Is your sliding screen door becoming flimsy and hard to operate? Picture this: you're trying to enjoy a cool breeze on a sunny day, but your patio screen door keeps sticking and making that annoying sound. Frustrating, right?
Many homeowners face this issue, especially as doors age or wear out. But fret not, because we're here to guide you through finding the perfect replacement.
With so many options out there, choosing the right sliding screen door can feel overwhelming. How do you get the best sliding screen door replacement for your patio doors? Read on to find out more.
How To Choose Sliding Screen Door for Your Home
Understanding Screen Frame Options
The screen frame is what holds all the components of a screen door together. If it’s not robust, your sliding screen door won’t work as you want it to.
In the market, sliding screens come in two frames:
Roll-Form
Roll-form screen frames are made by passing thin sheets of aluminum through a series of rollers, converting them into a form of a rectangular box (roll-form).
Advantages
- Thinner and lighter than other screen frames.
- Easy to replace damaged screens as screen spline is positioned on the exterior side of the screen frame.
Disadvantages
- They can’t handle much stress as they can crack easily.
- The spline can be seen on the exterior of the screen frame, which can diminish the overall beauty of the sliding door.
- The screen frame may have a short lifespan.
Extruded Aluminum
Extruded aluminum frames involve a different process. First, manufacturers heat aluminum and then pass it through a die machine to give it the right shape. Once this reinforced aluminum comes out of the machine, it’s allowed to cool and harden, turning into extruded aluminum.
Advantages
- Enhanced Durability. Can handle daily wear and tear.
- Made to last longer, requiring fewer or no screen frame replacements.
- Screen spline positioned at the frame's interior side provides a polished look to the sliding door.
Evaluate and Choose a Screen Material
How can you pick the right sliding screen door without knowing which screen material to pick? This factor determines the functionality of your sliding screen door.
Do you need a screen material for UV protection or better visibility? Do you have pets? Each screen material is designed to fit a specific need and the better you understand this, the easier it is for you to make a choice.
The most common screen materials include:
Fiberglass Screen
One of the most common screen materials used for screening windows and doors is fiberglass. It is a durable material that doesn’t corrode thanks to its protective vinyl layering.
Advantages
- Made of permanent glass yarn, providing enhanced flexibility and strength.
- Good air ventilation.
- Small mesh size for blocking insects.
- Provides clear outdoor visibility.
- Affordable price.
Disadvantages
- Prolonged exposure to the sun causes its color to fade away.
- Not as durable as other screen materials. Is vulnerable to tearing at the edges.
Aluminum Screen
Aluminum screens have a stronger mesh than fiberglass and don’t sag easily. It can enhance the beauty of your windows or doors due to its tint.
Advantages
- Exposure to sunlight doesn’t fade their color.
- Small mesh size for blocking insects.
- Reduces visibility from outdoors, increasing privacy.
- Can be easily cleaned with soap and water.
Disadvantages
- Can rust or corrode in humid weather conditions.
- Costs more than fiberglass.
Solar Screen
Solar screens are made of a special type of woven mesh that gifts them with shading and UV-blocking properties. They’re difficult to damage as they’re made of vinyl-coated polyester, a highly robust material.
Advantages
- Can block around 80%-90% of the harmful UV rays.
- Reduces the harsh sun glare.
- Keeps indoors cool by reducing heat gain.
- Increases daytime privacy by reducing visibility from the outdoors.
Drawbacks
- Expensive screen material.
- Tight screen mesh may reduce airflow.
- Limited color and design options.
BetterVue Screen
BetterVue screens are engineered with a polyester fabric that doesn’t wear and tear from exposure to various weather elements. It has 30% smaller openings than standard screens.
Advantages
- Robust screen mesh doesn’t sag or bend easily.
- Provides outstanding visibility of the outdoors. The screen looks invisible.
- Enhances the beauty and style of sliding doors.
- Increased natural lighting indoors.
- Effectively blocks tiny insects.
Disadvantages
- Costs more than standard fiberglass screens.
No See Um Screen
No see um screens are a special version of fiberglass. They come with very fine mesh openings, making it difficult for tiny bugs like sand flies and biting midges to pass through.
Advantages
- Work effectively against no-see ums.
- Provides clear outdoor visibility.
- Doesn’t corrode or rust.
Disadvantages
- Reduced airflow due to higher screen mesh count.
- Lack of availability in local hardware or screen stores.
Pet Resistant Screen
Does your dog or cat frequent areas with sliding doors? You may need a screen that can handle the scratching and climbing attempts of pets. This is where pet screens come in handy.
Advantages
- Heavy-duty material that is robust to tear and puncture.
- Uses vinyl-coated polyester for protection against rust.
- Blocks insects effectively.
Disadvantages
- Cost more than standard fiberglass screens.
- The thicker mesh may reduce airflow indoors.
Size of Sliding Door
A sliding screen door must fit inside the channels or grooves of the existing sliding door. Otherwise, the door won't have a smooth gliding. To get the right sliding screen door, you need the following measurements if you have an existing sliding screen door:
Width of Sliding Door
Measure the width of your existing sliding door or the opening where you plan to install the screen door. Measure at the top, middle, and bottom of the opening to account for any irregularities.
Height of Sliding Door
Measure the height of the door opening from the bottom track to the top track. Take measurements at multiple points to ensure accuracy, especially if the opening is not perfectly level.
Depths of the Tracks (Upper and Lower) of the Existing Sliding Door
Measure the depth of the tracks (upper and lower) where the screen door will slide into. This measurement ensures that the screen door fits snugly within the tracks without being too loose or tight.
Handle Location
Determine the location of the handle on your existing sliding door. Note if the handle is centered or offset, as this will affect the design and installation of the screen door.
If you don’t have a sliding screen door, you would need the following measurements:
- Width of the sliding glass door.
- Height of the doorway.
- Sliding door handle location.
Consider Your Budget
How much you’re willing to spend on a sliding screen door controls the number of options you have for choosing a sliding screen door. A clear budget plan can simplify the decision-making process. It restricts the selection of high-quality screens to those that fit within your budget. With this selection, you can easily pick the best sliding screen door that fulfills your requirements.
If you’re looking for a cost-effective option, then fiberglass screen material – which is durable and insect-proof – is a great option. You can also order a DIY kit and install the screen yourself. This helps you save on professional installation costs.
Wrapping Up
Getting the best-sliding screen door can be complicated due to the numerous options available at local stores and online. By following the above-mentioned tips, you can easily pick the best sliding screen door for your porch, patio, or windows.