Motorized Retractable Screens: 12 Questions Answered by a St. Louis Screen Expert

 

Motorized retractable screens are becoming an increasingly popular way for homeowners to enjoy their porches, patios, and outdoor living spaces without permanently enclosing them.

Unlike traditional stationary insect screens, motorized screens can be raised or lowered with the push of a button. When you want an open-air porch, the screens disappear into their housings. When insects become a problem, you can lower them and enjoy your outdoor space more comfortably.

But before investing in motorized screens, homeowners often have questions about cost, durability, installation, maintenance, and how well they perform in the St. Louis climate.

At Broadview Screen, we’ve been serving the St. Louis area since 1989. We specialize in custom screen installations, including Phantom motorized retractable screens.

Here are answers to 12 of the questions homeowners frequently consider before purchasing motorized screens.

  1. How much do motorized retractable screens cost?

Motorized retractable screens are a custom product, so pricing varies considerably depending on the project.

The biggest factors affecting cost include:

  • The width and height of each opening
  • The number of screens needed
  • The type of screen mesh or fabric selected
  • Whether the system is surface-mounted or recessed
  • Electrical requirements and motor controls
  • Installation complexity

For example, installing one motorized screen across a covered patio opening is a different project from enclosing a large porch with multiple screens.

Motorized screens generally cost more than traditional fixed screening because they incorporate motors, custom housings, and specialized installation components.

Our recommendation: Rather than relying on generic online pricing, have a screen installation professional evaluate your openings and provide a written estimate.

Request an estimate from Broadview Screen.

  1. Are motorized retractable screens worth the investment?

For many homeowners, the biggest advantage of motorized screens is flexibility.

Traditional fixed screening permanently encloses a porch or patio. Motorized screens allow you to choose between an open-air environment and a screened enclosure.

This can be especially appealing for homes with attractive backyard views, outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, and covered entertaining spaces.

Motorized screens can also provide a cleaner architectural appearance because the screening retracts when not in use.

However, motorized screens aren’t necessarily the best choice for every homeowner.

If you always want your porch enclosed and have no need to retract the screens, a traditional stationary screen system may be a more economical solution.

  1. Can motorized retractable screens be installed on an existing porch or patio?

Yes. Many existing covered porches and patios can accommodate motorized retractable screens.

There are generally two installation approaches:

Surface-mounted installation: The screen housing and tracks are mounted to an existing structure. This is often a practical approach for completed homes.

Recessed installation: The screen housing is incorporated into the structure, providing a more concealed appearance when the screen is retracted. Recessed systems are commonly considered during new construction or remodeling.

The appropriate installation depends on the dimensions of the openings, available mounting surfaces, electrical access, and structural conditions.

Not every porch is a suitable candidate without modifications, which is why professional measurements and an evaluation of the existing structure are important.

  1. How large can a motorized retractable screen be?

Motorized retractable screens can cover surprisingly large openings, making them attractive for covered patios and outdoor living areas.

The Phantom motorized screen systems offered by Broadview Screen can accommodate openings up to 25 feet wide by 16 feet tall using insect mesh and sun control fabric.  PLEASE NOTE – The Viny motorized Phantom Screens can be made 25 feet wide by 14 feet tall.

Some specialized applications may accommodate greater widths, depending on the system and installation requirements.

Maximum dimensions vary with the screen model, selected material, and configuration. Not every fabric or mesh option is suitable for every opening size.

For particularly large openings, an installer can help determine whether one large screen or multiple screens would provide the best combination of appearance and performance.

Learn more about Broadview’s Phantom motorized screens.

  1. Do motorized screens keep mosquitoes and other insects out?

Yes. When fitted with insect-screen mesh and properly installed, motorized retractable screens can provide an effective barrier against mosquitoes, flies, and many other flying insects.

This makes them especially useful during warm St. Louis evenings, when homeowners want to enjoy their outdoor spaces without being bothered by bugs.

However, no screen enclosure should be described as completely insect-proof.

Small gaps around adjoining structures, doors, or other openings can allow insects to enter. The design and fit of the entire enclosure are important.

  1. Can motorized screens provide sun protection and privacy?

Yes. Depending on the screen fabric selected, motorized screens can help reduce glare, provide shade, and increase privacy.

Insect mesh, solar screen fabrics, and privacy-oriented materials serve different purposes.

For example:

  • Insect mesh focuses on airflow and keeping insects out.
  • Solar screening helps reduce direct sunlight and glare.
  • Privacy-oriented fabrics can limit visibility through the screen, depending on lighting conditions.

It’s important to understand that a fabric designed to provide daytime privacy may not offer the same privacy at night when lights are on inside the screened area.

Also, the amount of sunlight blocked depends on the fabric selected.  The 95% UV Block fabric is the most popular.  Some manufacturers state 5% open – it is the same thing as 95% block.

A professional installer can help match the material to your priorities, whether those are insect protection, preserving the view, shading, or privacy.

