio for a young adult child who isn’t ready to flee the nest just yet.
In all of these cases, screen doors can go a long way towards improving the ambiance of the space, conserving energy, improving light and air flow and so on.
Five Benefits of Installing a Garage Door Screen
Garage door screens fit a wide range of garage door sizes. Once the screen is built and installed, you’ll be able to easily move it into place when your garage door is up. There are a few different garage door screens to choose from. Here are some of the most common:
- Roll up screen doors. These are the least expensive garage door screen and are a good DIY option for homes that will rarely use the garage screen feature – perhaps only a time or two when company is visiting for the summer. They attach to the header and jambs and then a zipper or magnet system works to open and close them.
- Retractable screen. Most retractable screens are installed using a housing system that attaches at the header. A remote control system raises and lowers the screen.
- Sliding screen doors. These systems remain fixed in place. Your garage door remote’s additional button can be programmed to open and close the sliding screen door, or you can use a separate remote control.
Each one has its pluses and minuses. Working with a professional garage door installer will help you pick the best one for your lifestyle and needs. If you’ll be using the screen door on a regular basis, it’s worth paying for high-quality screen system so you can enjoy reliable operation day after day.
Here are five reasons we recommend installing a screen door on your garage.
- Expand your home’s square footage. When you convert all or a portion of your garage into a living space, you instantly gain square footage. This space will come in handy when you’re hosting a party or large gathering while hosting out-of-town guests, or for providing additional space for adolescents and teens to be ‘home’ with their friends while still retaining a bit of autonomy (while you preserve a bit of piece).
- Energy efficiency. By opening up the garage, and using a screen door, you eliminate the need for a portable A/C system or multiple fans. You’ll benefit from air flow and cooler evening- and night-time temperatures. This will save energy, and reduce seasonal cooling costs.
- Protection from flying insects. Without a full garage remodel, you can still wind up with a stuffy and cave-like atmosphere in the warmer months, and a screen-free, open garage puts you and your guests at the mercy of flying insects, critters and neighborhood pets. With a screen in place, you can enjoy your garage all day long – even with lights on after sunset – no need for a bug zapper, the pungent odor of citronella or copious insect repellant.
- Keep your garage clean. When a garage door is open, the slightest breeze can blow leaves, dirt, pollen, dust and debris into the space. In addition to creating a messy garage, this is all the stuff you want to keep away from your home’s interior, the garage door track and its greased mechanical parts.
- Improve security. If you like to leave your garage door open when you’re at home, the screen door is a perfect way to add an extra barrier between its contents and potential thieves that want to make a quick grab. They know that taking the time to open up a screen creates that much more noise, motion and attention – so the screen acts as a deterrent.
Are you ready to take your indoor-outdoor lifestyle to the next life? Contact the team here at R&S and we’ll be happy to provide more information about your garage screen door options.
