As the weather gets warmer, you’ll be thinking about how to enjoy it. Many homeowners choose to use their garages for other things than storing their cars, such as a workshop or even a place to hang out. With the garage door open, it offers an airy space to use as you wish while still being sheltered. However, if you want to use your garage door in this way, you’ll want to use a garage door screen to keep the bugs out.
Funny enough, bugs are quite happy to fly in–especially if you have the lights on! A garage door screen is useful for keeping them away while you enjoy sitting in your garage. Here’s what to look for in a screen and how to install one.
Why Install A Garage Door Screen?
The first thing you need to know is why should you go with a bug screen in the first place? If you’re using the garage, wouldn’t it be better to keep the doors shut while you’re in there? Of course, you could, but in the summer months, you’ll want to let air circulate. Opening up the large doors allows for a lot of airflow, so it doesn’t get hot and stuffy in there. Plus, if you’re working with tools in there, you’ll want a way to allow in more light and keep things cool.
As well as this, you’ll want to consider the benefits of keeping bugs out. Depending on where you live, there are going to be plenty of bugs that can actually pose a danger to you. Mosquitoes, for example, carry all kinds of diseases, and they’re happy to fly into your garage looking to bite you. When you have a net in place, you’ll be able to stop them in their tracks.
How To Pick The Right Garage Door Screen
There are actually lots of different garage door screens on the market right now, so you’ll want to ensure that you’re picking one with the right features that work for you. What should you be looking for when you’re looking for a screen?
Ease of Installation
You’ll want a garage door screen that’s easy to install and get in place. Most types on the market should be easy enough to place, and you can do it yourself.
Look for screens that have a strip that sits around the garage door opening. That should let the screen attach via a hook and loop fastening. With these, it’s very easy to get them in place and take them down again should you need to.
Pick Your Type
You’ll see there are two different garage door screen types on the market: roll-up and removable. A removable screen can be taken off the strip around the door, should you want it out of the way. A roll-up one is simply rolled up and secured at the top of the door.
Both work well, so you’ll need to think about which one works for you. For example, if you want to get a car in and out of the garage frequently, a roll-up one may be better. That way, you can keep it rolled up and then simply unroll it if you’re using the garage for something else.
Materials
Most garage door screens will use a fiberglass mesh designed to keep bugs out and resist tearing. If you go for a higher-end screen, you’ll see they have a denser mesh that will be stronger and will resist being blown in the wind.
Some higher-end models will come with magnets, too. These are sewn into the seam, so the mesh stays in place but can easily be moved if you or any of your family want to come through the door. You can even get screens with weights at the bottom, designed to keep the screen in place.
Appearance
Finally, consider the look of the garage door screen when you go shopping. They will contribute to the overall curb appeal of your home when they’re in use, so pick one that’s aesthetically appealing. A lot will come in black or white and will be unobtrusive when you have them in place.
Tips Before Buying A Garage Door Screen
There are a few things you need to know before you go ahead and install a garage door screen in your garage. Here’s what you’ll need to keep in mind:
Hard to Break, Easy to Get Through
The fiberglass mesh used on garage door screens means that they’re very hard to tear, as it’s a strong material. However, you’ll want to consider that most are easy to pull away from the opening, thanks to the hook and loop fastening. As such, they aren’t going to offer a lot of security. If you want to ensure your garage is safe from intruders, you need to keep the garage door shut and locked when you’re not using it.
All Screens Aren’t Made Equal
All garage door screens do look very similar, but you’ll see that they are actually different when it comes to quality. Getting a higher quality will ensure you get a better fit for your door and that the mesh is less likely to tear. Keep this in mind when you’re choosing which one to buy.
Taking Care of the Screen
Just like how your garage door needs maintenance over time, the screen can last for a long time if you take good care of it. You should get care instructions with the screen when you buy it, so make sure that you follow them carefully. One thing you should know is that white screens will show dirt more quickly, so they’ll need more work if you want to keep them clean.
Invest Today, Keep the Bugs Away!
A garage door screen is just what you’re looking for if you want to use your garage this summer but keep those pesky bugs out. Invest in one now and take good care of it, and it will help you use your garage however you want for many years to come.
For garage door repairs, service, and installation, give us a call or contact us online! Your Garage Door Guys proudly service Venturas and Los Angeles County for garage door tune-ups and more!