The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Screen Door

Shopping for a new screen door for your home

Screen doors are a great addition to any home, providing ventilation while keeping insects and other unwanted elements out. However, with so many mounting options and styles available on the market, it can be difficult to know which one is right for your door or application. In this article, we’ll explore 10 popular types of screen doors and explain their unique features.

It can be a difficult task in knowing which screen door is best for your place. With so many different brands and models available, it’s hard to know which one is the best for you. This guide provides all the information you need to make an informed decision on the perfect screen door for your home.

But first I am going to explain more details about the screen door. Including what type of frames and mesh screening are available.

What is a Screen Door?

A screen door is made of fine netting into a type of frame, which is installed on the outside of the various entry ways of a house. It is widely used to get protection from mosquitoes and pests. The most amazing thing about it is that it is one of the reasons that malaria was eliminated in the United States. For more information on this topic click here.

Screen doors are commonly used on the exterior of homes, particularly on front or back doors, and are installed in conjunction with a traditional hinged door. It is typically made of lightweight materials, such as aluminum or thin steel, and is constructed with a mesh screen that covers the opening.

There are several types of screen doors available, including sliding and hinged also known as swinging screen doors. Retractable, French, Security, Storm Doors, Pet, Dutch, Patio Screen Doors and Magnetic Screen Door. Plus one special bonus style at the end. You’ll want to see this one.

In summary, a screen door is a type of door that is designed to allow air and light to flow into a home or building while keeping insects and other unwanted elements out. They provide ventilation, added protection against insects, and can be customized to fit the specific needs and style of a home.

Economy screen door frames are made with Roll Formed steel and heavy duty ones are made with an extruded Aluminum. The extruded aluminum frames are exceptionally more sturdy than the roll formed screen door.

What is the difference between rolled formed and extruded metal?

When it comes to manufacturing metal products, two common processes used are roll forming and extrusion. While both processes are used to create metal products, there are distinct differences between them. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right manufacturing process for your metal products.

Roll forming is a process where metal sheets or coils are fed into a set of rollers that bend the metal into the desired shape. The rollers can be adjusted to create different shapes and profiles, allowing for a variety of products to be created using this process. This process is particularly useful for creating products with long, continuous lengths, such as roof panels or railings, window screen frames and screen door frames too. 

Extrusion, on the other hand, is a process where a metal billet or slug is forced through a die to create a specific shape. The die is designed to shape the metal into the desired form, whether that be a simple bar or a more complex shape with multiple curves and angles. Extrusion is typically used for creating products with a constant cross-section, such as pipes or tubing.

In summary, both roll forming and extrusion are useful processes for manufacturing metal products like screen door frames, but they have distinct differences. Roll forming is better suited for creating frames with standard strength, while extrusion is better suited for creating products with a better quality and more durable frame. 

Which is the best Screen Mesh Type?

Likewise the mesh type plays an important role in durability. The most common and widely used mesh type is Standard Fiberglass Screens, but the screen industry keeps innovating new types
of mesh to increase the visibility, durability, heat resistance capacity etc. Phifer is the leading manufacturer of screens who brings innovation and quality into the same point. Plus they have developed Watershed Technology which helps keep rain water off of your screens, to improve visibility on rainy days.

 Citation: Phifer https://www.phifer.com/screening/water-shed-technology/

“Phifer Water Shed Technology™ is a hydrophobic coating that prevents rain from collecting in the holes, giving clearer views both during and after a rain shower. Even if it rains all day, Water Shed Technology™ gives you a clear outward view.”

Here are the Top 10 Screen Mesh Types

1. Fiberglass Charcoal
2. Fiberglass Grey
3. Aluminum Wire
4. Better Vue with Watershed Technology
5. Pet Screen
6. Tuff Screen
7. No See Um 20×20 Mesh – For small insects
8. Solar Screening
9. Suntex 80
10. Suntex 90

Screen Door Differences

The Top 10 Most Common Screen Door Styles

1. Sliding Screen Doors:

This style is mostly used with the patio glass doors. One side of the glass slider is installed in a two panel patio glass door to ensure pests and bugs are not coming inside the home even if the glass door is open. 