  1. Can motorized retractable screens withstand strong winds?

Motorized retractable screens are designed for normal outdoor use, but they should not be treated as permanent storm protection.

Strong winds can place considerable stress on the mesh, tracks, and operating components.

Phantom Screens advises homeowners not to operate its motorized screens in winds exceeding 25 mph.

We have several customers who leave their screens down all year.  Generally, they do not have a problem but they have to replace the mesh fabric more often.

Screens should be retracted when strong winds, severe thunderstorms, or other potentially damaging weather are expected.

For St. Louis homeowners: Because thunderstorms and rapidly changing weather are common concerns, it’s important to understand the operating limitations of your particular screen before installation.

  1. Can motorized screens connect to Alexa or a smart home automation system?

Yes. Certain motorized screen systems can integrate with home automation equipment.

Phantom offers motorized screens using Somfy motor and control technology. Depending on the motor and controls installed, there may be options for remote operation, wall switches, smartphone applications, and integration with compatible smart home systems.

The simplest method is using The Bond.  The Bond phone app will interact with the Somfy RTS Motor.  You will be able to raise and lower your Broadview motorized screens from anywhere.

For example, compatible Somfy RTS-powered products can be connected to Amazon Alexa using a Somfy TaHoma switch and the appropriate setup.

Somfy also offers integration options for certain professional home automation platforms, including Savant.

However, compatibility is not automatic. The motor type, control equipment, gateway, and automation system must all be considered.

If you’re building or remodeling a home and want your screens integrated with a smart home system, discuss those requirements before the screens are ordered.

  1. What is the difference between Phantom motorized screens and standard porch screens?

The biggest difference is that Phantom motorized screens retract, while traditional porch screens remain in place.

A traditional screened porch offers continuous insect protection without requiring the homeowner to raise or lower screens. It’s often a cost-effective option for homeowners who want a permanently screened outdoor area.

Phantom motorized screens offer the flexibility to open the space completely when desired.

They can be particularly attractive for:

  • Covered patios with large openings
  • Porches overlooking landscaped yards or scenic views
  • Outdoor kitchens and entertaining spaces
  • Homeowners who prefer a less visible screen system when it’s not in use

Both options have advantages. The best choice depends on how you plan to use the space and your budget.

  1. How much maintenance do motorized retractable screens require?

Motorized screens generally require relatively little maintenance, but periodic cleaning and proper operation are important.

Homeowners should keep the tracks free of dirt, leaves, and debris.

Screen mesh and housings can usually be cleaned using mild detergent, water, and a soft lint free towel/rag.

Avoid pressure washing and harsh chemicals.

Phantom recommends cleaning screens once or twice per season and using its specified greaseless silicone lubricant when track lubrication is needed. Avoid using products such as WD-40 unless your screen manufacturer specifically approves them.

During winter, retract the screens to protect them from snow and ice.

Following the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions helps keep the system operating properly.

  1. Can motorized screens be used during the winter?

Motorized retractable insect screens are primarily intended to make outdoor spaces more comfortable during suitable weather.

They do not turn an open porch into a fully insulated, heated room.

Although certain screen and fabric materials can reduce wind exposure, standard insect screening does not provide the insulation of conventional windows or walls.

In the St. Louis area, homeowners should also consider ice, snow, freezing temperatures, and winter storms.

Phantom recommends keeping motorized screens fully retracted during conditions involving snow and ice to help prevent damage.

If your primary objective is to extend the use of your porch into colder months, you may also want to investigate a three-season enclosure system.

Broadview Screen offers EZE-Breeze porch enclosure products as another option.

  1. How do I choose the best motorized screen company in St. Louis?

Motorized retractable screens are a specialized product, and the quality of the installation is an important part of the overall investment.

Before selecting a company, consider asking:

  • How much experience does the company have installing motorized retractable screens?
  • Can I see actual installations or visit a showroom?
  • Which manufacturer and screen systems does the company offer?
  • What are the warranty terms and exclusions?
  • Who will handle service or repairs if a problem develops?
  • Can the company help evaluate mesh options, screen sizes, and controls?

It’s also helpful to work with a company that offers more than one type of screening solution.

A homeowner considering motorized screens may discover that traditional screening or another porch enclosure system better matches their needs.

The goal should be to find the right solution for the home rather than simply purchasing the most expensive product.

About Broadview Screen

Broadview Screen is a family-owned company that has served the St. Louis metropolitan area since 1989.

We specialize in custom screening solutions for residential outdoor living spaces, including:

  • Phantom motorized retractable screens
  • Traditional screened porches
  • Retractable door screens
  • EZE-Breeze three-season porch enclosures

Whether you’re building a new covered patio, remodeling an existing porch, or exploring ways to make your outdoor living space more comfortable, our team can help explain your options.

Visit our showroom:

Broadview Screen
12951 Gravois Road, Suite 110
St. Louis, MO 63127

Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Phone: 314-842-8888

Contact Broadview Screen to request an estimate.