You’ve made the decision: you want motorized retractable screens for your home. No more swatting mosquitoes during dinner. No more retreating inside when the bugs come out at dusk. You’re ready to reclaim your patio.
But now comes the harder part—figuring out exactly which screens are right for your situation. What type of mesh do you need? What about colors and finishes? How do you know if a company is reputable? And what should you expect during the buying process?
This guide walks you through everything you need to know to make a confident decision. By the end, you’ll understand your options, know what questions to ask, and be ready to move forward with a solution that actually solves your specific problems.
Step 1: Define What You Actually Need
Not all screens serve the same purpose, and understanding your primary goal is the first step toward making the right choice. Ask yourself: what’s the main problem I’m trying to solve?
Bug Protection
If insects are your primary enemy—mosquitoes ruining evening dinners, flies invading afternoon cookouts, no-see-ums making the lanai unbearable—you need insect mesh. This fine-weave screen blocks even tiny bugs while maximizing visibility and airflow. You’ll barely notice the screen is there, but the bugs definitely will.
Insect mesh is ideal if you want:
- Maximum airflow and ventilation
- Clear, unobstructed views through the screen
- Protection from mosquitoes, flies, no-see-ums, and other flying insects
- The most “open” feeling while still being protected
Sun and Heat Control
If your outdoor space gets blasted by afternoon sun and you want to reduce heat and glare, solar mesh is the answer. These screens use a tighter weave that blocks a significant percentage of UV rays and solar heat gain. The tradeoff: reduced visibility and less airflow compared to insect mesh.
Solar mesh makes sense if you want:
- Significant reduction in heat and temperature
- Protection from UV rays (for you and your furniture)
- Glare reduction for reading, watching TV, or using devices outside
- Some privacy from outside viewers (you can see out better than they can see in)
Privacy
If neighbors, street traffic, or passersby make your outdoor space feel exposed, privacy mesh provides a visual barrier. These screens significantly limit visibility into your space while still allowing you to see out. The denser weave also provides some sun blocking benefits.
Privacy mesh is right if you want:
- Seclusion from neighbors or street views
- A more intimate, enclosed feeling
- Combination of privacy with bug and sun protection
Multiple Needs?
Many homeowners have overlapping requirements. You might want bug protection on your screened lanai but sun control on your west-facing patio. The good news: you can install different screen types in different locations, each tailored to that specific space’s challenges.
Step 2: Understand Your Space Requirements
Motorized retractable screens can be installed in a wide variety of locations, but each application has its own considerations:
Covered Patios and Lanais
The most common application. Screens mount to the ceiling or header and drop down to floor level, creating an enclosed space. You’ll need solid mounting surfaces at the top and clear tracks along the sides.
Garage Doors
Screens can transform your garage into a bug-free workshop, gym, or hangout space. The screen operates independently of your garage door, giving you flexibility to have either or both open.
Large Openings
Modern motorized screens can span remarkably wide openings—up to 25+ feet in some cases. For very large spaces, multiple screens can be installed side by side.
Sliding Door Entries
Single screens can protect sliding glass door openings, creating a bug barrier between your home and patio.
Unusual Configurations
Angled ceilings, curved surfaces, and non-standard openings often require custom solutions. A quality provider will assess these challenges during consultation and recommend appropriate approaches.
Step 3: Choose Aesthetic Options That Match Your Home
A retractable screen should do its job—but it should also look good doing it. Today’s motorized screens offer extensive customization to complement any architectural style.
Frame Colors
Screen housings and tracks come in multiple powder-coated finishes. Common options include white, bronze, black, and tan, but custom colors are often available. Choose a finish that matches your existing trim, gutters, or architectural elements for a seamless look.
Mesh Colors
Mesh comes in various colors—typically black, gray, or tan. Black mesh provides the clearest outward visibility (the color virtually disappears when you look through it). Lighter colors may be preferred for specific aesthetic reasons.
Housing Styles
When retracted, the screen rolls into a housing. Options range from compact cassettes that minimize visual impact to decorative housings that become design elements. Your choice depends on how visible the housing will be and your aesthetic preferences.
Integration Options
For new construction or major renovations, screens can be recessed into the structure itself, creating an almost invisible installation. For existing homes, surface-mount installations attach to current structures with minimal modification.
Step 4: Evaluate Control Options
Motorized screens operate at the push of a button—but you have choices about how that button works.
Wall Switches
Fixed-location controls mounted inside your home or on a patio column. Simple, reliable, always in the same place.
Handheld Remotes
Wireless remotes that let you operate screens from anywhere—the pool, the patio table, inside looking out. Most homeowners find remotes more convenient for daily use.
Smartphone Apps
WiFi-enabled screens can be controlled from your phone. Extend shade before you get home, operate screens while traveling, or integrate with home automation systems.
Multi-Screen Control
If you have multiple screens, they can often be programmed to operate individually or in groups. One button can deploy all screens simultaneously, or each can work independently.
Sensors
Optional wind sensors detect dangerous gusts and automatically retract screens, protecting them from damage even when you’re not home. This feature is particularly valuable in Florida’s unpredictable weather.
