Retractable Screens FAQ

What’s so great about a retractable door screen and why should I choose Genius?

Genius retractable screens provide you and your family with complete protection against crawling and airborne pests that can carry disease.  And our screens retract to completely disappear when not in use so that you can enjoy a clear view to the outdoors.  Genius retractable screens easily fit almost any existing door and because the screen fabric is stored away and protected when not in use our screens will far outlast conventional ones.  Genius screens also include a special safety feature that controls the retraction speed so that our screens will never snap back or pinch fingers.

SMOOTH FABRIC DOOR SCREENS

  • General Operation

    • What’s so great about a retractable door screen and why should I choose Genius?

      • Genius retractable screens provide you and your family with complete protection against crawling and airborne pests that can carry disease.  And our screens retract to completely disappear when not in use so that you can enjoy a clear view to the outdoors.  Genius retractable screens easily fit almost any existing door and because the screen fabric is stored away and protected when not in use our screens will far outlast conventional ones.  Genius screens also include a special safety feature that controls the retraction speed so that our screens will never snap back or pinch fingers.

    • What kind of doors do the retractable screens fit?

      • Single and double hinged doors, French doors and sliding patio doors.  Genius provides easy to follow instructions as well as ​tutorials and videos so that you can watch how to do it!

    • Is the screen ok to install on either the outside or inside of the door?

      • Yes, the retractable screen is made to withstand prolonged exterior exposure.  The screen will provide many years of protection regardless of if it is installed on the exterior or interior of the door

    • How do I release the strong full-length magnets when I want to retract the screen?

      • To release the magnets pull the handle directly toward your body and this will create a zipper effect which slightly separates and releases the magnets at the center point.  Now just let go of the handle and allow the screen to retract by itself.  Do not push the screen closed (back into the cassette).  Remember, this screen features a safety speed reducer that regulates how fast the screen will retract.  Pushing on the pull bar may cause it to jump out of the tracks or the screen fabric to leave the guides.  Simply let go and allow the screen to do the work. 

    • Will the screen every snap back fast and pinch fingers?

      • Never.  Our screens include a special safety feature known as a speed reducer (Brake), and it controls the retraction speed in order to protect fingers from getting pinched.  Simply release the handle and allow the screen to gently retract on its own.  

    • What can I do if my door bottom threshold has a steep slope that will cause the retractable screen bottom guide to be on an angle and not rest flat?

      • The Bottom Guide should always be as level as possible. Use the optional Genius Sloped Sill Wedge Shims (or other shim material) to adjust and for support so that the retractable screen bottom guide rests level. Please call for part information.  

        A special Service Threshold/Sill Applications is available or​ you can contact us for more information.

    • Can the screen fabric be replaced if it gets torn or damaged?

      • The screen fabric is easy to replace using a refill kit which is available from Genius.
        ​A Screen Replacement Guide ​is available or you can contact us for more information and assistance.

    • How can I adjust my screen so that it doesn’t blow out or push away from the top or bottom guides?

      • The screen is intentionally designed to expand and blow out of the top and/or bottom guides in heavy winds or when pushed upon in order to prevent damage to the screen.  To reset the screen into the guides, slowly operate the screen while making sure to help direct the fabric into the top and bottom guides, and the screen should be reset.  We recommend that the screen be always retracted during heavy winds.

    • When I retract the screen what can cause the pull bar to come out of the top and/or bottom guides?

      • This is likely an easy fix related to how the user is unlatching or opening the screen.   To release the magnets pull the handle directly toward your body and this will create a zipper effect which slightly releases the magnets at the center point.  If however you are pulling horizontally (in the same direction as the top and bottom guide rails) than the user is fighting the full strength of the magnets.  When this happens the magnets will suddenly release and the screen will likely jump open by several inches and cause the pull bar to jump the track or, the screen fabric to bunch-up.  Once the magnetic seal has been releases be sure to just let go of the handle and allow the screen to retract by itself.  Do not push the screen closed (back into the cassette) since the internal speed reducer is regulating the retraction of the screen.  Pushing the screen back may cause the pull bar to jump out of the tracks or the screen fabric to leave the guides. Let go and allow the screen to do the work. 

    • How can I adjust the speed that the screen retracts?

      • It is possible to make some adjustment to the speed at which the screen retracts.  To make this adjustment the screen cassette must be taken out of the opening. Step-by-step instructions to adjust the spring tension are available or ​you cancontact us for assistance.

    • What should I do if my screen does not retract?

      • Be sure to clean any debris from inside the bottom guide, this usually takes care of it.  If still needed then check the top and bottom guides for screws that may not have been driven flush into the guides, causing the screen to drag.  Occasionally a door or opening can also settle and cause the screen pull bar to start to drag inside the guide rails during operation.  If needed the aluminum pull bar can be trimmed down or, the door opening can be adjusted to once again be made square and level.  Download a complete list of troubleshooting solutions.

