LaCantina Doors Blog Which Screen is Right for your LaCantina® Door System?

Want to open your LaCantina doors any time of day or night and enjoy Open Spaces® without worrying about bugs flying around or neighbors peeking in? There's a screen for that. LaCantina's folding, sliding, and multi slide doors are available with integrated screen systems in three constructions: pleated mesh, non-pleated mesh, and non-pleated mesh with a fabric blind added. With any of these options, a fully retractable screen that's only seen when it's in use can be seamlessly integrated into your door system. Door systems may incorporate single screens or double screens (coming from opposite sides) depending on the width of the system opening, or feature double screens at angles for applications such as zero post corners. Durable and easy to operate, these innovative screening systems can also be built for and integrated with windows. While all three screen options have these notable features in common, each one also has unique benefits to offer your home. Here's what you need to know. Pleated Mesh Screens: Best for Stopping Bugs and Wind-Blown Debris Pros: For the biggest protection against insects, leaves, and twigs blowing in, choose the pleated mesh screen system. The pleated construction makes the screen material more stable (it resists sagging) and keeps it compact, helping it collapse neatly to one side when not in use. Bonus: Not only does it offer the best protection against flying intruders, it's also the most cost-effective solution of the three. And, because it's surface-mounted, it works with other large opening door systems, too. Cons: The pleated mesh material is less transparent than the non-pleated mesh, so you can see this screen when it's in use. Sizes: Up to 16' wide by 10'6" high (one screen); up to 32' wide by 10'6" high (double screen) Read more about the pleated mesh screen system. Non-Pleated Mesh Screens: Best for Optimizing Views Pros: The non-pleated screen system is your go-to when you want to preserve the aesthetics of an amazing view. It's our most transparent screening option, offering protection with a sheer mesh material that's barely noticeable. This screen system can be installed seamlessly inside or outside the door system, for true flexibility. Top and bottom tabs help prevent the mesh material from blowing out, even with a breeze, and the load balancing technology allows the screen to stop in the position you choose. Cons: This screening system is a bigger investment and offers slightly less protection against insects and incoming debris than the pleated mesh version. Sizes: Up to 15' wide by 10'6" high (one screen); up to 29.5' wide by 10'6" high (double screen) Fabric Blind Added to Non-Pleated Mesh Screen: Best for Privacy and Sunlight Management Pros: Adding an optional fabric blind to the non-pleated screening system also adds a host of benefits. You enjoy complete privacy when the opaque blind is in use. Plus, the blind fabric is designed to deflect UV rays and reduce heat transfer. So the blind not only limits the amount of sunlight flowing in but also helps boost energy efficiency, keeping interior living areas cooler on warm summer days and reducing the load on home air conditioning systems or other cooling devices. You can choose a screen/blind combination that moves together in one direction; a combination that moves from opposite sides to meet in the middle; or a system that includes a screen coming from one side and a blind coming from the other side. (Choose the "Sizes" tab on this page to see these options illustrated.) No matter which configuration you choose, you have complete flexibility. Utilize the blind fully when you want more privacy or less daylight; choose the screen only when you want insect protection with maximum views and fresh air; or choose any combination of screen and blind as your needs dictate. Since the screen and the blind stop in place, you can adjust for changing conditions instantly. A choice of five fabric shades makes it easy to add a blind that complements your home's aesthetics. Cons: The blind option tops out at a height of 7'6", even though the non-pleated screen system can be as tall as 10'6". This is only an issue if you prefer dramatically tall door systems and want the blind to match the height of the screening material. In the case of a height difference, there will be screen area at the top with no barrier against daylight. The height of the blind should still offer significant privacy. Sizes: Up to 15' wide by 7'6" high (one screen, single blind); up to 29.5' wide by 7'6" high (double screen, blind on either side); up to 15' wide by 7'6" high (combination system with screen on one side and blind on the other). Screen Systems Deliver Big Lifestyle Benefits Is adding an integrated screen system to your LaCantina door system worth it? Consider these benefits: Open your doors more often and keep them open longer. After sundown, in the sunniest part of the day, in any season, really any time you want. Because you can always welcome the breeze and get the level of protection you want. Enjoy fresh air anytime. Even when you need privacy, don't want to sit in full sunlight, or simply want to keep daytime heat at bay. Manage temperatures inside your home naturally. Open your door system a little to release built-up heat or open it wide to invite in cooler air. Being able to open your door system as needed helps keep your home's interior comfortable and reduces your reliance on air conditioning (which can save money). Have you seen our video collection? Check out LaCantina's innovative new V2 Folding Door and watch some of our favorite streaming before-and-after projects here.