3 Retractable Screen Storm Door Problems and What to Do About Them
Roll back issues with your retractable screen door
Highlights
Screens can tear, stretch, jam, and come off the track, and the latch can fail.
Keep retractable screens lubricated and clean, and never push on the screen.
Preventative maintenance and DIY repairs can keep your retractable screen in good condition.
Storm doors with a retractable screen cost $200 to $400, plus $185 to $650 for professional installation.
If you want a screen door that rolls out of sight when you don’t need it and rolls back when you do, a storm door with a retractable screen might be right for you. These doors are an excellent fit for many households but have a few downsides. This guide covers the three main disadvantages—safety, cost, and ongoing maintenance—and details how to deal with each. Read on to learn all you need to know about retractable screen storm door problems and solutions.
1. Safety
While it keeps bugs at bay, the screen portion of retractable screen doors isn’t meant to offer security. It can come with a few challenges:
It’s easy to push off of the tracks and can gap on the sides
Doesn’t stop children and pets from getting outside (if the screen portion of the door reaches the ground)
Won’t keep people from reaching in through the screen to open the door handle
Models with tracks across the bottom of the doorway can be a tripping hazard
What to do about it: If you have small children or excitable pets, don’t pick a full-length screen door. Choose one that has a retractable screen option at the top only. Likewise, to avoid tripping hazards, choose a retractable screen door model that doesn’t slide on a track, but instead swings open like a regular door.
If you want more security, retractable screen storm doors might not be the best fit for your home. Instead, consider a traditional storm door or a security screen door. Your local storm door installer can help you find the best options for your home.
2. Cost
Retractable screen doors cost more than other screen doors, so consider your budget before buying. Expect to spend between $200 and $400, depending on the model. Double retractable screen doors or custom versions can cost even more. If you hire a pro, storm door installation costs can add $185 to $650 to the overall price.
What to do about it: If cost is your number-one priority, consider buying a traditional screen door, as they tend to be less expensive. If you have the experience and tools, you can also keep costs lower by installing your new door yourself. However, avoid buying the lowest-priced door you can find, as these may not offer the quality and longevity you want.
3. Maintenance and Repairs
Retractable screen doors are convenient and keep insects and other pests out of your home while still allowing in fresh air. However, the features that make them function also make them susceptible to damage and wear and tear over time. You’ll likely need routine maintenance and repairs for the following issues.
Ripping and Tearing
Screens are fragile—even if you’ve invested in a high-quality or extra-strong product, you’ll see rips and tears in the screen material with age and use. This can make your retractable screen door look worn and prevent it from working properly.
What to do about it: Use a screen repair kit to fix small tears and holes. It won’t look new, but it keeps insects out and stops tears from getting bigger. If you can’t repair a large tear or want to replace it, you can swap out the entire screen with a new one. Many retractable screen door companies make replacement screen kits. If you’d rather call a pro to take care of it, hire a screen repair company near you to get it done.
Stretching
Most retractable screen doors are designed to come loose from the tracks if someone pushes on them to minimize stretching and tearing. However, the screen material may stretch out over time or with repeated pushing. Signs of stretching include gaps between the storm door and the frame, sagging, and coming out of the side tracks.
What to do about it: Avoid pushing or pressing against the screen. Never set items against the screen material, show children how to open the door by using the frame, and keep pets from pushing against the door. Replacement is the best option for a severely stretched-out screen.
Coming Out of the Track
When the screen door comes out of the track, it won’t open and close, creating gaps where insects can get in. Causes include rough use, strong storms, and age.
What to do about it: Realign the screen to fit back into the track. Ensure it’s not bent or damaged and that it sits evenly. If the door, track, rollers, or guides are damaged, fix or replace them to deter the screen door from jumping the track again.
Sticking and Jamming
Retractable screens and other moving parts can get stuck or jammed, making it difficult or impossible for users to open or close the screen smoothly. Culprits include dirt and debris in the tracks, loss of lubrication on the tracks, damage that bends the tracks or screen frame, or obstructions that block the screen from rolling or sliding.
What to do about it: First, remove obstructions or repair damage blocking the screen's movement. Next, clean the tracks. Use a soft brush like an old toothbrush or a cloth with a mild cleanser and water to remove visible dirt and debris. Finally, apply a silicone-based lubricant to the working areas of the track and screen door to help the parts glide smoothly.
Spring Mechanism Failure
Retractable screen storm doors have an internal spring mechanism that rolls them up when you retract the screen. When the spring mechanism fails, the screen won’t roll up correctly or may not roll up or retract at all.
What to do about it: Test the spring tension, which you can adjust with most doors. Check your user manual or visit the manufacturer's website for directions. If the spring is broken or worn out, you can replace it. Most manufacturers sell replacement storm door parts.
Latch Failure
The latch holding the screen open can fail, causing the screen to snap back into the rolled-up position or making it impossible to secure it in the open position. This can happen suddenly or slowly over time until the latch is useless.
What to do about it: Tighten any loose screws on the latch mechanism that might keep the latch from working correctly. Check the alignment of the screen door and latch to make sure they line up and connect. If there are no obvious loose screws or alignment problems, or the latch is damaged or broken, replace it with a new one.
Hard to Operate
Your retractable screen door should glide open and close without much effort. If it becomes difficult to operate, address the problem right away. Muscling the door open and closed will wear out the components and can damage the door.
What to do about it: Inspect the screen door and the frame and track system. Look for damage or warping that can cause friction or make the door hard to operate. Fix any damage you find, replace broken or damaged parts, and lubricate the track and other moving parts. Check the opening and closing tension adjuster, and loosen it if it’s set too tight.
Easy Retractable Screen Door Maintenance Tips
The best way to keep your retractable screen door working well is to keep on top of routine maintenance. Regular maintenance will help you avoid common issues, and you can catch problems before they get bigger. Here are the best maintenance tips for retractable screen doors:
Keep your retractable screen door and all of its components clean. Use a soft brush and gentle cleanser to clean the screen, tracks, and doorframe to prevent dirt and debris from building up.
Inspect the door and its components for signs of wear or damage. If you find problems, address them as soon as possible before they get worse.
Lubricate moving parts regularly with a silicone lubricant. This will keep them moving smoothly and reduce wear and tear.
Be gentle when opening, closing, and operating your door to head off damage.
Supervise children when using the door and show them how to handle it.
Keep pets from damaging the screen and other components of the door. Discourage them from scratching, rubbing against, or pushing on the screen.