One size fits all door screens are typically available at big box stores like Home Depot, Rona, Lowes, Wayfair, and Costco.  These screens can appear cheaper on-line, but will require the customer to install the unit themself or hire a handyman.  They are typically only available in white,  made from inferior plastic and light gauge materials,  imported from overseas, and have warranties that are onerous on the customer to claim.   These type of retractable screens also don’t fit doorways as well as a more custom solutions so will  lack curb appeal and  stand out more than a custom retractable screen.   When purchasing a Mirage Retractable Screen the customer has a choice of many different colours,.  The pricing always includes delivery, custom cutting to specific size,  and installation to fit exactly into their doorway in the most inconspicuous way possible.  This is all done by a professional from Halton Retractable Screens who has been factory trained and has years of experience  installing retractable screens on all types and sizes of doors.   Take a look at our Gallery tab to see some examples of  customer installations.       

Retractable screens can be made from cheap plastic and tin materials and mesh that doesn’t undergo testing all the way through to climate tested materials like aluminum components and fiberglass mesh.  Mirage Retractable Screens are manufactured in North America from aircraft grade aluminum.  They undergo a powder-coated paint process to ensure durability of the product’s  finish and colour over time.  Mirage also uses mesh from Phifer who produce and test all their materials for the North American climate. 

Not all screen manufactures have a range of products for all door sizes.   In the case of Home Depot, Rona, Lowes, Wayfair, and Costco you are limited to specific sizes which never match up to the door size you have.  Mirage Retractable Screens can be installed on any opening.  For single entry door like a front door usually one (1) unit is needed.  This is often the case for patio sliding doors as well.  In the case where a customer has a French door (two door system) usually two (2) units are installed in a similar configuration to the existing doors. retractable-screen-doors.  With the larger format retractable screens like the Mirage 3500 the retractable screens can cover openings up to 28′ wide and 10′ tall so there are are always lots of options available.   An in the case all Mirage products installed by Halton Retractable Screens are custom measures, cut, and installed to fit your opening exactly !

Retractable Screens are often referred to as hidden screens or invisible screens.  Some companies have utilized this characteristic in their company name such as Phantom Screens, Dream Screens,  Clear View Screens, Magic Screens and of course our own “Mirage Screen” name,   For the most part these products are all designed for the same purposes and the primary difference usually involve then quality of materials used, the level of service provided by the dealer, the price, and the warranty terms.  Mirage Retractable Screens have been tested as the smoothest running screens and are backed by an industry leading warranty and of course the sales and support we offer at Halton Retractable Screens.

The most important maintenance item on a retractable screen is keeping the bottom track clear of dirt and debris like twigs, leaves and pine needles.  Clean tracks should be lubricated with a silicone based lubricant every few months during your screen season.  Halton Retractable Screens spends time with customer after installation explaining the maintenance steps as well as suggesting the proper lubricants.  We are always available to answer questions from our customer and give them any guidance they may need. 

Retractable screens should be retracted into their housing in the winter or when not in use for an extended period of time.  This protects the screen mesh from harsh elements, avoids the build up of snow been the door and screen in the winter and also protects the screen mesh from large debris that can be blown into a doorway during storms. 

Some screen manufacturer warranties require the customer to remove their screen unit, package it up,  and send it back for any warranty repair.  This is typically done at the customer’s expense and can be a huge aggravation since customers lack the necessary tools and special packaging for shipping to send it back to the manufacturer.  Halton Retractable Screens and the Mirage Screen product come with on-site dealer  support and service .  We go toe the customer’s home and make the repairs onsite which ultimately is the quickest and most cost effective method for the customer. 

When installed correctly by a professional a retractable screen can last over 10 years.  This does require some simple maintenance by a homeowner which involves keeping the tracks free of debris and lubricating with  a silicone periodically during the screening season.  Halton Retractable Screens ensures you are equipped to care for your screen before we leave your installation.  We also carry all repair or warranty parts and will make any adjustments or repairs needed to your screen at your home to ensure you can continue to use the screen for years.