Retractable Screen Glossary
The vocabulary of retractable screens, in plain language — so you can compare options with confidence.
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Retractable Screen
A screen whose mesh rolls into a slim housing when not in use, leaving the opening clear.
A retractable screen stores its mesh on a roller or spring-tensioned track inside a low-profile housing. It deploys across a door, window, or large opening only when needed and retracts out of sight afterward, preserving the view and protecting the mesh from sun and weather.
Related: Housing (Cassette), Guide Track, Fixed Screen
Motorized Screen
A retractable screen moved by a quiet electric motor, controlled by remote, switch, app, or voice.
Motorized screens are ideal for large, high, or hard-to-reach openings. They’re operated by remote, wall switch, smartphone app, or voice assistant, and can integrate with smart-home systems and automatic wind/sun sensors.
Related: Somfy, Wind Sensor, Smart-Home Integration, Manual Screen
Manual Screen
A retractable screen operated by hand using a handle or latch.
Manual screens are the simplest and most economical option, well suited to standard doors and windows. They glide across the opening by hand and retract via a spring mechanism.
Related: Motorized Screen, Spring Tension Technology
Sure Fit
Phantom’s newest motorized track using Next Generation Spring Tension Technology.
Sure Fit is a motorized retractable-screen track engineered with self-adjusting spring tension that keeps the mesh aligned and wrinkle-free through every cycle, for smoother, quieter, more reliable operation.
Related: Motorized Screen, Spring Tension Technology
Spring Tension Technology
A mechanism that keeps screen mesh taut and aligned as it extends and retracts.
Related: Sure Fit, Manual Screen
Mesh
The woven fabric of a screen that lets air through while blocking insects (and, depending on type, sun).
Related: Insect Mesh, Solar Mesh, Privacy Mesh, Openness Factor
Insect Mesh
Standard mesh that maximizes airflow and visibility while keeping bugs out.
Related: Mesh, Solar Mesh
Solar Mesh
A tighter mesh that blocks a significant share of heat, UV, and glare while preserving outward view.
Solar mesh is ideal for sun-facing (south and west) openings. It reduces incoming heat and glare and adds daytime privacy, trading a small amount of visibility compared with insect mesh.
Related: Mesh, Insect Mesh, Openness Factor
Privacy Mesh
Mesh that reduces visibility into a space from outside while maintaining airflow.
Related: Mesh, Solar Mesh
Openness Factor
The percentage of open area in a mesh weave — higher means more airflow and view; lower means more sun control.
Related: Solar Mesh, Insect Mesh
Housing (Cassette)
The slim enclosure that holds the rolled-up mesh when the screen is retracted.
Related: Retractable Screen, Fascia
Guide Track
The channels on the sides (and sometimes top/bottom) that hold the mesh taut and straight when extended.
Related: Retractable Screen, Housing (Cassette)
Fascia
The visible face/cover of a screen housing, often color-matched to the trim.
Related: Housing (Cassette), Color-Matching
Somfy
A leading manufacturer of quiet, durable motors and controls used in motorized screens and shades.
Related: Motorized Screen, Smart-Home Integration
Wind Sensor
A sensor that automatically retracts a motorized screen in gusty conditions to protect it.
Related: Motorized Screen, Sun Sensor
Sun Sensor
A sensor that automatically lowers a motorized screen to manage heat and glare.
Related: Motorized Screen, Wind Sensor, Solar Mesh
Smart-Home Integration
Connecting motorized screens to platforms like Alexa, Google Home, Control4, Crestron, or Lutron.
Related: Motorized Screen, Somfy
Powder Coating
A durable, baked-on finish for aluminum components that resists fading and corrosion.
Related: AAMA 2604, Color-Matching
AAMA 2604
An industry performance standard for high-durability architectural powder-coat finishes.
Related: Powder Coating
Dual (Two-Screen) System
A single large opening fitted with two screens — e.g., clear/insect mesh plus solar mesh.
Related: Solar Mesh, Insect Mesh
Color-Matching
Finishing screen housings and tracks to match a home’s trim, including custom and wood-grain looks.
Related: Fascia, Powder Coating
Oversized Opening
A large door or wall opening — up to about 15 ft wide and 12 ft high for oversized retractable screens.
Related: Motorized Screen, Retractable Screen
Fixed Screen
A permanent mesh frame that stays in the opening — cheaper, but always in view and exposed to weather.
Related: Retractable Screen
French Door
A pair of side-by-side hinged doors with glass panes — a common fit for retractable door screens.
Related: Retractable Screen
Egress
A means of exit. Retractable screens preserve clear egress because they fully retract from the opening.
Related: Retractable Screen
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