FAQs

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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 them 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. To truly appreciate these wonderful products, we encourage you to see for yourself how well they work.

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 created when it is swung open.
  • Less Wear & Tear: because it can 'disappear' out of the way, our screen experiences far less wear and tear, while a conventional screen requires movement every time you 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 Super Screen™ carries an unprecedented 10 year manufacturer's warranty.

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 caused by storm doors.

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.

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.

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 and pest-free, and extend its seasonal use.

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 also ideal for shading applications. You can choose from a variety of solar screen mesh for our motorized roll-up systems.

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.

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.

Does the screen mesh come in different colors?

We currently offer standard insect mesh in grey or charcoal, Super Screen™ in traditional black or privacy white, and Premium Solar in Black, White, Grey, Brown, Desert Sand and Beige.

What makes SuperScreen™ so good?

We proudly offer Super Screen™ 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)

Care & Maintenance

What kind of maintenance do your screens require?

Maintenance is usually limited to occasional cleaning and lubricating of tracks. You can download a copy of our Care Guide by clicking this link.

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.

What can I use to clean the frame and screen mesh?

A little liquid dish soap (e.g., Dawn) mixed with warm water. If desired, some household bleach may be added.

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 us at (352) 236-8869.

How does the electric roll-up screen retract in the event of a power outage?

With the advent of underground utilities, it’s pretty rare these days to experience an extended power outage of more than 10 minutes in most Central Florida communities . In the event there is an outage, our electric roll-up screens (E.R.U.) can be operated by simply plugging the power cord into a small “inverter”, which uses the DC current from an automotive (or golf cart) battery. This relatively inexpensive device can be purchased at many of the big box stores at minimal cost. A portable generator can also be used.

To put it in perspective, Michele’s Hide-Away Screens has installed a few thousand E.R.U.’s over the last 15 years and have received less than 10 calls from customers were inconvenienced by an extended outage.

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.

How much are your disappearing screens?

Recent reviews from your neighbors.

DEC 12

Very professional and helpful staff. They showed up when scheduled and took care of every little detail. Our newly screened porch is gorgeous and we love our huge new hideaway screen door! I highly recommend Michelle‘s Hideaway screens for any of your automatic screen door needs.

Dawn Griggs

DEC 11

We used Michele's to repair our hide away screen door on our front door. Our door required maintenance to work properly. I want to point out that any issues it had was probably caused by either the previous pets who resided here, and/or dirt and debris from the weather. Probably both to be fair. We really like the door for how it is basically hidden and mostly sight until in use. No it is not the most rugged design, but that is the trade off for this hidden convenience. Honestly, I chose Michele's because they origanally installed the hide away screen door in the first place. We were not the residents at that time, but had paperwork informing us of this. So we chose Michele's mainly for that reason. Be that as it may, Michele's scheduled us an appointment in a very reasonable time frame, that worked for us. it's been a while, but I think the person who made the service call, was named Bob. Although I could be wrong. Anyway, I have no complaints as to the quality of his work. He checked out the door to see what the issue was. As I expected, it really needed a re-screening. The screen door was removed and taken back to Michele's shop for a new screening. Another appointment was scheduled in fairly quick order for re-install. At that time, the door was reinstalled and tested. Much better. I will say that Michele's seemed to do a good job in all aspects between getting me an appointment that worked for me, to the fairly quick repair and reinstall. Even the time of both visits to our home was efficient and quick. As such, both times didn't have us waiting around to any long extent. The price for this service wasn't what I would call inexpensive. But to be fair, I don't feel that it was outrageous and I was taken advantage of in any way. And they were up front with the costs involved for just a service call, and again before the door was removed because it required more than just a service call. All in all, Michele's did a good job and I have no complaints to speak of. Like with anything, yes I would have preferred the cost was less. But I do feel that in my opinion, the price was probably fairly reasonable considering the prompt service and repair. So yes I would recommend and use Michele's again if the need arose.

Sponge Bob

DEC 10

They did a wonderful job and was fast and efficient.

jeffrey Ross

DEC 6

Outstanding service and attention to detail. I highly recommend!! Such a pleasure to do business with.😊😊

Pamela Williams

DEC 6

Our experience from the first contact with the company to the completion of our project was flawless

rick skora

DEC 5

Great customer service and follow-up through the whole project. Quality and Price for our retractable garage screen and retractable doorway screen are great! Highly recommend Michele's Hide-Away Screens 😊 David, Thank You for personally visiting our home for the installation. We are very happy! Professional from Sale to Installation! Ron & Linda

Ron Singer

DEC 5

We love our new screen. Bob came out to install it on time and was very professional and courteous. Bob took his time and insured it was installed perfectly. He also made sure it worked flawlessly before he left. Much better quality than the ones they sell at the big box stores. Highly recommend this company for any screens you are interested in getting for your home. Our only regret is not getting this done sooner.

Joseph Polino

DEC 5

Nice product, installed professionally, and good customer service. Very happy overall. Easy to recommend.

Lou Gerak

DEC 2

Bob the installer was right on time and completed the job in 3hours. We had both the front door and garage door screened and they look beautiful. A really great experience from start to finish!

Christopher Rahrig

DEC 2

I love my new screens!

Sheryl Burdman