Lifestyle garage door screens allow homeowners to convert their garages into bright, airy, versatile spaces for relaxation, entertainment, hobbies, exercise, storage, and more. As an innovative home improvement product, lifestyle garage door screens provide unparalleled flexibility, durability, aesthetics, and functionality compared to alternatives. This guide will analyze the features, benefits, costs, installation, and usage tips for lifestyle garage door screens to help homeowners determine if installing one can help them better utilize their garage space.
Overview of Lifestyle Garage Door Screens
What Are Lifestyle Garage Door Screens?
Lifestyle garage door screens are a great way to enjoy fresh air in your garage while keeping bugs and debris out. They’re easy to use, retractable, and can be easily stored away when not in use, so you can still use your garage door as usual.
Key Features
- Spring-loaded for smooth, easy operation
- Available in multiple mesh types: standard, solar, and pet-resistant
- Offer doorway access without retracting the entire unit
- Customizable to fit garage openings up to 18ft wide x 9ft tall
- Multiple frame finish options to match the home exterior
Benefits of Lifestyle Garage Door Screens
Lifestyle garage door screens provide many benefits that enhance garages’ functionality and enjoyment:
- Increase Living Space: Transform garages into usable living areas for hobbies, parties, exercise rooms, smoking dens, home theaters, and more.
- Improve Ventilation and lighting: Let in fresh air and natural light while blocking insects, dust, and debris.
- Enhance Privacy & Security: Enjoy the garage without neighbors seeing inside, and also deter break-ins.
- Added Curb Appeal & Resale Value: Attractive upgrade that buyers desire in homes
By installing a lifestyle garage door screen, the possibilities are endless for creating a comfortable, pest-free garage space tailored to your needs.
Alternatives to Lifestyle Garage Door Screens
While lifestyle retractable garage screens are the premium option for screening in garages, other systems exist as more affordable alternatives:
Roll-Up Garage Screens
- The screen rolls vertically using spring-loaded housing at the top of the opening
- Tend to be noisier and prone to billowing in the wind
Sliding Garage Screens
- Screens slide horizontally on tracks mounted on the sides of the opening
- Require garage wall space for housing and tracks
Magnetic Screens
- Lightweight screens affixed using magnets or velcro
- Less secure, prone to detachment and billowing
Below compares key factors between the main garage screen types:
| Factor | Lifestyle | Roll-Up | Sliding | Magnetic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Highest | Medium | High | Lowest |
| Aesthetics | Best | Good | Good | Basic |
| Strength | Best | Good | Good | Basic |
| Convenience | Best | Good | Medium | Medium |
| Customization | Full | Limited | Limited | None |
| Passage Door | Yes | No | No | No |
| Warranty | Lifetime | Varies | Varies | Short |
As shown, lifestyle retractable screens provide the highest quality and performance, albeit at a higher price point. However, their resale value and usable living space increases can offset costs.
Lifestyle Garage Door Screen Features & Options
Lifestyle garage door screens deliver unparalleled versatility through specialized features and customization.
Specialized Features
- Retractable Passage Door: Allows entry/exit without retracting entire unit
- Spring-Loaded Mechanism: Ensures smooth, easy raising and lowering
- Weatherstripping: Blocks dirt, debris, insects, and drafts
- Steel Housing: Protects mesh screen when retracted
Customization Options
- Size: Fit any garage up to 18ft W x 9ft H
- Mesh Screen: Available in standard, solar, or pet-resistant
- Frame Color: Match most home exteriors: white, brown, sandstone
- Remote Control: Allow operation from afar
This range of features and options allows homeowners to create the optimal garage screen solution for their needs and budget. The solar mesh blocks heat and UV rays while letting light in, while the pet-resistant mesh is very durable.
Installing Lifestyle Garage Door Screens
Proper installation is key to ensuring lifestyle garage door screens function optimally. Homeowners should hire professional dealers to handle measuring and fitting.
The Process
- Dealer takes precise measurements
- Frame tracks/housing mounted inside garage opening
- Screen attaches to tracks using a patented clip system
- Mechanism calibrated for smooth operation
- Passage door installed (if selected)
The installation process for most garage openings takes 1 to 2 hours, with no modifications to existing garage doors or openers required.