    • Where do I find the registration number for my smooth fabric door screen?

      • The registration number is printed on a label and located on the screen cassette near where the screen fabric moves in and out of the cassette

    • How do I clean my retractable screen?

      • Keep the guides clear of debris.  To clean the screen fabric, wipe it down with soft cloth and mild, soapy water and then lightly rinse. Allow the screen mesh dry before closing/retracting.

PLEATED FABRIC DOOR SCREENS

  • General Operation

    • Why should I consider using a Genius pleated fabric Sheer Screen?

      • Genius pleated fabric screens have certain unique advantages over a more conventional roller style retractable door screen.  For example:
        • This screen does not use a tension spring and as a result it is always easy to operate with the gentle touch of a finger
        • The screen can also be moved to any position where it will stay put until needed
        • This screen features a flat bottom guide so that there is no channel to kick or stubble on and because of it this screen is wheel chair, walk and cane friendly 
        • The pleated style fabric is very subtle yet at the same time has an elegant look
         

    • Are pleated fabric screens only available for single panel doors or also for double French and other multi-panel doors?

      • Pleated fabric Sheer Screens are available for single doors up to very wide and tall multi-panel doors.  Double French doors can often be screened using a choice of 1 or 2 screen panels.

    • Do I need to install and use the handles that come with the screen?

      • No.  The handles are optional and can be applied as desired.  Many users prefer to operate the screen using the finger pull groove which is located on each side of the pull bar.  

    • What if my door bottom threshold has a small slope that will cause the retractable screen bottom guide to be on an angle and not rest flat?

      • The Bottom Guide should always be as level as possible.  Genius does offer an optional version of the bottom guide which is made for moderately sloped threshold.  Otherwise apply shim material in order to adjust and for support so that the retractable screen bottom guide rests level.

    • Can the screen fabric be replaced if it becomes torn or damaged?

      • Because of all the cabling and other details the screen fabric itself cannot just be changed-out.  Instead Genius can supply a new panel and this means that the replacement takes only seconds to do.  

    • What would cause the screen panel to not open or close all the way?

      • Most often this is the result of the screen cassette not resting tight to the floor and the bottom guide.  To fix it simply apply pressure and push down on the aluminum pull bar and wall profile extrusions so that the plastic end caps in each of these rests tight to the floor.  Gently open and close the screen several times so that the internal parts can align.

    • What would cause the pull bar and tracking mechanism to come off of the bottom guide?

      • When operating the screen be sure not to lift up on the handle or the pull bar since this can raise the screen off of the small flat bottom guide.  Instead simply push the screen along the track.  Also, if the bottom threshold is sloped (angled) then this can sometimes cause it.  Genius does offer an optional version of the bottom guide which is made for moderately sloped thresholds.  Otherwise apply shim material in order to adjust and for support so that the retractable screen bottom guide can rest flat and level.

    • Where do I find the registration number for a pleated fabric door screen?

      • The registration number is printed on a white label and located on the inside of the pull bar near where the screen fabric connects. 

    • How do I clean my retractable screen?

      • Keep the guides clear of debris.  To clean the screen fabric, wipe it down with soft cloth and mild, soapy water and then lightly rinse. Allow the screen mesh dry before closing/retracting.

RETRACTABLE WINDOW SCREENS

  • General Operation

    • Why should I consider using a Genius retractable screen for my windows and what types of windows will they fit?

      • Genius retractable screens easily fit most windows to provide complete protection against airborne pests.  The screen also completely disappears when not in use so that there is a clear view to the outdoors.  Genius retractable screens will also far outlast conventional screens and include a special safety feature that controls the retraction speed in order to protect fingers from getting pinched.  

    • I have a tall window and so how do I reach the screen to lower it down?

      • The screen is available with a pull cord or Genius offers a telescoping pole that will retract to easily store away in a drawer or closet.

    • How can I adjust my screen so that it doesn’t blow out or push out of the side guides

      • The screen is designed to expand and blow out in heavy winds or when pushed on to prevent damage to the screen.  To reset the screen into the side guides, slowly lower and then raise the screen while making sure to help direct the fabric into the side guides, and the screen should be reset.  We recommend that the screen be retracted during heavy winds.

    • Where do I find the registration number for my window screen?

      • The registration number is printed on a label and located on the screen cassette near where the screen fabric moves in and out of the cassette.

    • How do I clean my retractable screen?

      • Keep the guides clear of debris.  To clean the screen fabric, wipe it down with soft cloth and mild, soapy water and then lightly rinse. Allow the screen mesh dry before closing/retracting.

 
 
 
 

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