You’ve decided retractable patio screens could transform your outdoor living space. Now comes the important part: finding the right company to install them. Not all screen providers are equal, and the questions you ask before signing anything can mean the difference between years of enjoyment and years of regret.
Here’s the thing—retractable patio screens are an investment that becomes part of your home. Unlike furniture you can return or replace easily, screens are custom-built and professionally installed. The company you choose matters as much as the product you select.
These five questions (plus the follow-ups most people forget to ask) will help you separate quality providers from those who just want your money.
Question 1: What Will It Actually Look Like?
This seems basic, but most homeowners don’t dig deep enough. “What colors do you have?” is a starting point—not the whole conversation.
What to Ask
- What frame colors are available? Look for multiple options (white, bronze, black, tan, custom) so you can match your home’s trim, gutters, or architectural style.
- What mesh colors do you offer? Black mesh provides the clearest outward visibility; lighter options may better match certain aesthetics.
- What does the housing look like when retracted? The screen rolls into a housing when not in use—is it compact and unobtrusive, or bulky and obvious?
- Can I see actual installations? Photos are helpful, but nothing beats seeing screens in real homes with similar configurations to yours.
- Do you have a showroom? Quality providers typically maintain showrooms where you can see products in person, test controls, and compare options side by side.
Red Flags
- Only one or two color options
- No showroom or sample products to view
- Reluctance to provide photos of completed installations
- Can’t show you housing options or explain how the retracted screen will look
Why This Matters
A screen that doesn’t match your home’s aesthetic will bother you every time you look at it. Quality providers offer extensive customization because they understand screens become permanent features of your home. New Horizons maintains an 800 square foot showroom in Winter Park where you can see screens in action and compare every option before deciding.
Question 2: How Durable Are the Materials?
Retractable screens endure Florida’s intense sun, humidity, salt air (near the coast), and severe weather. Cheap materials fail quickly; quality materials provide decades of service.
What to Ask
- What materials are used in the frame and housing? Look for extruded aluminum with powder-coat finishes—it won’t rust, warp, or fade.
- What type of mesh do you use? Quality mesh resists UV degradation, maintains shape over time, and doesn’t stretch or sag.
- What motors power the screens? Premium motors (like Somfy) are specifically designed for outdoor applications and rated for tens of thousands of cycles.
- Where are the screens manufactured? Domestically manufactured products typically use better materials and have more responsive supply chains for parts and service.
- How do screens perform in Florida’s weather? The provider should be able to speak specifically to heat resistance, UV stability, and humidity tolerance.
Red Flags
- Vague answers about materials (“high quality” without specifics)
- Imported products from unknown manufacturers
- No mention of UV protection or weather resistance
- Unusually low prices (often means inferior materials)
Why This Matters
Florida is brutal on outdoor products. Screens designed for northern climates often fail within a few years here. Providers experienced in Central Florida understand what materials survive and which don’t. After 21+ years serving Orlando and Central Florida, New Horizons has tested and refined product selections based on real-world Florida performance.
Question 3: How Does Installation Work?
Even premium screens perform poorly when installed incorrectly. Installation quality determines whether your screens operate smoothly for decades or develop problems within months.
What to Ask
- Do your own employees install, or do you use subcontractors? Employee installers typically have more training, accountability, and investment in quality than subcontractors.
- What training do installers receive? Look for factory training on specific product lines, not just general construction experience.
- Is every screen custom-measured and built? Quality screens are fabricated to exact measurements—not cut-to-fit from stock sizes on site.
- How long does installation typically take? Most residential installations take a few hours; major projects may take a day.
- What preparation do I need to do? Reputable providers give clear instructions about clearing the area and providing access.
- Who handles electrical work? Motorized screens need power—ask if the company coordinates electrical or if you need to arrange it separately.
