Frequently asked questions

It's quite simple - they're the best! We're not happy unless you're happy and we'll do everything we can to ensure your total satisfaction with our retractable screens. As a company, our sole focus is on retractable screens. That's why we're so good at what we do. Plus, we have the largest Authorized Distributor Network across North America.

And because we're so proud of our products, their quality and durability, we offer an industry leading lifetime warranty.

The screens are made from extruded aluminum components and fiberglass or polyester mesh and are very durable. In fact, we're so sure of their long lives, we've created an industry leading Limited Lifetime Warranty to give you complete peace of mind. If they're well looked after and serviced regularly our screens will last many years.

As the screens are retracted when not in use, they stay in their housings during wet and cold months. The amount of maintenance is therefore very minimal. We recommend cleaning the screens once or twice a season to eliminate any small dust particles in the mesh: in spring before starting to use the screens after winter season is over, and in autumn, when summer is over. You can clean our retractable screens with mild detergent and water, and gently wipe them off.

There are many quality control steps throughout the manufacturing process to ensure both quality and reliability. The screens are hand made and assembled and every one who works at Phantom takes pride in their work. Screens are taken at random throughout the manufacturing process and tested to ensure they meet our rigorous quality control standards. You can rest assured that the screens you receive will be tested for operation as well as durability.

Yes they are. All our screens come with a Limited Lifetime Warranty on parts (except mesh) and components and a 24 month labor warranty.

There's a limited Lifetime Warranty on all parts and components, as well as a 24 month parts, labor and shipping warranty.

Yes they can. Although they are very durable, accidents do occasionally happen. The mesh can be replaced and most of the parts can be repaired or replaced. Your local Authorized Phantom representative will work with you to ensure the screen is up and running again.

Phantom Screens has always worked hard to bring you the best retractable screens in the industry. This means that we will occasionally retire products from our portfolio. To get support for your professionally installed screen, please contact your local authorized Phantom Screens distributor or call 1-888-PHANTOM.

Unlike traditional fixed screens, retractable screens remain out of sight until you need them. They retract into a discreet housing when not in use - preserving your views as well as your home’s décor.

The great thing about retractable screens is that they disappear when you don't need them - meaning you can enjoy your view all year round. The screen's mesh allows you to see through the screen, but still keeps the bugs out. There are various mesh types available with different screen densities and colors, so if you want screens for solar shading or privacy, you can have that too.

Not at all. Phantom screens are designed to be discreet and match with your home's décor. You can order them in a wide variety of colors and finishes - including wood grain. You can even have them matched to your specific color. And there are a variety of installation options, allowing you to keep the architectural integrity of your home.

That depends on what mesh type you choose - but the holes in the mesh are very small and protect against most bugs. For superior insect protection, you need to choose a mesh like Phifer No-See-Um which protects against tiny insects. If you have specific needs, you should discuss it with your local Authorized Phantom representative, who will be able to advise you which mesh is right for you.

There are several types of retractable screens available - for windows, doors and large openings. They all consist of the same four components - aluminum housings, slidebar and track and PVC coated fiberglass or polyester mesh - which makes them all extremely durable. There are lots of options for customization too. Explore our website for specific details.

Yes you can. Depending on the screen you choose, there are over 30 types of mesh available in different colors and weaves. Just ask your Authorized Representative for more information and mesh samples. You'll be able to see the mesh types available and discuss your needs with them. You can choose from all kinds of mesh for a wide variety of uses from protection from the heat and glare of the sun, to mesh that's suitable for homes with pets, or even full privacy mesh.

They can be used on both existing homes and new construction. Our screens are designed to blend with all types and styles of homes - whether contemporary or traditional. You can see great examples of what they look like in our case studies section.

Yes they do. However, if there is a particular issue you have, or would like to get a specific answer to a building code question, then please call your local Authorized representative (1-888-PHANTOM) and we'll be able to give you all the information you need.

Yes they do; but they are subtle and can be integrated with a sill/threshold adapter to help prevent tripping hazards. There are different types of sill adapters to suit different door installations - you can find out more by looking at the product pages on our website.

