A lot of people take pride in their gardens, but they don’t get as much use as they should, and this could be for a number of reasons, but most of the time, it is because they aren’t quite fit for purpose. Retractable screens are growing in popularity for those with a patio because they allow you to use your garden year-round; let’s dive in.
What is a Retractable Screen & How Does it Work?
Retractable screens are designed to provide your patio with more shade and privacy. They make your patio cooler without ruining the view, and they keep out unwanted bugs and pests too.
The screen itself is often transparent and can offer your deck, patio or porch with more protection. They can also allow you to use your garden for longer by protecting you from the elements.
Most of the time, using a retractable screen is pretty straightforward, especially if you get your screens from Marygrove. The screens are installed, and after that, they are controlled completely by a remote. The screens are motorized, which allows you to simply press a button to have your screen come down or go up. The remotes themselves are simple to operate, and Marygrove provides support and advice throughout the process to ensure you know how to use and maintain your screen to maximize longevity.
Retractable Screens: The Pros
Installing a retractable screen in your garden has a number of benefits. Firstly, it offers a great protection from bugs and insects. A lot of people don’t use their gardens as much as they should or would like to because they find the insects annoying. This is especially true for those who live in hotter places or places with a higher humidity. Installing a screen is a great solution; it offers you a refuge from the onslaught.
It can also help to safeguard your health. Some bugs can carry diseases like ticks and lime disease or mosquitos. Insects are not clean, and having them land on your food if you want to dine alfresco can make you sick; a screen helps to limit your exposure and reduce your risks. Again, if you live in a hotter area, you might not use your garden very much simply because the heat is unrelenting and uncomfortable. A screen can provide you with an oasis from the heat, a shady place to hang out while still allowing you to get some fresh air.
A retractable screen on your patio is also one of the more energy-efficient options. Take a second to think about how much you spend on your energy bills in the summer. Do you blast the air conditioning all day? Using a screen can help to cool down your patio enough for you to enjoy and any adjoining rooms too. Your reliance on the air conditioning will decrease, and in turn, you will save money which makes the retractable screen a worthwhile investment. The reverse is true in the winter. The screen can block some of the wind and help to provide an extra layer of insulation to protect you from the cold.
By deciding to install a retractable screen, you will be increasing the living space within your home. The additional space can act as an extra room. You will be able to use your patio a lot more throughout the year. The extra space can make a difference when it comes to hosting your friends and family. If you think that your family might begin to outgrow your home in the future, then screening in your patio can increase your space and help to ensure that your family won’t have to live on top of each other.
Retractable Screens: The Cons
As with all things in life, where there are pros, there are also cons, and retractable screens are no different. The first potential downside is the fact that they are automated; they have moving parts. This means that they need to be maintained properly in order to ensure that they remain in proper working order and to avoid malfunctions. Depending on who you have install the screen, they should walk you through the correct maintenance procedures and protocols. Of course, if you don’t look after the screen, it could malfunction or break, but this possibility is easily avoidable by taking the proper care.
The next potential issue is pet compatibility. If you have dogs or cats, then they will need to get used to the screen and what it does. The movement can be daunting and frighten them. They might not understand what the screen does and try to go through it. On very rare occasions, your pet might even get stuck under the screen, which can cause undue stress to your pet and damage the screen too. This risk is easily mitigated; you simply need to supervise your pet around the screen until they are used to it or until you are confident that they won’t cause any damage to it.
Finally, installing a retractable screen is not necessarily cheap. While the models do vary, with some being cheaper than others, it still is not inexpensive. However, it does offer a decent return on investment. A retractable screen can add value to your home, and in some respects, you could argue that it pays for itself.
The Bottom Line: Should You Get a Retractable Screen for Your Garden or Not?
This is a difficult question to answer because it is personal. It depends entirely on you, your garden, your preferences and your budget. If you want to get more use out of your garden, then a retractable screen can be a great way to do so. It protects your patio from the elements and provides you with a practical solution to extend your living space. There are so many different designs out there, so you are bound to find one that suits your design style. However, if you don’t have the budget, then there are other options to consider, although they likely won’t work as well or last as long.