Key Takeaways
- Define your primary need – Bug protection, sun control, or privacy? Different mesh types solve different problems
- Insect mesh – Maximum visibility and airflow with complete bug protection
- Solar mesh – Reduces heat and glare but limits airflow and visibility
- Privacy mesh – Blocks views in while allowing you to see out
- Custom sizing – Quality screens are built to fit your specific opening exactly
- Aesthetic options – Frame colors, mesh colors, and housing styles to match any home
- Motorized control – Wall switches, remotes, smartphone apps, or automated sensors
- Professional installation – Proper mounting ensures years of reliable operation
Step 5: Know What to Expect During Consultation
A reputable motorized screen provider will offer a free in-home consultation. Here’s what should happen during that visit:
Space Assessment
The consultant will examine your outdoor areas, noting mounting surfaces, obstructions, electrical access, and any unusual configurations that might affect installation.
Needs Discussion
You’ll discuss what problems you’re trying to solve. Be specific—mention the bugs at dusk, the afternoon sun that makes the patio unbearable, the neighbor whose patio looks directly into yours. The more detail you provide, the better the recommendation.
Options Review
Based on your needs and space, the consultant will explain which products make sense and why. You should understand the differences between mesh types, control options, and installation approaches.
Precise Measurements
Accurate measurements are critical for custom-built screens. The consultant will measure every opening carefully—this isn’t approximate; screens are built to exact specifications.
Detailed Proposal
You’ll receive a written proposal specifying exactly what’s included: screen sizes, mesh type, frame color, control system, installation, and warranty coverage. No surprises, no hidden costs.
Step 6: Understand Maintenance Requirements
Good news: motorized retractable screens are remarkably low-maintenance. Here’s what’s required:
Regular Cleaning
Rinse screens periodically with water to remove dust and debris. For stubborn spots, mild soap and a soft brush work well. Avoid harsh chemicals or pressure washing.
Track Maintenance
Every six months or so, wipe down the side tracks and apply silicone spray to keep the screen moving smoothly. This takes about five minutes and prevents most operational issues.
Retract During Severe Weather
While screens handle normal Florida rain and wind just fine, they should be retracted during storms, hurricanes, or unusually high winds. Wind sensors automate this if you’re away or forget.
Annual Inspection
Once a year, test all functions, check for any damage or wear, and verify sensors are working properly. Most issues are easily addressed if caught early.
Why Central Florida Chooses New Horizons
For over 21 years, New Horizons has been Central Florida’s premier provider of motorized retractable screens. Recently featured in Florida Home Magazine, we’ve built our reputation on quality products, expert installation, and customer satisfaction that continues long after the job is complete.
What sets us apart:
- 800 sq ft showroom – See and operate full-size screens before you buy
- Local expertise – We understand Florida’s unique climate and insect challenges
- Custom solutions – Every screen is built to fit your exact opening
- Professional installation – Factory-trained technicians ensure proper fit and operation
- Lifetime Warranty – Exclusive coverage on frame, mesh, motor, and controls
- Trusted by builders – Our showroom serves as a design resource for builders and designers throughout Central Florida
Visit Our Winter Park Showroom
Photos and descriptions only go so far. At our showroom, you can see full-size motorized screens in action, test the controls yourself, and compare mesh types and colors side by side.
Showroom hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Location: 4970 N. Pine Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32792
No appointment necessary—just stop by!
Get Your Free Consultation
Ready to find the right motorized screens for your home? Contact New Horizons for a free in-home consultation. We’ll assess your space, discuss your needs, and provide a detailed proposal—no pressure, no obligation.
Call us at (407) 562-7800 or request your consultation online.
Learn more about our motorized retractable screens and discover why thousands of Central Florida homeowners trust New Horizons with their outdoor living spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get motorized screens installed?
From consultation to installation typically takes 2-4 weeks. The screens are custom-built to your exact specifications, then installed by our factory-trained technicians—usually in a single day.
Can I switch mesh types later if my needs change?
In most cases, yes. The screen panels can be replaced without replacing the entire motor and housing system. This flexibility means you can adapt as your needs evolve.
How do motorized screens handle Florida’s humidity?
Our screens are specifically designed for Florida conditions. All components—mesh, frames, motors, and electronics—are rated for high humidity environments. The Lifetime Warranty covers defects regardless of our challenging climate.
What if I have an unusual opening size or shape?
Custom is what we do. During consultation, we assess any unusual configurations and recommend solutions. Very large openings might use multiple screens; angled or irregular shapes often require specialized mounting approaches.
Are motorized screens child and pet safe?
Yes. The motors include obstacle detection that stops and reverses if the screen encounters resistance. The mesh itself is durable enough to withstand normal contact from kids and pets.
What’s the difference between screens and shades?
Screens use mesh fabric—they block bugs and provide varying degrees of sun control depending on mesh type. Shades use solid or semi-solid fabric—they block more sun and provide more privacy but don’t allow airflow like screens do. Many homeowners use both in different applications.