Red Flags
- Heavy reliance on subcontractors
- No site visit before quoting (measuring from photos leads to errors)
- Vague timelines or “we’ll figure it out on installation day”
- Unwillingness to explain the installation process
Why This Matters
Installation mistakes cause operational problems—screens that don’t track smoothly, gaps that let bugs in, motors that strain because of misalignment. These issues often don’t appear immediately but develop over time. New Horizons uses factory-trained employee installers who specialize exclusively in retractable screens, awnings, and shades.
Key Takeaways
- Ask about aesthetics beyond colors – Frame finishes, mesh options, housing styles, and see products in a showroom
- Verify material quality – Extruded aluminum frames, UV-resistant mesh, premium motors (Somfy or equivalent)
- Understand the installation process – Employee installers, factory training, custom measurement, clear timelines
- Get warranty details in writing – What’s covered, for how long, who handles claims, any exclusions
- Know what mesh types are available – Insect, solar, and privacy mesh solve different problems
- Check local experience – Florida-specific expertise matters for durability and performance
- Visit a showroom – See and test products before committing
Question 4: What Does the Warranty Cover?
Warranties reveal how much confidence a company has in their products. Vague or limited warranties often indicate products that fail frequently.
What to Ask
- What exactly does the warranty cover? Get specifics: frame, mesh, motor, controls, housing, tracks—each component should be addressed.
- How long does coverage last? Quality screens often carry warranties of 5-10 years or longer. Lifetime warranties on certain components indicate exceptional confidence.
- What’s the process for warranty claims? Do you contact the installer or the manufacturer? How quickly are claims typically resolved?
- Are there exclusions? Weather damage, normal wear, improper use—understand what’s NOT covered.
- Does the warranty transfer if I sell my home? Transferable warranties add value to your property.
- Is the warranty from the installer or manufacturer? Manufacturer warranties provide protection even if the installer goes out of business.
Red Flags
- Short warranty periods (1-2 years)
- “Limited” warranties with extensive exclusions
- Warranties that require you to file claims with distant manufacturers
- Reluctance to provide warranty documentation before purchase
Why This Matters
A warranty is only as good as the company standing behind it. New Horizons offers an exclusive Lifetime Warranty covering frame, mesh, motor, and controls—administered locally by the same team that installed your screens. No distant call centers or manufacturer runarounds.
Question 5: What Mesh Options Are Available?
Different mesh types solve different problems. A company offering only one type either doesn’t understand customer needs or doesn’t stock adequate inventory.
Insect Mesh
Fine-weave mesh that blocks mosquitoes, flies, gnats, and no-see-ums while maximizing airflow and visibility. This is the most popular choice for Florida patios—it solves the #1 problem keeping homeowners indoors after sunset.
Best for: Evening entertaining, extending outdoor hours, creating bug-free zones for families and pets.
Solar Mesh
Tighter-weave mesh that blocks significant UV rays and heat. Reduces glare and cooling costs while still providing some bug protection. The tradeoff is reduced visibility compared to insect mesh.
Best for: West-facing patios, afternoon sun problems, outdoor TV viewing, protecting furniture from UV fade.
Privacy Mesh
Mesh designed to limit visibility into your space while maintaining reasonable outward views. Creates an enclosed, intimate feeling without solid walls.
Best for: Patios facing neighbors, street-side spaces, creating secluded retreats.
What to Ask
- Which mesh type do you recommend for my situation? Quality providers assess your specific needs rather than pushing one option.
- Can I see and touch mesh samples? Photographs don’t convey visibility, texture, or airflow—handle the actual materials.
- Can I use different mesh types on different openings? West-facing opening might need solar mesh while other sides use insect mesh.
- Can mesh be replaced if my needs change? Quality systems allow mesh replacement without replacing the entire screen system.
Red Flags
- Only one mesh option available
- Pushing expensive options without assessing your actual needs
- No samples to view in person
- Vague claims about mesh performance
Bonus Questions Most People Forget to Ask
Beyond the five essential questions, these follow-ups separate exceptional providers from adequate ones:
About the Company
- How long have you been in business? Longevity indicates reliability and satisfied customers.
