Buying guide for best magnetic screen doors
When the weather is nice, letting fresh air into your home is a no-brainer. With a magnetic screen door, you can enjoy a beautiful day without having to install a permanent option.
Magnetic screen doors keep pests outside, while keeping children and pets safe inside. They also let air in for natural cooling and air freshening. The summer months bring barbecues, pool parties, and bonfires. A magnetic screen door can make these events even more convenient and fun.
Gone are the days of large, clunky screen doors that squeak and slam on every entrance or exit. Magnetic screen doors are quiet and lightweight, making the warm weather months less stressful for everyone in your household. Great for stepping in and out of during cookout preparation, magnetic screen doors turn your home into an extension of your yard, and turn any outdoor activity into a family affair. Read on to learn all about them, and then check out our favorite models.
Key considerations
Magnetic screen doors may all look similar, but they have many different screen weaves, features, and benefits. First and foremost, you’ll want to make sure that yours is a good fit for your doorframe. To make sure you get the best magnetic screen door for your home, consider the following factors when shopping.
Size
Most magnetic screen doors come in widths of 30, 32, 34, 36, or 38 inches.. The standard length of most magnetic screen doors ranges between 82 and 96 inches. Measure your doorway before choosing a magnetic screen door. When measuring your doorway, remember to leave at least a few inches on the top and both sides to allow for attaching. If you only use the doorway measurement itself, you could end up purchasing a magnetic screen door that is too small for your doorframe.
Material
Magnetic screen doors come in a variety of materials. Some are made of a polyester while others are made from fiberglass. The material of your magnetic screen door affects its appearance as well as its durability. Because these doors are intended for repeated entrance and exit, wear and tear is always a concern. The more you plan to use your magnetic screen door, the more durable material you will want. Fiberglass is the most durable, but it tends to be a little heavier.
Opacity
Related to the material choice of your magnetic screen door is its opacity. This means how easy or difficult it is to see through. Although all screen doors will be somewhat see-through, some are darker than others. If you want to easily see through your magnetic screen door, choose one made from a lightweight material such as polyester composite rather than fiberglass.
Installation
The most common installation for magnetic screen doors is via adhesives that come with the product. However, some are magnetic and intended to hang from metal pieces above your door frame. Assess the type of installation that would be best for your home before making your purchase. Bear in mind that although magnetic installation may be more convenient, it might also be less secure than a solid adhesive.
Caution
Magnetic screen doors, although intended for continuous use, should not be left up during the winter cold. The harsh temperatures of a colder climate could damage the delicate weave of the screen.
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Features
Magnetic screen doors are quite simple and come with few additional features. However, there are a few extras that you might choose if you so desire.
Windproof hasp design
Some magnetic screen doors have a small sticky connector on the middle and bottom of the magnetic portion of the screen door. The hasp helps to keep the door closed in heavy winds.
Installation video
A few magnetic screen doors come with an installation video to help make the installation process easier. Although installation may seem like a simple process, problems can always arise. Having a step-by-step instructional video on hand might make the process easier.
Magnetic screen door prices
Inexpensive: Magnetic screen doors that fit within the $10 to $20 range are competent options, albeit basic.
Mid-range: These magnetic screen doors will fall between $20 and $30. The vast majority of the magnetic screen doors available online and in stores will fall within this category. From the most basic to high-test models, this range offers plenty of variety.
Expensive: Between $30 and $100, you will find magnetic screen doors made of more durable materials, such as fiberglass. There are some extra-wide magnetic screen doors available in this price range that may work for more complicated French doors.
Tips
Verify that you have the most accurate measurement on your doorframe. If not, the adhesive or magnetic attachment for your magnetic screen door may not attach properly.
Although most magnetic screen doors are designed to be rugged, don’t be too rough with them, as wear and tear can happen quickly.
Don’t let small children and toddlers play unsupervised near your magnetic screen door. They can quickly damage the door or hurt themselves if not careful.
Magnetic screen doors are intended for use during gatherings and to keep your home open during waking hours. Secure your home with your permanent door while away from home and overnight.
- Although most magnetic screen doors are pet-friendly, make sure your pet doesn’t chew or bite the screen, as it can quickly become ripped or otherwise damaged.
FAQ
Q. What tools will I need to attach my magnetic screen door?
A. Most magnetic screen doors require no tools at all. Your new screen will most likely attach via an adhesive or a magnet. Either way, tools will be probably not be a necessity.
Q. Does my magnetic screen door have a locking function?
A. That depends on the model you choose. Most magnetic screen doors do not have a locking function, although some have clasps that hook from the inside to make the screen door more secure.
Q. Isn’t it just as convenient to simply leave my door open without any screen?
A. No. The reason: leaving your door open without any protective screen leaves your home at the mercy of the elements. Dirt and leaves could blow into your home, as well as unwanted pests and even small animals. A magnetic screen door can protect you from all of these potential problems.
Q. Is my magnetic screen door windproof?
A. It is probably not one hundred percent windproof due to the fact that it is made of a lightweight material with magnets. Most magnetic screen doors are highly wind-resistant, however, which means they can survive brisk winds without coming loose from the doorframe.
