Absolutely! You can install motorized retractable screens to almost any existing covered lanai, patio, balcony, pergola, or outdoor living space.
At New Horizons – Go Retractable, we’ve been designing and installing motorized retractable screens on central Florida homes since 2003. From waterfront homes in Winter Park and expansive lanais in Windermere to charming College Park cottages and outdoor living spaces in Winter Garden, our goal is the same: add comfort and functionality without compromising the architecture, views or open-air feel of your home.
The key isn’t whether your screens were planned when your home was built, it’s finding the right solution for the home you have today and what you want your outdoor space to do.
How are motorized screens added to an existing patio?
Depending on the construction and design of your outdoor space, there are several ways we can approach the installation.
The screen housing will be surface mounted in one of three ways:
- Under the header beam
- Inside the lanai under the ceiling
- Outside the lanai under the soffit
There isn’t one mounting method that’s right for every home. During our free in-home consultation, we evaluate your existing structure and talk through the advantages and disadvantages of the different screen installation options. Our goal is to find the solution that performs properly while blending in as seamlessly as possible with your home.
Retractable Screens Are For People Who Don’t Want Screens
New Horizons founder Chuck LaPeters has been saying this for more than two decades: “Retractable screens are for people who don’t want screens” which may sound contradictory, but it really explains why so many homeowners choose them.
A traditional fixed screen enclosure is always there. Motorized retractable screens provide comfort and protection when you want them, then disappear when you don’t, adding a little more WOW factor to your home. When they’re retracted, the screens roll into their housings, helping preserve the open views and appearance you love about your outdoor living space. With five standard frame colors and multiple mounting options, we can design the system to blend into your existing home rather than looking like an afterthought.
What Do You Want Your Screens To Do?
Before we talk about mesh, we need to figure out what you are trying to accomplish with your screens. Are you trying to keep mosquitoes and bugs out? Block the afternoon sun? Add privacy or are you looking for storm protection too? We generally divide our motorized screen mesh options into four categories.
Insect Protection
If your main goal is keeping mosquitoes, flies, love bugs, and other insects out while preserving your view and maximizing ventilation, an insect screen is typically your best choice as it is the most open of our mesh options.
Insect + Sun Protection
Solar mesh gives you insect protection, along with significantly more protection from Florida’s intense sun. The solar mesh has a tighter weave, it can help reduce heat, glare, and sun exposure. The trade-off is less airflow and visibility than you would get with an insect only mesh.
Insect + Privacy
If privacy is your priority, we offer mesh options that provide 99% or even 100% coverage. These can be a great solution when your outdoor living area faces a neighboring home or another area where you’d simply like a little more privacy. Again, there is a trade-off. As the mesh becomes more closed, airflow and visibility are reduced significantly.
Insect + Storm Protection
For homeowners looking for storm protection, in addition to everyday screening, we also offer a specialized ballistic mesh containing Kevlar that is designed to withstand severe weather.
The important thing to understand is that a motorized screen doesn’t describe just one product. The right screen depends on your home and how you want to use your outdoor space.
What If Your Lanai Has Very Large Openings?
Our screens can span openings as large as 30 feet wide by 20 feet tall, which gives us a lot of flexibility when we’re designing a system for an existing outdoor space.
Sometimes we can even span multiple lanai openings with one larger motorized screen, which may give you a cleaner look while also reducing the overall project cost. Chuck explains the cost benefit with this simple example:
“Let’s say one motorized screen costs $1(it doesn’t, it’s more).
If you put individual screens on two openings, your cost would be $2.
Depending on the layout, we may be able to span those same two openings with one larger screen for something closer to $1.35.”
It’s a simple example, but it illustrates why thoughtful design matters. We want to design a system that gives you the functionality you want without adding equipment and expense you don’t need.
Do You Need To Add Electrical Wiring?
Not necessarily. Our retractable screen motors only draw about 2.1 amps each. For comparison, an average household vacuum cleaner draws roughly 9 to 12 amps. This relatively low power requirement means that a dedicated electrical circuit is rarely necessary.
Our first choice is usually to work with an existing electrical outlet. During your consultation, we will determine where power is available and how we can incorporate it into the screen design. If an outlet needs to be added, we work closely with a licensed local electrician and can coordinate directly with them to make the process as easy as possible for you.
We also have another option: battery powered motorized screens. Lithium ion battery motors don’t require a direct electrical connection. They can be recharged by plugging them in or by using a small solar panel. So, if you don’t have electrical power near your lanai, don’t rule out motorized screens.
Ready To See What’s Possible For Your Outdoor Space?
New Horizons – Go Retractable has been designing and installing motorized retractable screens in central Florida since 2003. We work with homeowners throughout Orlando, Winter Garden, Lake Nona, Clermont, New Smyrna Beach and surrounding communities. If you are wondering what’s possible for your existing patio, lanai, balcony, or outdoor living space, schedule a free in-home consultation. Will evaluate your space, listen to what you want to accomplish, and show you the options.
Your home may already be built, but that doesn’t mean your outdoor living space is finished. Let’s Go Retractable!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can motorized retractable screens be added to an existing patio or lanai?
Yes. Motorized retractable screens can be custom-fit to most existing covered patios, lanais, balconies and outdoor living spaces. The mounting method depends on your home’s construction and available space.
Do motorized screens keep mosquitos and bugs out?
Yes. Insect mesh is designed to help keep mosquitos, lovebugs, flies and other insects out while maintaining airflow and visibility.
How much do motorized retractable screens cost?
Every project is custom, so pricing depends on the size and number of openings, mesh selection, and installation requirements. A good ballpark price is between $3000 – $6000 per panel, but a site visit is the best way to determine the right system and accurate price for your project.
Do motorized screens provide shade and privacy too?
Yes. Different mesh options can provide insect protection, solar control, privacy, or a combination of benefits. We’ll help you select the mesh based on how you want to use your outdoor space.
Do motorized screens require an electrical outlet?
Not always. Motorized screens often use an existing electrical outlet for power, but battery-powered motors are an option if an outlet is not available. They are rechargeable and even solar-charging options are available.
By Taylor LaPeters, Digital Marketing Specialist l New Horizons – Go Retractable
