A retractable screen is a screen that can be pulled across or down an opening as needed. As the term implies, a retractable screen is a flyscreen that can easily be opened and closed. They are very discreet as they retractable into a slim canister or housing when they are not being used. Different types of retractable screens have different mechanisms; fitted horizontally or vertically.  Some roll up with a spring loaded system like roller blinds, while others are pleated and have an accordion style mechanism that can be stopped anywhere without slamming back. The type you choose will depend on the use you want to put your screen to.

Retractable screens are absolutely perfect for screening out insects. They are most commonly used with difficult to screen openings such as French doors, bi fold doors, serveries, stacking doors, awning windows, casement windows, and double hung windows.

The primary reason for retractable screens popularity, is invisibility. That is, they are screens that are designed to blend in with their existing surrounds, and to have clean lines, slim hardware and framing, and discreet canisters.  Combine these with a choice of colours including wood grain finishes and popular powder coat colours, and you have a screen that is virtually invisible.

Please bear in mind that retractable screen doors are designed to keep insects outside while you have your doors & windows open for maximum ventilation. Retractable fly screens are not security screens. This is the fact that they offer absolutely no security features to your doors & windows.

Roller type spring loaded retractable screen doors have an optional latch. The latch is only designed to make the retractable screen door a little more difficult to enter for unwanted guests.

Customers often ask what keeps our pleated retractable screens closed when in use. Sometimes we say nothing just to get a giggle out of how confusing that answer can be. But it’s true.

One, of many, unique features of the pleated retractable screen is that wherever you put it – that is where it stays. If you open the screen only half way to walk through, when you let go it will still be right where you left it.

You see, since our concertina type retractable screens don’t utilise the traditional spring-loaded retraction design (like that found with the Phantom, Freedom, Eclipse, Genius and others) there is no force pulling them open, and therefore no need to use a magnet, latch, lock or hook to keep them closed.

This is an especially appealing feature on the double door screens. With most retractable screens you either have to hold one screen closed while walking through the other or use some sort of a lock, pin or latch to hold one of the screens stationary. Then you are basically only utilizing the other side. On our pleated retractable screens this simply isn’t necessary. Since they stay wherever you put them; you can walk through one side and back through the other, without having to fuss with the other screen at all. Or you can open them both a little, and walk right through the middle; no fighting the spring’s tension or worrying about activating a magnet, necessary.

While retractable screens are indeed more expensive than ordinary fly screens, the fruits of your investment will be reaped for years to come. During the warmer months, when the greatest amount of bugs crawl our homes, you can draw the screens shut and enjoy the heat while keeping flies out. In the cooler months however, you may choose to keep hideaway your retractable screens and enjoy uninterrupted views of your garden, a luxury that fixed screens cannot provide.

Retractable fly screens can range from small kitchen windows to larger bifold doors or alfresco patio enclosures. Prices increase respectively depending the size of the area where the screen going to be installed. Retractable window screens range from approximately $230 – 600, while doors start at $650 and increase depending on size, style of door it is being fitted against and the installation method. Expect to pay between $230 and $350 for retractable fly screens for windows. They can go up to around $600 for a large window.

As a general price guide of retractable fly screens for bifold doors, you should be looking at is $1,200 to $3,000, and for a French opening double door, $850 to $1200.

To find out exactly how much a retractable fly screen would cost for your windows and/or doors, contact Ideal Retractable fly screen installers in your area or call IDeal Retractable Fly Screens on 03 9323 5574. You can get a quick quotation for either the supply of the screen alone, or the installed price.

Nothing compares to the sleek and incredibly stylish look of bifold doors. Installing bifold doors is a great way of modernising older properties, while the contemporary appearance of newer homes is only enhanced by bifold doors.

Bifold doors can add value to a home or business by providing many practical and aesthetic benefits. One of the biggest benefits of exterior bifold doors is that they help to remove the barrier between your garden and your indoor space, it can also give your home better air flow.

Can you have screens with bifold doors? Can bifold doors have fly screens?

Retractable fly screens are the best and only option for bifold doors. Retractable fly screens are a brilliant idea for kitchen servery windows, sliding doors or even patio enclosures.

Installing a retractable fly screen, will not only keep annoying insects and bugs, but can match the colour and overall look of your new bifold door. Retractable fly screen doors for bifold doors are generally pleated and fold back like an accordion.

Retractable fly screen doors for bifold doors come in sizes ranging up to 3.2 metres in height & up 7.6 metres in length.

Retractable fly screen doors for bifold doors are made from aluminium and come in a range of colours. They can be powder coated in any colour you like.

How much do they cost and why should you consider buying them?

The cost of retractable fly screens for bifold doors will depend on their size, type / technology of the screen. A large retractable fly screen door may cost up to $4000, while a smaller one may cost $500. The prices we offer, including installation, which may be a good idea if you aren’t skilled with tools.

To find out how much retractable fly screens for your bifold doors are; measure the space carefully and get quotes from IDeal Retractable Flyscreens. Get quotes for both supply only, and including installation. Compare the quotes, but be sure to also look at the warranty, and if there is an installation warranty. A good installer will have an installation warranty and come back and fix anything that goes wrong because of installation faults.