Sliding screen doors are the most common type of patio slider and are typically installed on sliding glass doors. We have seen the sliding type installed on French Doors, on wide openings with multiple screen doors as well as on garage doors. 

Features & Benefits

The sliding screen door rolls on wheels that are either made of plastic, steel or stainless steel depending on type purchased. The top is generally inserted into a top channel and the bottom rollers slide onto a bottom track. Handles are typically mounted center for both left and right handle sides. 

They are easy to use and can be made from a variety of materials, including vinyl, steel, aluminum, or wood. Best Custom Screens only sells the aluminum and steel frames. 

The most standard size SSD is 36″ and 48″ width. But the good news is our company makes any size custom made.

Best Selling Products

• 36×94 Fully Assembled Economy Sliding Screen Door – Custom Made
• EZ Slide Heavy Duty Sliding Screen Door
• Super Duper Heavy Duty Sliding Screen Door

2. Retractable Screen Doors:

Retractable screen doors are a great option for those who want the benefits of a keeping bugs out without obstructing their view. They are typically mounted on the inside of the door frame and can be pulled across the opening when needed. When not in use, it retracts into a compact housing, leaving your doorway completely unobstructed.

Innovation meets affordable price

The Retractable screen door is the latest innovation of the screening industry. It’s becoming the most popular screen for its versatile and stylish appearance. The most stylish and upscale are from Genius and TruFrame Roll – Away.

• Milano Premium Single Panel Retractable Screen Door (Custom Made)
  
• Genius COOL Retractable Screen Double Door
  

3. French Screen Doors:

French screen doors are a stylish and elegant option that consists of two panels that open outward. A French Dr Kit is included when purchasing this product. They can be customized with a variety of designs and finishes to match the style of your home.

Order French Screen Doors Today!

This set of screen doors  is specially made to install on French doors. Many people think there is no way to use a fly screen on the French door but Best Custom Screens has innovated the easiest way to put a fly screen on the French doors. Buy screen doors for French Doors from Best Custom Screens.

• French Screen Doors
  

4. Security Screen Doors:

Security screening is a great option for those who want to add an extra layer of protection to their home. They are typically made from steel or aluminum and are designed to prevent intruders from gaining access to your home. They often feature a sturdy frame and reinforced hinges, as well as a locking mechanism to keep your home secure.

Cold weather product

5. Storm Doors:

Storm doors are a type of screen door that is designed to protect your home from harsh weather conditions. They are typically installed on the exterior of your front door and can be made from materials such as aluminum. They often feature a durable glass panel that can be removed or replaced as needed.

Swinging with Style

6. Hinged Screen Doors:

Hinged screen doors also known as swinging are a great option for those who want a traditional style that swings open and closed. They are typically made from wood, vinyl, or aluminum and can be customized with a variety of finishes and hardware options. They are often used on front or back doors and can be installed as a single or double door.

A swinging screen door is primarily installed in the front door, patio or back door where there is a main hinged or swinging door installed. Usually a swinging screen door opens to the outside if the main hinged door opens to the inside and vice versa. Active Window Company is the leading manufacturer of swinging screen doors in the US. Best Custom Screens ensures the fastest lead time and perfect fit swinging screen door to its customers and Ships all the top notch Active brand swinging screen doors nationwide. Most popular swinging screen doors are

• Vista Custom – Hinged Swinging Screen Door
• Cape Cod Custom – Hinged Swinging Screen Door
• Custom Model E – Hinged Swinging Screen Door
• Tahoe Screen Door- Swinging

7. Pet Screen Doors:

Pet screen doors are a great option for those who have pets and want to allow them to come and go as they please. They are typically made from durable materials such as vinyl-coated polyester or aluminum and are designed to withstand scratching and chewing. They feature a pet door with a flap that pets can push open with their noses or paws.

The pet screen door with a doggy door is a great choice for animal lovers.

