As an outdoor living building contracting company, even we are constantly amazed at how far the industry has come in terms of technology and options when it comes to screen and sunroom materials.
If you are looking for a way to enjoy time outdoors without dealing with bugs, debris, and other annoyances, while also avoiding things like permits and waiting time, retractable and motorized screens might be just the thing.
If you have started researching, you might have come across different terms such as retractable screens and motorized screens, which begs the question: What is the difference? Are motorized screens and retractable screens two different products? If they are, is one better than the other?
The answer might surprise you.
A motorized screen is a type of retractable screen.
For terminology’s sake, retractable describes what the screen does—it retracts out of sight when you don’t want it. Motorized describes how the screen operates.
That isn’t to say they are always the same. There are some important differences between manual and motorized retractable screens that you should understand before making the decision about which one is the best investment for your home.
What Is a Retractable Screen?
A retractable screen is designed to retract into a housing when it isn’t being used. Instead of having a stationary screen blocking an opening or your view, you can use the screen when you need it and retract it when you don’t.
Retractable screens are versatile and can be used to screen in any opening, including porches, patios, garages, and other outdoor living spaces. It is at this very point where things differ: Retractable screens can be either manually operated or motorized. The important part is that they retract.
What Is a Motorized Retractable Screen?
It used to be that if you wanted to have a screened porch or enclosure, you had to build the walls to attach the screens to. Retractable screens allow you to screen any opening, regardless of size or style, to keep out what you don’t want and provide a barrier from things that aren’t great in the great outdoors.
Retractable screens allow you to have screens when you want them, but also to have open air during those times you don’t. Unlike a three-season or four-season sunroom, pool enclosure, or screened porch that is stationary and permanent, retractable screens are only down when you want them to be.
For Charlotte-area homeowners with larger porches, patios, garages, and outdoor living spaces, having the convenience of screens or no screens is extremely useful.
Manual vs. Motorized Retractable Screens
So, if both options retract, why would you choose one over the other?
The biggest difference is convenience. A motorized retractable screen is just what the name says: motorized. They have come a long way over the past several years and have the ability to enclose any outdoor space that you want to protect and open it back up when you don’t. Motorized screens only differ from manual ones because you just have to touch a button.
Motorized retractable screens allow you to push a button so the screens lower to keep out bugs and mosquitoes, then push a button again when you want open air and to walk through the opening.
Manual retractable screens may only make sense for smaller openings or areas where the screen isn’t going to be raised and lowered often, if ever. They generally have a simpler operating system, and they also don’t require an expensive motor.
When it comes down to it, it is really just about convenience.
Are Motorized Retractable Screens Worth It?
As with most upgrades, many homeowners often ask whether it is worth it to have motorized screens versus manual ones. If you don’t intend to open the space up, then paying more for motorization doesn’t make much sense. If your goal, however, is to frequently have screens or no screens, then paying the additional upgrade fee might make sense.
How Much Do Motorized Retractable Screens Cost?
Just like a sunroom, there isn’t just one price that fits all projects, since every one is different. The size and number of openings, type of screen material, motor and control options, installation requirements, and other features can all affect the final price.
We understand how frustrating it can be not to have at least a starting point. At Express Sunrooms of the Carolinas, we try to be as open and transparent with our prices as possible and usually find that projects start at $2,500. The actual cost, however, really depends on the size, space, and other factors.
If you are trying to determine whether motorized screens fit into your budget, then our Outdoor Living Cost Calculator might be a great starting point.
Can Motorized Screens Be Added to an Existing Porch?
A common homeowner question is whether motorized screens can be added to an existing porch. Although we rarely give definitives on one-size-fits-all questions, this one is pretty simple. If there is an opening that can be screened, then yes, we can use an existing porch.
The only concern that you would need to have is whether walls need to be built to screen the space in entirely. After all, you can’t very well only screen one side, or there would be no protection. So, for practical purposes, those existing structures that can be built with four sides and existing structures that are sound usually can be converted to a screened enclosure with the addition of retractable screens.
What Is the Difference Between Retractable Screens and Retractable Awnings?
When homeowners approach us to find out how much a three-season sunroom or a four-season sunroom costs, we want them to know that there are other options to enjoy your outdoor area. If you don’t have $25,000 to spend, then retractable screens and retractable awnings might be a better fit in the first place.
For those looking to extend their time outdoors in Charlotte, expanding to consider other options might be a better fit. A retractable screen or retractable awning will not only save you from having to go through remodeling, permitting, and the expense; it might be exactly what you want without the price tag and hassle.
Which Retractable Screen Is Right for Your Home?
The truth is there is no one right retractable screen system for homeowners across the board. What we can say is that retractable screen technology has come a long way, and it is allowing homeowners in the Charlotte area to get the outdoor spaces of their dreams without breaking the bank or having to live with permits and remodeling. It is giving people more options to create the outdoor living areas they can actually live in and with.
So, Are Retractable Screens for You?
If you are looking to screen in an outdoor area without the high price tag of a screened enclosure or its permanency, then retractable screens are for you. Is upgrading from manual screens to motorized screens worth it? It all depends on how you intend to use the space. The best way to decide is to contact Express Sunrooms of the Carolinas for a free in-home estimate.
After going to our Outdoor Living Calculator, check out our zero-down financing options, then call us!
