Screen doors are a great way to keep bugs out of your home, but they can be expensive and difficult to install.
If you don’t want to have a screen door at all, or if you’re looking for an alternative solution because the one you have now is too hard to use or too expensive, then this article is for you.
1. Retractable Door
A retractable screen door is actually a great alternative to regular screen doors.
You can have it designed with your exact measurements, and you don’t have to worry about the size being off or having any special tools to install it.
They are also much easier to move in and out of the way than sliding screen doors, which allows you more mobility as well as gives you easier access when using them on a regular basis.
These are recommended for people who haven’t yet decided whether they want a flat panel or a slide-open style door. They’ll allow you to try both types without having to buy two separate products.
2. Storm Doors
Storm doors are another good option for keeping bugs out of your home. They attach right onto your existing screen door frame, but unlike some screen replacements, they don’t need any tools to put into place. In fact, you can have them in the door and open up in under a minute, which is great if you get caught off guard by insects.
Storm doors usually allow for plenty of light to come in, but they also protect your home from bugs that may try to bite through any part of it. They’re also easy to install, so you don’t need special tools or training to do so. Just take a look at what storm doors are available online and see if one meets your requirements before making any decisions. You might find just what you need very easily.
3. Keyless Entry Screens
Another screen option that allows you door access even when the screens aren’t on their tracks anymore is a keyless entry screen.
Keyless entry screens use a handy cord system to open and close the screen panels for you without having to worry about keys.
They’re also made out of durable plastic, so they’ll last as long as your original screens did with proper maintenance. These are recommended for people who like their current door access options but want a lighter-weight alternative that’s just as strong and reliable.
Just remember that these keyless entry screens aren’t suitable for storm doors or retractable door frames, which require specially designed hardware to fit onto them properly. If you have one of these types of doors already installed on your home, then it might be best to stick with what you’ve already got in terms of screen replacement options.
4. Magnetic Screen Doors
Magnetic screen doors actually go into the same tracks as your original door, but they’re much easier to install and open. They use a series of magnets to stay in place and let you freely move in and out without having to do anything on your own.
In fact, these screens have no hardware or tools required for installation at all, which makes them one of the easiest-to-use options around. These are recommended for people who already like their current doors but want a new way to get through them more quickly.
5. Fly Blinds
Fly blinds are a great way to keep insects out of your home. They attach right onto the sliding screen door track, but they don’t interfere with the ability to operate the door at all. They’re also completely hidden from view when they’re not in use, which means you don’t have to see them if you don’t want to.
These are really easy to install and require no special tools or knowledge, making them one of the best options for replacing broken screens with something that still provides great functionality without any maintenance required on your part. These are recommended for people who want an unobtrusive replacement option that requires very little maintenance.
6. Glass Paneling
If you’re not interested in having a screen door at all, glass paneling is another great option. It replaces standard screens and washers with tempered glass that can hold up to any type of weather or wear and tear on its own. Glass is also much lighter than traditional options, so it doesn’t require any extra support on the door frame side.
Just be sure to keep your furniture from bumping into the doors if you go this route, as the surface area of glass isn’t very wide. These are recommended for people who don’t want even remotely transparent viewing windows but still want doors that let in fresh air throughout the year.
7. Sliding Glass Door With Screen Insert
Another glass option available is a sliding glass door with a screen insert. These replace your current doors but slide in the same tracks, so you don’t even have to adjust the way that your doors operate.
Instead of being completely clear like normal sliding glass doors, though, these options include an inset window made out of either plexiglass or tempered safety glass. This means you can still enjoy looking outside while also keeping insects at bay. They’re also extremely easy to install and offer some of the best bug-proofing features around.
Just remember that this type of screening option is only suitable for sliding-glass-door homes, not other types like storm doors. If you don’t already have a good place where you can move these onto your home, it might be best to go with one of the other options on this list. These are recommended for people who already like their sliding glass doors but want to modify them slightly in order to provide better screening functionality.
8. Screenless Window Inserts
Screenless window inserts are a great way to turn any interior or exterior door into a screen. They’re fairly small, so you can still easily fit in and out of the doors while they’re in place.
They use a magnet system to hold themselves against the door frame and remain snug in place at all times. These are recommended for anyone who wants easy screening without having to permanently alter their existing doors.
Conclusion
When you replace your screens, whether it’s just one window or every single screen in your home, you want to make sure you go with the right product for your particular situation. By learning about screen door replacement options, you’ll be able to find one that suits your needs and makes it easy to let sunlight and fresh air in while keeping bugs out of your home.
