A retractable screen is an insect screen that can be pulled down or across an opening.  They open and close easily, and discreetly retract back into a slim canister or housing when they are not in use. Different types of retractable screens have different mechanisms for fitting either horizontally or vertically.  Some roll up with a spring loaded system like roller blinds, while others are pleated and have an accordion style mechanism designed to slide open and closed. The type you choose will depend on the opening and how you want to use your screen.

Retractable screens are designed with clean lines, slim frame and hardware to blend in with the existing surrounds.  Combine that with a choice of colours including wood grain finishes and popular powder coat colours, and you have a screen that is virtually invisible.

Retractable screens are perfect for difficult to screen openings such as French doors, bi fold doors, serveries, stacking doors, awning windows, casement windows, and double hung windows.

Retractable screen doors are designed to keep insects outside while you have your doors and windows open for maximum ventilation. Retractable screens are not a security screens. They provide no security to your doors & windows.

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

Customers often ask what keeps our pleated retractable screens closed when in use. 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.

Our concertina type retractable screens don’t utilise the traditional spring-loaded retraction system (like the Phantom, Freedom, Eclipse, Genius and others) so 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.  On our pleated retractable screens this isn’t necessary because they stay wherever you put them. No fighting the spring tension or worrying about activating a magnet.

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 flying and crawling insects invade our homes, draw the screens shut and enjoy the summer weather. In the cooler months your retractable screens can be hidden away, allowing you to enjoy uninterrupted views.  This is a luxury fixed screens cannot easily provide.

Retractable insect screens can range from small windows to larger bifold doors to expansive alfresco patio enclosures. Prices will increase depending the size of the area where the screen is 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 bifold doors have insect screens?

Retractable fly screens are the best and only option for bifold doors. Retractable fly screen doors for bifold doors are generally pleated and fold back like an accordion.  They are available in sizes ranging up to 3.2 metres in height and up 7.6 metres in length.

Retractable fly screen doors for bifold doors are made from aluminium and come in a range of colours. We can match the colour and overall look of your existing door.

Retractable fly screens are also a brilliant idea for kitchen servery windows, sliding doors or even patio enclosures.

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 a quote from IDeal Retractable Flyscreens. You can request 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.

French doors can transform a space faster than almost anything. They are an excellent option for anyone looking to update a space without remodelling or expensive upgrades. 
French doors allow a lot of light through, effectively functioning as windows, allowing the light to flood your home. Replacing your windows with a set of French doors can be a wonderful way of letting an increased amount of light into your home and changing the overall atmosphere. If you want the versatility to have a small space turn into a giant space, these doors are perfect! And, when the weather is warm, you can simply open the doors to expand your living space and let  fresh air circulate through your home.

Ok, what was the question(s)?
Can you put fly screens on French doors? Or, can French doors have screens? How do you attach a screen door to a French door?
Of course you can put a fly screen on French doors. The best and versatile screen door for a French door is a retractable fly screen. 

Installing a retractable screen door is very simple, taking less time than you think.
There is no need for an extensive toolkit, most retractable screen door kits can be installed with an electric drill and an everyday tool selection.