Retractable screens provide a barrier to insect

Insect

Insects are a class of living creatures within the arthropods that have a chitinous exoskeleton, a three-part body , three pairs of jointed legs, compound eyes, and two antennae...

s entering the interior while allowing the option of an unobstructed view, without a traditional hinged or sliding screen door

Screen door

A screen door can refer to a hinged storm door or hinged screen door covering an exterior door; or a screened sliding door used with sliding glass doors. In any case, the screen door incorporates screen mesh to block flying insects from entering and pets and small children from exiting interior...

.

Description

Retractable or 'disappearing' screen doors operate on a similar principal to spring-loaded window shades. They usually retract to one or both sides, depending on the number of doors or the opening's width. They have flexible fiberglass screen mesh that rolls together, and can be custom fit for most openings. When the screen is not in use it retracts into its protective housing or a wall pocket t blend into the décor of the home. Retractable screen doors can be mounted to "pull down" from an overhead pocket for large openings and 'disappearing' window wall doors, often 'motorized' with remote control operation. This type, partially lifted on tall openings, allows for people's and pets' use while keeping higher flying insects out.

Retractable screen doors can be installed on:

• Hinged door
  Door
  A door is a movable structure used to open and close off an entrance, typically consisting of a panel that swings on hinges or that slides or rotates inside of a space....
  
  s - glass or solid
  • French doors
  • Single exterior doors
• In or Out swinging doors
• Sliding door
  Sliding door
  A sliding door is a type of door which opens horizontally by sliding, whereby the door is either mounted on or suspended from a track. Types of sliding doors include pocket doors, Arcadia doors, and bypass doors...
  
  s - glass or solid
  • Sliding glass door
    Sliding glass door
    A Sliding glass door or Patio door, a type of sliding door in architecture and construction, is a large glass window opening in a structure that provide door access from a room to the outdoors, fresh air, and copious natural light. A sliding glass door is usually considered a single unit consisting...
    
    s
  • Pocket door
    Pocket door
    A pocket door is a sliding door that disappears, when fully open, into a compartment in the adjacent wall. Pocket doors are used for architectural effect, or when there is no room for the swing of a hinged door. They usually travel on rollers suspended from an overhead track, although some also...
    
    s
  • Shōji
    Shoji
    In traditional Japanese architecture, a shōji is a door, window or room divider consisting of translucent paper over a frame of wood which holds together a lattice of wood or bamboo...
    
     doors
• Window
  Window
  A window is a transparent or translucent opening in a wall or door that allows the passage of light and, if not closed or sealed, air and sound. Windows are usually glazed or covered in some other transparent or translucent material like float glass. Windows are held in place by frames, which...
  
  s

Operation

Retractable screen doors are also installed on reachable skylights, greenhouses, boats, houseboats and recreational vehicles.

The range of disappearing screen doors varies from inexpensive 'do-it-yourself' installed models; to high quality or custom made professionally installed models. Options are available, including: a variety of colors, wood grain finishes, pet or solar mesh, speed reducers, locks, and door bells.

Models made with built in speed reducers greatly reduce the chance that fingers will get pinched as the screen retracts into its housing. . Screen material made of nylon, known as "superscreen" or "pet mesh" provides a more durable, lower maintenance solution.