Michele's Hide-Away Screens, Inc.
Call us at (352)236-8869 or TOLL-FREE 1(877)793-MHAS [6427]
  • Our Referral Program
  • Request a Quote
  • Home
FAQs

Retractable and roll-up screens are wonderful but relatively unknown products here in America. Our mission is to educate as many homeowners as possible about the innovative features and practical benefits they offer. If you want to know anything we haven’t covered below, please email or call us.


Why Disappearing Screens? Options Measuring Installation Care & Maintenance Warranty Pricing


Why Disappearing Screens?
What exactly is a disappearing screen?

We refer to both our retractable and motorized roll-up screens as “disappearing” because they have the unique ability to “be there when you need it and gone when you don’t”. In other words, the screen mesh discreetly rolls into and out of a stylish aluminum canister that blends in with the surrounding door frame. In order to truly appreciate these wonderful products, we encourage you to see for yourself how well they work.



...back to top
How is your retractable screen better than a conventional screen door?

There are many benefits to a Michele’s Hide-Away Screen over a conventional screen, such as:

  • Less Obtrusive: when not needed, our screen is almost completely out of sight and out of the way.
  • More Space Efficient: the slim profile design of our screen enables it to fit and operate in the smallest of spaces while a conventional screen needs clearance for the arc that’s created when it is swung open.
  • Less Wear & Tear: because it can “disappear” out of the way, our screen is subject to far less wear & tear, while a conventional screen requires movement every time you want to pass through your doorway.
  • Greater Durability: our screen’s ability to self-store into its own protective housing makes it less vulnerable to harmful elements, severe weather and dirt.
  • Better Warranty: our screen frames are protected by a manufacturer’s limited lifetime warranty and our SuperScreen™ carries an unprecedented 10 year manufacturer’s warranty.


...back to top
Why not get a storm door that has a built-in screen?
With improved material technology and better building codes, today’s doorways are less vulnerable to weather and annoying drafts, making storm doors somewhat obsolete. Some findings suggest that damage to door panels, door frames, door glass and finishes may result from radiant heat buildup created by storm doors.

...back to top
Will your screens work on sliding patio doors?
Absolutely. Our screens are often a better alternative than the typical sliding panels which obscure views and require a significant amount of storage space when they’re not in use.

...back to top
Will a motorized roll-up screen add value to my home?
Considering the value of residential space (currently over $100 / square foot), it makes economic sense to create more “livable” areas out of garages, porches and lanais.

...back to top
Why are screened garages so common in Florida?
Since basements and multi-story homes are rare in the Sunshine State, the space in the garage offers the best option for a hobby shop, exercise area, or game room, etc. Our motorized roll-up screen can instantly make the garage more comfortable, pest-free and extend seasonable use.

...back to top


Options
Can I get a screen that provides protection from the harmful effects of the sun?
We can offer mesh that blocks up to 90% of the UV rays in our motorized roll-up screen. These solar-rated meshes are ideal for shading applications as well. You can choose from a variety of solar screen mesh for our motorized roll-up systems.

...back to top
Why don’t you offer the solar screen mesh in your retractable doors?
Retractable screens are designed primarily for ventilation and insect control. Because solar mesh has such a tight weave, air flow is too restrictive to achieve the desired ventilation.

...back to top
Do you have a color to match my door frame?
We currently offer 10 standard powder-coated frame colors, the largest standard color palette in the industry. In addition to all of these standard colors, we currently have 188 custom colors.

...back to top
Does the screen mesh come in different colors?
We currently offer standard insect mesh in grey or charcoal, SuperScreen™ in traditional black or privacy white, and Premium Solar in Black, White, Grey, Brown, Desert Sand and Beige.

...back to top
What makes SuperScreen™ so good?
We proudly offer SuperScreen™ in every product we sell because it is three times stronger than fiberglass insect screen, offers dramatically more ventilation than solar screen and carries an unprecedented 10 year manufacturer’s warranty.

...back to top
Where can your screens be used?
We have a disappearing screen for virtually any door, window or architectural opening on your home. Our retractable system can fit an opening up to 9 ft. H x 9 ft. W while our motorized roll-up system can fit up to 16 ft. H x 22 ft. W.

...back to top


Measuring
What measurements do I need to give you when placing an order for one of your disappearing screens?
Initially, for estimating purposes, we just need the basic dimensions and the shape of the opening you want to screen. To proceed with an order and ensure a perfect fit, we’ll send a trained technician to take precise field measurements so that your unit can be custom built to the proper specifications.

...back to top
Do I have to sit through a lengthy sales presentation even if I already know I want your disappearing screen?

First of all, our in-home consultations are designed to educate and inform, not pressure you. However, if you are satisfied that you already have the necessary information to make an informed purchase, then simply request our Doorstep Order Program™ brochure or click here to print one.



...back to top
Can you tell me more about your Doorstep Order Program™?
This makes ordering one of our disappearing screens so convenient. There’s no waiting around for an appointment! Simply print, fill out and sign a Doorstep Order Card; hang it at your front door where we can find it; and call our toll-free number. We will then dispatch a trained technician to your home within 48 hours to measure for a perfect fit and confirm your order. (*NOTE: roll-up screens and doorways that are not easily accessible require an appointment, which is free of charge).

...back to top


Installation
Can I install a Michele’s Hide-Away Screen myself?

Because of quality control and manufacturer’s warranty guidelines, our disappearing screens can only be purchased on an installed basis.



...back to top
Once I place and confirm an order, how quickly can I get my screen built and installed?
Typically, our retractable systems are custom-built and installed within 2 weeks from order confirmation. Motorized roll-up systems can take 3 to 4 weeks.

...back to top
How long will it take for your technician to install my disappearing screen?

The normal installation times (including customer use & care training) are as follows:

  • Single Retractable: less than 1 hour
  • Double Retractable: approximately 90 minutes
  • Motorized Roll-Up Screens: Varies from 90 minutes to 4 hours (excludes archway garage installations)


...back to top


Care & Maintenance
What kind of maintenance do your screens require?

Maintenance is usually limited to occasional cleaning and lubricating of tracks. Click here for our Care Guide.



...back to top
How can I get the longest life out of my disappearing screen?

Keep the screen mesh rolled up in its protective housing whenever the screen is not needed. Rule of thumb: when the door is closed, your screen is no longer needed.



...back to top
What can I use to clean the frame and screen mesh?
A little liquid dish soap (ie: Dawn) mixed with warm water. If desired, some household bleach can be added.

...back to top
What if someone or something impacts my screen?
Our screens are very tough against accidental impact. However, you should carefully examine the mesh and frame for damage. If there are folds or creases in the mesh, immediately press them out by hand. For situations that require professional service, please call our toll-free number.

...back to top


Warranty
What kind of warranty do your disappearing screens have?

For complete details of our products’ Manufacturer’s Warranties, please click here for our Retractable system and please click here for our Motorized Roll-Up system.



...back to top


Pricing
Are your disappearing screens cost effective compared to a conventional screen?
Initially, our screens can cost more than some low to medium grade conventional screens; but considering the low wear and tear, impact-resistance, higher durability, Manufacturer’s Limited Lifetime Warranty and greater curb appeal, we believe our screens offer a much greater value to your home.

...back to top
How much are your disappearing screens?

Please submit a quote request form click here for a free estimate.



...back to top
Retractable, Invisible, Affordable ...INCREDIBLE!