Screen Doors Provide Protection and Style

by Marc Dickinson

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We've all owned or at least seen screen doors at work. Whether they are retractable or swinging, these doors are always on the job protecting your house in various ways. Most homeowners in all regions invest in these doors for different reasons, but in the past people have avoided buying them because they immediately think of flimsy aluminum construction or loud banging entrances and exits. However, these doors have gone through many changes over the years and are now sturdier, state of the art, and smoother in their finish.

Practicality
The main reason you'll want to invest in a screen door is its usefulness. Despite whatever climate you live in, these doors will always provide a sound function.

Ventilation: Of course they provide a nice breeze during the summer and spring, and by creating a natural air flow, they may even save you some money on your utility bills. Added Lighting: When your front door is open, these screened doors open up your home to the outside world, making your house feel bigger and less gloomy. Extra Security: Depending upon the model you purchase, these doors can come with extra security features and locks which make for just another protective barrier between your home and the outside world. Pests: Probably the most important task of these doors is that while they pull the air in, they also keep out the flies, mosquitoes, and other insects.

Fashion
Believe it or not, beyond their usefulness, these doors also create curb appeal for your home. Since your entryway is one of the first things people see, these doors can actually increase the value of your home. They come in all colors, all different types of material, and you can even have finished trim and molding. You could replace a section of screen with a storm window. You could buy solid brass handles, specialized locking systems, vinyl or aluminum or wood, and even spring or hydraulic hinges. The choices are limitless.

Just make sure that the construction looks solid, that they open and close smoothly, and that it feels like they have some heft to them. Though you want the door to be subtle and lightweight, almost invisible at times, you also want to make sure you're getting your money's worth. Depending upon your preferences for the additional features, these doors can often range from a $10-$50 basic design up to $500 for more complicated and customized styles and materials, so do some shopping around before buying.

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Maintenance
Screen doors often come pre-hung and are easy enough to install if you have some handyman skills. However, if you don't, you may want a professional to do the job so that your door can work to its best capabilities. But some things you can do to keep your screen doors working properly are to take care of the door so as to prevent any problems down the line.

  • Regularly check and oil the hinges and check to make sure the latches are closing properly.
  • Make sure that the closers (whether they are the tracks for retractable doors or springs and hydraulics for swinging doors) are adjusted correctly so the door won't bang open and shut.
  • Repair any small holes in the screen before they get bigger. If they are big enough, you may have to repair the entire screen at one time. And if these holes are appearing due to scratching pets, you can even buy protection for your protective door: plastic covers for the screen itself are now on the market to make sure that no unnecessary damage occurs from within your own household and that the outdoor elements continue to stay outside.
    Marc Dickinson has worked in both the general contracting and landscaping trades and is currently a home improvement freelance writer with over 300 articles published.