The best screen door – Chicago Tribune

2022-06-11 01:28:26 By : Mr. Jason Long

Hear that? Buzz, buzz, buzz. It's the sound of mosquitoes seeking you out for a feast. But with a good-quality screen door, you can allow fresh summer air to flow through your home without becoming an all-you-can-eat buffet for pesky flying insects. A screen door also provides a modicum of privacy while still allowing you to enjoy a fresh breeze. To learn more, keep reading our guide. Our top choice is the iGotTech Magnetic Screen Door, which is simple to install and stays in place. Considerations when choosing screen doors There are several types of screen doors to choose from. Magnetic screen doors are a temporary solution that attach with magnets. This type of door is incredibly easy to install, quick to remove, and inexpensive. Magnetic doors, however, aren't particularly aesthetically pleasing. Hinged screen doors are a classic solution for your patio doors available in an array of styles to suit a variety of décor schemes. A durable, long-term option, these require installation and must be carefully sized in order to fit a doorway. Retractable screen doors are similar to roller blind–style window treatments. This type of screen door doesn't get in the way when not in use. Tools are required for installation, however, and retractable options tend to be expensive. Features The main component of a screen door is the mesh material that allows air to pass through but stops insects. Magnetic doors are often outfitted with polyester screens, which are lightweight but prone to tearing. Vinyl is a far superior mesh option. Fiberglass is ideal if you're concerned about seasonal allergies in addition to insect invaders, because the fine mesh is capable of blocking out pollen. Finally, metal screen doors are incredibly durable but rather expensive. Selecting a model with a quality frame is also crucial. Wood frames are attractive but costly. Wood is also vulnerable to the elements. Vinyl is weather-resistant and inexpensive but less aesthetically pleasing. Stainless steel is the most durable option but may be a struggle to install because it's a lot heavier than other frame materials. Pick a screen door with a frame that best matches your home's door frame. Mixing and matching colors and materials looks awkward. If you live somewhere with cool-weather months, avoid flimsy magnetic screen doors in favor of retractable and hinged options. Durability is key. Bugs will find a way into your home through a ripped or torn mesh screen. It's critically important before selecting and purchasing a screen door to measure your door frame. Buy the wrong size, and you'll end up with a useless accessory. Price You'll spend between $10 and $300 for a screen door. Price varies according to door type and quality. Magnetic doors are the cheapest, and retractable options have the highest price tag. FAQ Q. Can I install a screen door on my own? A. Absolutely. Screen doors are typically quite easy to install without help from a professional. You'll need tools to install a retractable or hinged screen door, though, and if you're not handy, a call to a professional may be worthwhile. Q. Is it possible to lock a screen door? A. Some screen doors are lockable, but the majority are not. If you need to lock up because you're leaving the house, be sure to close and lock your main door. Screen doors we recommend Best of the best: iGotTech Magnetic Screen Door, Full Frame 34" x 82" Our take: An excellent temporary screen door option for renters or less-than-handy homeowners. What we like: Affordable and easy to install. Stays put and does a great job at keeping bugs out. What we dislike: Adjustments may be required to prevent gaps upon installation. Best bang for your buck: Homearda Magnetic Screen Door, Full Frame 34" x 82" Our take: A low-cost temporary screen door option that will work in a pinch. What we like: A simple, budget solution for stopping bugs in their tracks. Installs easily. What we dislike: Not very durable. Choice 3: Wolf & Moon Products Bug Off Instant Screen, 72" x 80" Our take: Screen doors attached with a tension rod and magnets that are suitable for French or wide patio doors. What we like: Durable design. Magnets are high-quality. Large size is perfect for accommodating sliding doors. What we dislike: Tends to slip out of place because of a low-quality tension rod. Steph Coelho is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money. BestReviews never accepts free products from manufacturers and purchases every product it reviews with its own funds. BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.