Retractable Screens - Questions & Answers

 

Q: What is the Retractable Screen?

A: The Bella (DIY) retractable screen is a simple and effective insect, solar or blackout screen that retracts into an attractive small housing when not in use. They can be used in windows and doors by simply pulling the screen into position when desired and retracting it into the housing for safe, inconspicuous storage. They are useful on any door, window, garage door, gazebo, patio, lanai as they are only extended across the opening when desired.

 

 

 

Q: Do I need a professional installer?

A: No! The Bella (DIY) retractable screen was designed by professionals to make sure it was simple to install for anyone that can use a measuring tape and screw driver. There are products out there that DO need special tools and talent to install. The Bella (DIY) screen is just what the name implies a DO-IT-YOURSELF (DIY) retractable screen. The fact you install the screen yourself also insures you will find it a simple to maintain product that is a pleasure to use and own.

 

 

 

Q: Please send me some information about what happens when it is time to replace the screening.

A: You call us for a replacement. After 12 years, we have only sent a handful of replacements. They are usually necessary due to damage from a foreign object. Keep in mind the screen is only exposed when in use. The rest of the time the screen is safely rolled up into the housing. You could also call a local screen company as well to obtain the screening material.

 

 

 

Q: As a single woman without installation experience of any kind, I am worried that I will have difficulty installing a screen door for my kitchen. I would like your assurance that the installation is possible to do (for people like me) with your instruction booklet.

A: The installation is simple for someone with some mechanical aptitude. We have many men and women that have installed the screen systems with no extra help from anyone. As a single person you obviously can take care of yourself but wisely recognize your limitations. I would recommend reading the installation instructions.

 

If  you still have questions, I will provide a direct contact with the person that will actually make your screen. Raymond, we call him BO, will be happy to answer any questions you may have. If you still feel uncomfortable, then I would recommend you hire a local handy person to help with the installation.

 

BO's email is shipping@agigroup.com. Your phone number tells me you are not in the US. I have no ideas what time zone you are in; but BO is very responsive to his emails so feel comfortable writing him with your questions. If you prefer, we could set up a phone call scheduled via email.

 

 

 

Q: What should I order? A custom cut, made-to-order screen or a kit?

A: AGI Group has, based on our order history, added the Bella (DIY) kit retractable screens in the sizes that are most often ordered to satisfy the customer that enjoys saving money while using their DIY talents, tools and experience to partially fabricate and install the retractable screen.

 

The 39mm Kits are manufactured in large quantities and warehoused ready for immediate shipment. We save money in production, elimination of the fabrication process and pass it on in the form of lower prices to our customers. The Kits arrive designed to fit a range of sizes. The assembly comes with a simple alignment tool installed on the housing assembly that coordinates all of the allowances for the three main parts. So a single cut has the housing, screen material and pull bar the exact size needed without having to worry about different cut allowances for each item.

 

The custom-made, 42mm and 46mm Bella (DIY) retractable screens are actually custom made for each opening you have. We do the cutting to size. The screen housing is assembled and the spring tension is all preset. You simply install the screen using simple hand tools

 

The guide tracks are cut together to the size required for your opening. I told you it was easy didn’t I? The kit sizes are what they are. If your needs fall outside of the kit sizes, we can't make a special kit for you. That would defeat the whole purpose of producing kits. Installation Guides

The custom-made, Bella (DIY) retractable screens are actually custom made for each opening you have. We do the cutting to size. The screen housing is assembled and the spring tension is all preset. You simply install the screen using simple hand tools.

 

Yes, it does cost more than the kit, but we do all of the cutting and assembly for you. That means each and every screen receives the individual attention of one our fabricators to insure maximum quality and ease of installation for you.

 

 

 

Q: Can They be used on Sliding Glass Doors, Sliding Doors or French Doors?

A: The Bella (DIY) retractable screens will fit virtually any opening you may have from a small window to large sliding glass doors or even garage doors and lanai openings.

 

 

 

Q: How Do They Install?

