Uploaded August 2020 | Updated September 2026, 3 hours ago
For generations, screen doors have been barriers against bugs and conduits for fresh air and ventilation. Over the years, the doors have served a practical purpose without fanfare or flair. But not all homeowners like the basic design, which has changed little.
Many people find the screen doors unsightly, inconvenient, and hard to see through. These doors obscure the home’s entryway. And, because they have to be opened and closed upon each entry or departure they are somewhat of a nuisance. The wood frame, which often comes halfway up the door, also obstructs the view when peering outside.
There is an option that addresses all these concerns. The product is call a “retractable screen door” and is made by several companies including “Phantom Screens”. Here’s how it works; the screen is coiled and connected to a powerful, adjustable spring inside the frame. The frame is attached to the outside of the doorway and aluminum tracking at the top and the bottom guide the screen across the doorway to a magnetic latch.
Potential benefits include:
• No viewing obstructions
• 100% ventilation
• Effective screen barrier against insects
• Retractable door when not in use
• Aesthetic design
Another unique feature is a flex design. Once in place the screen actually gives upon impact. If a child or an animal pushes against it, the mesh will bulge outwards by several inches without stretching the material out of shape. The screen temporarily bulges, but once slid back into the frame a powerful coil snaps it back into place.
The Phantom Screen is a versatile product that can be mounted on either side of the doorway. Since some doors open outward, the retractable screen can be placed inside where it easily operates. The screen also can be used for wide patio doors.
Perhaps the biggest boon for some homeowners is the screen’s application for doublewide doors. These areas are always hard to cover and when a double screen door is used the effect is unsightly. Retractable screens attach to either side of the doorway and connect in the center. Both screens can be closed or just one. And, when not in use, the screens slide right back into their frames.
MORE FROM YOUR NEW HOUSE
Featured videos:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjTMbsoHW2eiqktEDbaQunVDuiTidxPxd
Great DIY Projects from Your New House:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjTMbsoHW2ejNSy9ywo1mKiGaSXuTsEgE
Quick Tips - easy tips to make your projects (and life) better:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjTMbsoHW2eh4zI-dJCevBTEdY5ioSAPQ
Gardening and Landscaping:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjTMbsoHW2ejdcWzNkAARBzUQDvT3W1ME
Adventures in Homebuilding - Home info with a smile:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjTMbsoHW2ehA9bTrvQ58AHfE_utaBCLc
Choosing and Using Tools with Carmen Ciricillo:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjTMbsoHW2eisLdRjyue3eVZT-qjM9B6I
Factory Tours and Product Testing:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjTMbsoHW2ej6wLU1NAVlWhcvVWL1ynJQ
For generations, screen doors have been barriers against bugs and conduits for fresh air and ventilation. Over the years, the doors have served a practical purpose without fanfare or flair. But not all homeowners like the basic design, which has changed little.
Many people find the screen doors unsightly, inconvenient, and hard to see through. These doors obscure the home’s entryway. And, because they have to be opened and closed upon each entry or departure they are somewhat of a nuisance. The wood frame, which often comes halfway up the door, also obstructs the view when peering outside.
There is an option that addresses all these concerns. The product is call a “retractable screen door” and is made by several companies including “Phantom Screens”. Here’s how it works; the screen is coiled and connected to a powerful, adjustable spring inside the frame. The frame is attached to the outside of the doorway and aluminum tracking at the top and the bottom guide the screen across the doorway to a magnetic latch.
Potential benefits include:
• No viewing obstructions
• 100% ventilation
• Effective screen barrier against insects
• Retractable door when not in use
• Aesthetic design
Another unique feature is a flex design. Once in place the screen actually gives upon impact. If a child or an animal pushes against it, the mesh will bulge outwards by several inches without stretching the material out of shape. The screen temporarily bulges, but once slid back into the frame a powerful coil snaps it back into place.
The Phantom Screen is a versatile product that can be mounted on either side of the doorway. Since some doors open outward, the retractable screen can be placed inside where it easily operates. The screen also can be used for wide patio doors.
Perhaps the biggest boon for some homeowners is the screen’s application for doublewide doors. These areas are always hard to cover and when a double screen door is used the effect is unsightly. Retractable screens attach to either side of the doorway and connect in the center. Both screens can be closed or just one. And, when not in use, the screens slide right back into their frames.
MORE FROM YOUR NEW HOUSE
Featured videos:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjTMbsoHW2eiqktEDbaQunVDuiTidxPxd
Great DIY Projects from Your New House:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjTMbsoHW2ejNSy9ywo1mKiGaSXuTsEgE
Quick Tips - easy tips to make your projects (and life) better:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjTMbsoHW2eh4zI-dJCevBTEdY5ioSAPQ
Gardening and Landscaping:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjTMbsoHW2ejdcWzNkAARBzUQDvT3W1ME
Adventures in Homebuilding - Home info with a smile:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjTMbsoHW2ehA9bTrvQ58AHfE_utaBCLc
Choosing and Using Tools with Carmen Ciricillo:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjTMbsoHW2eisLdRjyue3eVZT-qjM9B6I
Factory Tours and Product Testing:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjTMbsoHW2ej6wLU1NAVlWhcvVWL1ynJQ