Operation & Maintenance
Operating lifestyle garage door screens is very simple. Merely push upwards gently to raise the screen or pull down softly to lower it. The spring-loaded mechanism ensures smooth retraction and deployment every time.
Minimal maintenance is required thanks to their durable construction, but homeowners should:
- Wash screens occasionally with mild soap and water
- Lubricate springs/hinges biannually
- Check for damage and loose parts
Contact the dealer if any issues arise for troubleshooting assistance.
Costs & Warranties for Lifestyle Garage Door Screens
Lifestyle garage door screens carry higher upfront costs than alternative screens but provide unparalleled quality, customization, and lifetime usage.
Cost Breakdown
Installing a lifestyle garage screen averages $1,500 to $3,500, influenced by:
- Garage opening size
- Frame and mesh selection
- Accessories like passage doors or remote controls
- Professional installation fees
Many dealers offer promotions or financing options to offset costs. Homeowners may also qualify for tax rebates for home improvements in some regions.
Warranties
Lifestyle garage screens come with lifetime limited warranties covering:
- Manufacturer defects in materials/craftsmanship
- Operation failure from normal usage
- Fading, cracking, and peeling of frame/housing
The warranties only apply to original owners and become void after moves. Normal wear and tear or damage from accidents/weather events are also not covered.
How to Utilize & Enjoy Lifestyle Garage Screens
The benefits and possibilities are endless once homeowners install lifestyle garage door screens. Here are some tips for enjoyment:
Popular Activities
- Entertaining guests
- Exercising – installing gym equipment
- Creating game rooms
- Relaxing/meditating
- Utilizing pet play spaces
- Establishing hobby zones like crafting tables
Comfort Enhancements
- Place furniture like couches, tables, television
- Incorporate lighting, fans, heating/AC
- Install flooring like tile, laminate, or carpet
- Add amenities like mini-fridges, WiFi, speakers
Safety Tips
- Ensure garage screens lock when fully closed
- Install lighting controls and smoke detectors
- Properly store hazardous chemicals
- Anchor heavy items like gym equipment
- Mind fire hazards from heaters or candles
By following these tips, homeowners can customize their improved garage space to match their lifestyle needs and budget. The opportunities to enhance the quality of life through transformed garages are endless with lifestyle garage door screens.
Deciding Between Garage Screen Types
All homeowners have unique priorities when selecting garage screening solutions. This guide compares the key factors to consider when deciding:
Prioritizing Convenience
If quick, easy access is most vital, roll-up screens may suffice. Their spring-loaded mechanisms allow for rapid opening and closure. However, they lack passage doors. Lifestyle screens offer the ultimate convenience through retractable passage doors and smooth operation.
Seeking Durability
If longevity and resilience matter most, lifestyle screens are the best choice. Their robust builds and lifetime warranties provide exceptional durability for intense usage. Magnetic screens are prone to wear faster and tear.
Minding Budgets
If budget limitations exist, magnetic screens provide the most affordable DIY solution. However, lifestyle screens offer greater long-term value through usable living space and resale value boosts that can offset initial costs.
Matching Aesthetics
For homeowners wanting their garage screen to blend with home exteriors, lifestyle screens offer the most color/frame options to match perfectly. Roll-up and sliding screens have limited neutral color choices.
Prioritizing Ventilation
To maximize fresh airflow free of insects and debris, the fine mesh of lifestyle screens is ideal. Mesh types like solar screens also prevent heat/UV rays, unlike solid alternatives.
Considering UV Protection
For bright, airy spaces that block harsh sun exposure, solar mesh lifestyle screens excel. They strike the perfect balance between light transmittance and UV protection.
Once homeowners determine their most vital screening needs based on garage usage plans and priorities, selecting the ideal system becomes much simpler. Professional dealer consultations also help ensure proper customization and installation for residential settings. However, lifestyle garage door screens provide an unparalleled blend of convenience, aesthetics, versatility, and performance enhancements.
Conclusion
Lifestyle garage door screens let you enjoy your garage without bugs. You can customize them to fit your needs. They have special features like doors and strong materials. They may cost more than other screens, but they save energy, make your garage nicer, and can increase your home’s value. With these screens, you can turn your garage into a fun space for lots of activities.