A: The recessed installation is accomplished by fastening the clips to the opening at the appropriate location. Then snap the housing into the clips. Slide the guide tracks onto the end cap tabs and securing the guide tracks in place with the provided screws. Most installations require simple tools and 15-20 minutes to install. The Bella (DIY) retractable screen can be installed on the exterior or interior of the house.

 

The swing of the doors or window will determine which side of the door opening the screen system will be installed. They can also be surface mounted around the opening. Examples... if your doors open outward, the screen system will be installed on the jamb inside the house. If your doors open inward, your screen system will be installed inside the jamb on the exterior of the house. Complete details are available at our installation site. Installation Guides

 

 

 

Q: What Materials are the Bella screens made of?

A: The Bella retractable door and window screen systems are a heavy gauge, extruded aluminum and have a permanent powder-coat finish, available in 7 standard colors for custom-cut and 3 colors for kits. The phifer screen fabrics available are insect screen, no-see-um, optional solar screen and blackout fabric to provide maximum flexibility.

 

 

 

Q: How Do They Protect from Insects?

A: The Bella (DIY) retractable screens utilize dual plush weather stripping in each guide track to seal the screen insect fabric inside of track. Plus there is a full-length magnetic catch for every door that provides complete insect security and safety for your small pets and young children.

 

Bella window screens use the same extruded aluminum guide tracks and provides secure latching at the sill with a plush weather strip at the sill that makes it difficult even for ants to get by.

 

 

 

Q: How Much are Retractable Screens?

A: Roll screens are no more expensive than a good-quality fixed screen door. However, the Bella retractable screen system offers a level of convenience far superior to the best fix screen doors made today. Online Pricing & Ordering

 

 

 

Q: How Long Does it Take Once I Order?

A: Bella retractable screen kits are in most cases shipped the same business day as the order is received. Bella custom cut retractable screens are shipped in 1 to 2 weeks of receipt of order.

 

 

 

Q: How do I measure?

A: Measuring is simply the width and height of the opening you want protected. Should you prefer to mount the screen outside of your opening on the surface around your opening we still need the inside width and height dimensions. We will add the necessary width and height to the screen for a surface mount. If your screen is to be recessed mounted the same inside the jamb width and height is all we need. Measuring Details

 

 

 

Q: How do I place an order?

 

Q: You can order your Bella retractable screen online at www.screen-time.com. you can also call one of our experienced sales staff at 1-800-823-6677 and they will be happy to assist you in placing your order. We will confirm the details by phone or E-Mail. Your order will be on its way promptly. Online Pricing & Ordering

 

 

 

Q: What tools will I need to install a Bella retractable screen?

A: A Bella custom cut retractable screen can be installed with the following tools: #2 Phillips screw driver, a measuring tape, a battery-operated drill, 1/8” & 9/64” drill bits and Phillips bit for drill, and a medium-size, flat screw driver.

If you are installing a Bella retractable kit you, will need, in addition to the above items, a hack saw or for you real hardcore DIY types, a miter saw can be used instead of the hack saw to cut the housing assembly and tracks.

 

 

Q: Why do we need guide tracks?

A: The guide tracks are an essential part of a quality screen system that make the difference between a quality retractable screen that will serve you for years and one that will be a constant aggravation.

 

Bella retractable screens are a system of housing, spring mechanism, guide tracks and pull bar that are designed to coordinate the process of retracting and extending screen material for your protection from insects, sunlight, while also providing security for small pets and young children.

 

Guide tracks are part of the team and serve several purposes. First they provide security for the screen material when extended into position. Bella tracks are deep and have very plush weather stripping on both sides of the track that seal the screen when extended into place preventing the critters from getting under and around the screen.

 

The weather stripping also holds the screen in place limiting any bulging from wind or an inadvertent bump from a child or pet. The tracks also coordinate the smooth operation of the screen during retraction and extension. BEWARE of any retractable screen system that has NO guide tracks or very shallow tracks with thin weather stripping.