Garage Door Screens

[TexasStroker]

So, I'm sure someone has at least tried these out...

The prices seem to range from $20 to $500 and the reviews are all over the place.

I had to order some parts in the other day and had one from Summit in my cart until I realized their "double door" was 16x7 and thus would be a comical fit on my 18x7.  I believe their kit is Jobar, which is common to Walmart, Bed, Bath, & Beyond, and some other retailers.  Some reviews are full of rainbows and others say what I would think at the price point that it is a piece of junk.  The issue, as it so often is, remains that there isn't really anything stocked locally to check out in person prior to purchase.

The online offerings have stuff that looks like I could have a few 4 year olds put together on up to heavy duty, custom printed works of art.  As much as I would love to have the back end of a 69 Charger on this thing, I need to keep it practical (affordable).

Does anyone have first hand experience with any of these products, regardless of where they fall on the spectrum?  I am heavily learning towards the "Fresh Air Screen" from Home Depot for around $200.  That seems a bit over priced for mesh, but at the same time from the looks of pictures and reviews, it could very easily pay for itself by the time I'm replacing the $20 for the 10th time.

I am hoping to have more free time and would love to have one of these up to get the air moving and hopefully conceal the cars/shop at the same time.  Everything I have seen is mounted on the exterior of the door, but I would be wanting to mount mine on the interior side...NOTHING stays put here, and last night's storm with 90 MPH wind is testament to that (You should have seen where I found one of the patio chairs this morning, after it knocked down panels of fence to get out).  I am kind of leaning towards possibly mounting conduit between the tracks and sliding the screen like a curtain.  The "Fresh Air Screen" looks to be made by Kitty Mac and while I can find a few YouTube vids from 07-08 with pull up options and more, all I see at Home Depot is the 3 zipper design.  I'm not as much concerned with keeping the corners sealed as I am just having fresh, cool air moving in and most of the annoying flys/wasps out.

Thanks in advance for any insights...If everyone comes up empty, I'll likely go for the 18*7 3 Zipper here:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Fresh-Air-Screens-18-ft-x-7-ft-3-Zipper-Garage-Door-Screen-1231-D-187/202898586

[ACUDANUT]

" I would love to have one of these up to get the air moving and hopefully conceal the cars/shop at the same time".

Great idea. 

[draftingmonkey]

Another idea, instead of dealing with a zipper closer, maybe something that uses a magnetic closer. A lot easier to go in and out. Cheaper too, $29.99 vs. $207 & free shipping with either.
http://www.kotulas.com/deals/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10602&storeId=10152&productId=19859&langId=-1&srccode=cii_17588969&cpncode=40-72153539-2&utm_source=google_pla&utm_medium=Garage-Auto-Garage-Workshop&utm_content=550739

[TexasStroker]

Another idea, instead of dealing with a zipper closer, maybe something that uses a magnetic closer. A lot easier to go in and out. Cheaper too, $29.99 vs. $207 & free shipping with either.

I checked it out and the only double door size they have is 16x7.  I would think magnets would be more fail safe than zippers though.

" I would love to have one of these up to get the air moving and hopefully conceal the cars/shop at the same time".
Great idea. 

Glad someone agrees!  I really think on a typical, sunny day anyone going down the road would have a hard time seeing in...

I was skimming things again tonight and came across this one...I guess it is the pinnacle of the Fresh Air Screens:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Fresh-Air-Screens-18-ft-x-7-ft-3-Zipper-Garage-Door-Screen-with-Rope-Pull-1231-D-187-RP/202898587
I watched a video on it last night, but couldn't find it up for purchase and assumed it was discontinued.

The 2 Zipper is the most economical option and has less to go wrong.  If I can "curtain rod" it, I would need an offshoot to allow everything to bunch up to one side.
The 3 Zipper would be somewhat practical in the sense I "think" I could unzip the center and slide 9' left and 9' right...assuming my "curtain rod" interpretation is applicable.
The Roll Up would just kind of be a nice option, although I'm not sure how much I'd use it...It would either be used once to confirm it works, or it would be something I'd use all the time...

I really wish I could check these out in person...I'm comfortable accepting the large volume of negative reviews on the $20 units, but there isn't much of a sampling on these higher dollar units, yet they remain very positive.

I'm hoping someone has some experience with these...if not I'll likely guinea pig it and hope for the best.  My biggest incentive is that several of the reviews talk about having the cheap units prior to this one and this one actually being what they expected.

Please post up if you have any insights...I may pull the trigger and order one this weekend...it just kills me how much stuff has to be bought sight-unseen anymore 

[J.Bond]

I have been wanting to build a screen assembly for my 10 x 12 for sometime. Never seen these advertised, and had previously thought of building a roll up system. Residing in Ontario, we also have 6 months of winter as well, so I was thinking of building a solid frame door assembly out of 1 inch steel tube outside of the roll up door. on hinges with a latch, and having removable screen inserts for the summer months, and 6 mil poly inserts for winter months. I have installed a wood frame poly covered panel over my rear door, drive thru access for the paint booth that has not been used in 6 or 7 years. On cold sunny, fall, winter or spring days it allows me to raise the rear roll up and enjoy some free radiant heat as well as some natural light.

[TexasStroker]

@J.Bond

There are some out there similar in design to what you are describing with the frame...one of them even has a door framed out in the middle section, lol.

I will see if I can get something ordered this weekend, or Monday.  I'll probably go with what I've posted at Home Depot and hope for the best.

[J.Bond]

There is one small deterant  that should be addressed when deciding to screen off a large entrance area. People!!!!!!!!!!.A good friend of mine picked up a 18 ft camper utility vehicle carrier combo. It has a roll up rear screen assembly that can be pulled down after the rear door /ramp is opened. Two years old, the screen assembly now needs to be replaced due to a few morons and himself, accidentally walking thru the screen, it makes great entertainment if you can actually witness the procedure.

Just saying.........., some sort of marking on the screened area my result in longevity for your screen assembly.

[Mytur Binsdirti]

http://www.miragescreensystems.com/large-opening-retractable/h5500/

[TexasStroker]

@J.Bond

Haha, I can imagine...I doubt I'd walk thru mine though...backing out thru the mesh is a more likely reality 

@Mytur

Those look really nice!  I wish the site had pricing though...not sure I can afford one, but it would look to be the most durable option by a considerable margin...plus you'd have the roll up automated.