Are Motorized Screens Worth It? Complete Homeowner's Guide

When you're busy swatting mosquitoes every summer evening off your patio while you probably wish you could be relaxing there, you've most likely thought about entering "motorised screens" in the search bar of a major web site at least once.

It's not an unreasonable question. You know motorised screens will make a significant dent in your wallet. That's one reason you will do some research before making your final move that is to verify if you'll really get comfort, protection, and value for money out of them.

The short answer is 'for the majority of householders that spend a fair amount of time enjoying their patio, then yes motorised screens are a wise investment. That said, it really is a multifaceted decision where the factors affecting your climate, your way of using the patio, and the type of system you decide to install all play a part. So here is how it goes.

What Are Motorized Screens?

Motorized screen doors are retractable, made either with mesh or solid fabric. They come down or go up at the touch of a switch, or automatically using sensors, if installed. These screens differ from regular crank ones as the fabric is enclosed in a housing to protect it when not in use. Most of the current motorized screen systems are operable through wall switch, remote control or a smartphone app.

It is common to have motorized screens installed outdoors, where they can serve as a barrier to insects, wind, sun glare and sometimes light rain without fully closing out the area where you usually have the patio, porch, pergola, or lanai. There are also people using them for garage openings (to block out insects) or outdoor kitchens (to make the area usable whatever the weather).

The Real Benefits of Motorized Screens

1. Extending the outdoor season: This is definitely the top reason for people to switch to screens. Even with the screens on you can enjoy your patio on a breezy evening or when the bugs come out. If you live in very hot and full-of-pests areas, it makes a big difference having a few more usable hours every day.

2. Protection against insects and UltraViolet radiation: Good quality mesh not only keeps mosquitoes and pollen away, it is also very helpful in reducing the effects of UV radiation. Sunscreen-like effect of such screens, therefore, furniture and floor boards are spared of bleaching by the solar rays.

3. Boost in property price: Outdoor living enhancements top many Return on Investment (ROI) charts and a professionally installed screen system is a desirable feature to home buyers.

4. More convenience compared to manual screens: With Motorized screen systems nobody will complain about having to physically crank the heavy screen up or down. Moreover, once the fabric ages and stiffens, the convenience of a motorized system is even a greater relief.

5. Energy saving aspect: Screens prevent direct light rays of sun from entering into your building and reaching the surface of your windows.

Briefly, this means you would not have to spend as much money to cool the area inside with air conditioning during the really hot summer period.

What About the Cost?

Motorized patio screening is certainly more expensive on the purchase side than traditional fixed screen or manual operable alternatives. The main reason for the higher price of motorized patio screens is the motor mechanism.

The cost of motorized patio screen is heavily influenced by the below listed factors:

• Pricing for larger window and door openings will be quite different, since the required mechanism is quite heavy for large motors and tracks.

• The number of screens required i-e whether it's one screen or a full patio surround.

• The fabric type solar shade mesh, blackout fabric, clear vinyl for wind & rain resistance etc.

• Smart features such as wind sensors, sunshine sensors, and app integration, which will be additional features that increase price.

On average, the majority of homeowners think that it ends up costing them a bit more than the money they have already spent on it, but not a lot, because they get to have an additional indoor space as a result of buying it which was not possible to get otherwise. However, the only reliable way of knowing the actual figure is by getting your personalized estimate because each patio layout differentiates one another in different ways.

Installing screen doors: a glimpse into the process

Your patio screen installation can be done in a couple of days by a qualified screen installers. The total time may also be affected by the number of windows and if the electrician will have to do some wire work for you to control the screens automatically. A reliable professional will:

• Each doorway is measured to the millimeter so that wind and insect barrier will have minimum effect when they get out of hand.

• Suggest a color scheme with fabric, a frame color that complements the look of your home

• Be responsible for motors, wiring, and switches, and if smart sensors are involved

• Maintain the whole system running smoothly before a final walkthrough

Though it is possible for you to undertake DIY installation on an automated system, it is not without its dangers. The fact of the matter is that errors in the workmanship of even such an important aspect as the alignment is going to be the result of a failed installation, while the other consequences can be the screen sticking or even the complete collapse of the system not later than in the period of one year. This is actually one of the cases when it makes sense to have a certified professional do your installation to a high standard because of the risk to the physical property.

Are Motorized Screens Worth It for Your Home?

HHere's a quick way for you to decide if such a product would suit your needs. Motorized screens are worth the time and money when:

• Your outdoor living space is a favorite spot to relax patio, porch, etc.

• You get discouraged by the bugs, or have problems with your vision because of the glare from the sun, or your time outdoors is curtailed by the wind.

• You like motorized window treatments as they usually look better than manual screens or curtains.

• Want to resell your house in the next couple of years and need to increase the curb appeal?

Motorized screens won't be that important to you if you're seldom or rarely in your outdoor area or if you have to focus your renovation money on other projects first.

If you're one of the many Georgia homeowners who live through very humid summers, suffer pollen allergies and have to deal with sudden rain, your outdoor motorized screens will provide you such comfort that you can almost consider that the investment made its way to pay for itself from an added comfort perspective in just the first season. 

Georgia Luxe Outdoors has made motorized screen systems installations for homeowners who are literally spread all over the country and, the thing that pops up almost every time in the feedback surveys is that the customers would like they had done it much earlier on.

If you want to combine your screens with a covered area to extend your outdoor living space, see our guide to louvered pergolas, which is an excellent outdoor living enhancement strategy.

Final Thoughts

Motorized screens offer a practical, high-impact change that will allow anyone who wishes to use their outdoor area more frequently, more comfortably and with less maintenance time than hand-operated ones, to do so.

The initial investment is there, but the rewards you get every day after installation are no less real.

If you are ready to go with the choices for your home, Georgia Luxe Outdoors offers free consultations to assist you to pick the right fabric, size and features for your space and your budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do motorized screens offer more value than manual retractable screens?

Generally, motorized screens are worth the extra investment. They may have a higher upfront price, but in terms of functionality, they provide a much higher level of comfort with smooth and consistent movement, not to mention you won't have to strain manually cranking the screen again and again thus the lifetime of the fabric will be significantly prolonged.

2. On average, how much do motorized patio screens cost?

The price of motorized screens really depends on the dimensions of the opening, the chosen fabric as well as features such as sun or wind sensors included. You will need to be most precise with your budget if you request a customized quote which takes your patio size into account.

3. Are indoor/outdoor screens able to function during harsh weather conditions?

Many models have a wind sensor to detect winds and automatically roll up the screen if the wind speed is high. Some types of fabric also give a moderate level of protection against light rain. For extra protection against the elements your installer can offer you options like reinforced or clear vinyl.

4. How long will the installation of a patio screen take?

Most installation work carried out by professionals will take from one to two days only. The time depends on the number of openings, the electrical work required, and whether or not the smart controls are part of the purchase.

5. Is there a lot of work required for the maintenance of motorized screens?

Not really. Generally, maintenance only means wiping off the fabric and frame and getting the motor checked from time to time at least. Motorized screens are much lower maintenance than the manual ones where hand operation leads to quicker wear and tear of the fabric screen.