- Do you specialize in retractable screens, or is this one product among many? Specialists typically have deeper expertise and better solutions.
- Can you provide references from past customers? Reputable companies happily connect you with satisfied customers.
- Are you licensed and insured? Verify appropriate contractor licensing and liability coverage.
About the Process
- What’s your lead time from order to installation? Quality custom products may require 2-4 weeks; “next day installation” usually means inferior products.
- Do you provide detailed written quotes? Quotes should itemize products, options, and installation—not just a single number.
- What happens if there’s a problem after installation? Understand the service process for adjustments or issues.
About Value
- Do screens add value to my home? Quality outdoor living improvements typically provide 50-80% ROI at resale.
- Are there energy savings from screening? Reduced cooling costs from shaded patios and solar mesh can offset investment over time.
- Do you offer financing? Payment plans make quality products accessible without compromising on materials or installation.
Why Central Florida Homeowners Choose New Horizons
For over 21 years, New Horizons has answered these questions—and delivered on every promise—for thousands of Central Florida homeowners. Recently featured in Florida Home Magazine, we’ve built our reputation on quality products, expert guidance, and customer satisfaction.
Here’s how we answer the five questions:
- What will it look like? Visit our 800 sq ft showroom to see every option. Multiple frame colors, mesh types, and housing styles to match any home.
- Are materials durable? Extruded aluminum frames, UV-resistant mesh, premium Somfy motors—all selected for Florida performance.
- How does installation work? Factory-trained employee installers, custom measurement, professional installation typically completed in hours.
- What’s the warranty? Exclusive Lifetime Warranty covering frame, mesh, motor, and controls—administered locally by our team.
- What mesh is available? Insect, solar, and privacy mesh—we recommend based on your specific needs, not sales goals.
Get Your Questions Answered
Ready to explore retractable patio screens for your home? Schedule a free consultation where we’ll assess your space, answer every question, and recommend solutions tailored to your needs—no pressure, no obligation.
Or visit our Winter Park showroom to see screens in action and test the options yourself.
Showroom hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Location: 4970 N. Pine Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32792
Call us at (407) 562-7800 or request your consultation online.
Learn more about our retractable patio screens and discover why thousands of Central Florida homeowners trust New Horizons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I get multiple quotes before deciding?
Absolutely. Getting 2-3 quotes helps you understand market pricing and compare approaches. When reviewing quotes, look beyond price—compare warranty coverage, materials specified, installation details, and company reputation. The cheapest quote often indicates inferior materials or subcontractor installation.
How do I verify a company’s reputation?
Check Google reviews, Better Business Bureau ratings, and sites like Houzz. Ask for references and actually call them. Verify contractor licensing with the state. Look for longevity—companies that have been in business 10+ years have satisfied enough customers to survive.
What should I expect during a consultation?
A quality consultation includes site assessment (measuring openings, evaluating mounting surfaces, checking electrical access), discussion of your needs and priorities, explanation of options, and a detailed written quote. The consultant should answer questions thoroughly without high-pressure sales tactics.
How long does the whole process take from inquiry to installation?
Typically 3-6 weeks. Initial consultation and quote takes 1-2 weeks depending on scheduling. After you approve the quote, custom fabrication takes 2-4 weeks. Installation is usually scheduled within a week of product arrival and typically completed in a single day.
Is financing available for retractable screens?
Many providers offer financing options that make quality screens accessible with manageable monthly payments. Ask about available plans during your consultation. At New Horizons, we offer financing to help homeowners get the screens they want without compromising on quality.
What if I’m not satisfied after installation?
Ask about satisfaction guarantees before purchasing. Reputable providers stand behind their work and will address concerns promptly. Our Lifetime Warranty and local service team ensure you’ll never be stuck with problems we won’t fix.