If you are looking for a sliding screen door with a dog door with pet access, you’ve come to the right place. Great for small, medium, large and extra-large dogs.  Cats too!  So Pet Lovers come to log in to our website, and place an order for yours today! Let your dog or cat roam freely on your patio with ease using sliding dog screen doors.

8. Dutch Screen Doors:

Dutch screen doors are a unique type of screen door that is divided horizontally, allowing you to open the top or bottom section independently. They are typically made from wood and are a great option for those who want to let in fresh air while still maintaining privacy.

Patio solutions for entryway

9. Patio Screen Doors:

A patio screen door is a type of door designed to fit onto a sliding glass door or hinged door that leads to an outdoor space like a patio or balcony. It also is a screen door that is mounted to the outside portion of a patio. For example the entry of a patio enclosure. 

It is typically made of lightweight materials such as aluminum, vinyl, or fiberglass and is fitted with a mesh screen. The primary function of a patio screen door is to provide a barrier between the indoor and outdoor spaces while allowing ventilation and natural light to flow freely.

Cheap option

10. Magnetic Screen Doors:

A magnetic screen door is a type of screen door that uses magnets to seal the opening. It is typically designed to fit onto a standard door frame or patio door frame, and it is made of lightweight materials such as polyester mesh or fiberglass.

Magnetic screen doors are easy to install and require no tools or hardware to set up. They simply attach to the door frame using adhesive strips or Velcro, making them a convenient and cost-effective solution for homeowners who want to enjoy the benefits of a screen door without the hassle of installation.

To date BCS does not offer magnetic screen doors, but it is an honorable mention for the cheap price option where consumers cannot afford a quality screen door.

Bonus Style:  Garage Screen Doors

A garage screen door is a type of screen door that is designed to fit onto a garage door opening. It is typically made of lightweight materials such as polyester mesh or fiberglass and is fitted with a frame that can be easily installed onto the garage door frame.

We have a solution installing sliding screen doors on a garage door

Installing a sliding screen door on a large garage door is a relatively simple process that can be completed with the right tools and materials. 

Here are the steps to follow:

1. Measure the garage door opening: Measure the width and height of the garage door opening to ensure that you purchase the correct size sliding screen door.
2. Purchase a sliding screen door kit: Purchase a sliding screen door kit that is designed for large garage doors. These kits typically include all the necessary materials and instructions for installation.
3. Assemble the sliding screen door frame: Assemble the sliding screen door frame according to the instructions provided in the kit. Make sure that all the pieces fit together properly.
4. Install the frame onto the garage door: Position the sliding screen door frame onto the garage door, making sure that it is level and square. Use screws or bolts to attach the frame securely to the garage door.
5. Install the screen mesh: Cut the screen mesh to the correct size and attach it to the frame using a spline roller tool. Make sure that the mesh is tight and wrinkle-free.
6. Install the sliding door track: Attach the sliding door track to the top of the garage door frame using screws or bolts. Make sure that the track is level and straight.
7. Install the sliding door panel: Attach the sliding door panel to the track using the rollers provided in the kit. Make sure that the door slides smoothly along the track.
8. Install the door handle and latch: Attach the door handle and latch to the sliding door panel according to the instructions provided in the kit. Test the door to make sure that it opens and closes smoothly.
9. Make any necessary adjustments: If the sliding screen door is not sliding smoothly, make any necessary adjustments to the track or rollers until it moves smoothly.

Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy

Installing a sliding screen door on a large garage door can be a relatively straightforward process if you have the right tools and materials. By following these steps, you can enjoy the benefits of a screen door while keeping insects and pests out of your garage.

Some final words from the author

In conclusion, choosing the best screen door for your home can make a significant difference in both its aesthetic appeal and functionality. By considering factors such as material, style, durability, and energy efficiency, you can select a screen door that meets your specific needs and preferences. Whether you choose a traditional hinged screen door, a retractable screen door, or a magnetic screen door, investing in a high-quality screen door can enhance your living environment and provide a comfortable space to enjoy the outdoors. With the information provided in this ultimate guide, you can make an informed decision and select the best screen door for your home.