💰 Initial Purchase Price
The cost of your retractable screen door depends on whether you’re installing a single or double unit:
Single Retractable Door → Starts around $600 + tax (measured & installed).
Double Retractable Door → Starts around $1,100 + tax (measured & installed).
These prices cover professional measurement and installation, ensuring a seamless fit and reliable performance from the start.
🧽 Maintenance Costs
Just like anything mechanical, retractable screens benefit from regular care. Ideally, you should schedule a service call every 6 months with the company that installed your screens.
Professional Service Call → Typically $165+ per visit.
That said, most homeowners don’t call as often as recommended. Here’s the good news: with simple DIY upkeep, your screens can last for decades. Our very first installations from 2003 in Laguna Hills, California are still in operation today!
DIY Maintenance Checklist:
Vacuum the bottom tracks to remove dust and debris.
Wipe out dirt with a damp cloth.
Apply dry silicone spray to keep everything gliding smoothly.
By taking these small steps, you may not need professional servicing nearly as often.
🔧 Repair Costs
Even the most durable retractable screen can face accidents. The most common repair? A torn mesh caused by kids pulling at it—or more often, someone walking right through it because the screen is nearly invisible when open.
Rescreening (fabric replacement) → Starts around $299 per unit.
Thankfully, the housing and mechanics typically remain intact, so repairs are usually limited to replacing the mesh itself.
🛠️ Additional Maintenance Supplies
Keeping your retractable screen in top condition requires just a few inexpensive items:
Dry Silicone Spray → $10–$15/can (lasts 3–4 years).
Screen Mesh Wipes → $10–$15/bag (lasts 3–4 years).
These small purchases help extend the life of your investment and keep your screen looking fresh.
📊 Total 10-Year Cost Estimate
Here’s a simplified projection for one single retractable door over 10 years, assuming occasional professional service, a couple of rescreens, and DIY maintenance:
Initial Purchase → $600
Service Calls (once a year) → ~$1,650
Rescreening (1–2 times) → ~$300–$600
DIY Supplies (silicone + wipes) → ~$40–$60
👉 Approximate 10-Year Total: $2,600 – $2,900
For a double door, simply adjust the starting price to ~$1,100, and repair costs may be slightly higher.
✅ The Bottom Line
A retractable screen is not just a purchase—it’s an investment in comfort, airflow, and curb appeal. With basic care, your screen can last decades (we’ve seen it firsthand!). Whether you opt for professional servicing every 6 months or stick to DIY upkeep, the long-term cost is surprisingly reasonable—especially when compared to the convenience and elegance you enjoy daily.
So the real answer? With proper care, your retractable screen can last a lifetime—and the return on investment is hard to beat.