That depends on the mesh type. Mesh types with more open weaves allow greater air flow, tighter weave mesh less so. If the wind is very strong then the mesh may produce a "sailing" effect, or escape its tracks. This can be easily rectified when the wind has dropped. For peace of mind, it is always wise to retract the screens in very strong winds. The mesh doesn't act as a waterproof screen and therefore rain will penetrate the mesh.

Our door and window screens, as well as our screens for large openings are professionally installed by Phantom-trained installers who will treat your home with care.

Not really when you consider that the screens are custom made for your home and the costs include full professional installation! Plus all our products are made and assembled by hand. When you compare our products to other companies, you'll find that our quality stands out. When you buy a retractable screen from Phantom you're buying a screen which features the latest technology, is hand made with meticulous attention to detail and will last for many years.

Of course it depends on how many doors and window screens you order, but most installations are completed within one day. A single door screen can be usually be installed in under an hour. However, you will need to schedule your installation with your Authorized Phantom representative who will take into account any manufacturing lead times when ordering your screens. There are a number of installation options for our Executive motorized screens including fully recessed and surface mounted and so the time taken for installation will vary for every project.

Your local Authorized Phantom representative will be able to talk with you about installation and estimate how long it will take.

You can get retractable screens for nearly every kind of opening.

For doors, there are retractable screens suitable for single in-swing and out-swing doors, double-French, sliding patio and oversized doors. You can choose retractable screens for all types of windows too - single or double hung, casement, awning, sliding or tilt & turn.
And retractable screens can also be used on large openings such as patios, lanais, porches and verandas.

We've included all the sizing information you need on each of our product pages, so explore the website to find out which product best suits your requirements.

There are ten Signature colors: Classic White, Slivered Almond, Sandalwood, Driftwood Beige, Rideau Brown, Hartford Green, Coastal Grey, Calico Linen, Mineral Bronze and Phantom Black. Not all Signature colors are available in all products - so please check the relevant options pages for details.

In addition, Phantom retractable screens are available in virtually any custom color including a variety of Decoral® decorative wood grain finishes. Phantom Screens has also developed a comprehensive color match program to blend our screen solutions with any color scheme. All we need is a sample color swatch to create a screen solution in the selected tone to meet your vision.

Yes. You can use several types of retractable screens, depending on the size of your opening. For standard sized patio doors, take a look at our door screens. For large openings, check out our motorized screens.

For doors, there are retractable screens suitable for single in-swing and out-swing doors, double-French, sliding patio and oversized doors.

You can choose retractable screens for all types of windows too - single or double hung, casement, awning, sliding or tilt & turn.

Yes you can. Many customers choose our motorized retractable screen for this type of application.

Sometimes, when the screens are first installed, pets can get confused and bump into them. There is enough "give" in the mesh to help prevent the screen from getting damaged. However, our retractable screens are intended for insect or solar protection only and should not be utilized as a pet retention system.

Accidents happen! If it's a gentle bump, chances are your screen will be perfectly OK. There is enough "give" in the mesh to prevent damage. However, if someone does fall into the screen heavily the mesh may pull away from the housing. If this happens, call your local Authorized Phantom representative who will be able to replace the mesh, and service the screen to ensure it runs smoothly again.

Yes you can - in fact they work very well! Executive motorized retractable screens are perfect for this type of application - whether you've built your porch already or are planning a new one. They can make it really easy to expand your living space and help to merge indoor and outdoor spaces.

Yes, yes, yes and yes! You can use retractable screens on almost any door, window or large opening. We've included all the sizing information you need on each of our product pages, so explore the website to find out which product best suits your requirements.

No you can't. Unfortunately all our retractable screen profiles require the verticals to have a perpendicular drop and therefore are unsuited to triangular windows.

The best applications for archways are when the screens are recessed above the arches and conceal the screens entirely until needed. To see examples of screens and archways please take a look at our case studies.

No, they're not. They are designed to be retracted into their weather proof housings when bad weather hits.

That depends on your HOA or strata rules. It also depends on how the screens are being fitted (internal or external mounting). If you're not sure, it is always best to check with the rules for your particular development.

That depends on the type of screen. For example, Executive motorized screens have a maximum width of 25 feet. The maximum sizes of each type of screen - including doors and windows - are listed on the product pages of this website.

The screens are designed to blend in with your décor and become part of your home. The Limited Lifetime Warranty covers the screens to the original purchaser for the lifetime of the home, so removing them would negate your warranty.