Tips
Helpful Tips For Your Home
What is Spring Like in The Villages Community® Florida?
If you have ever heard of The Villages Community®, Florida, you have probably heard they have gorgeous weather there pretty much all year long. While the weather is usually much milder than northern states, The Villages Community® still experiences fluctuations in temperatures in each season. Springtime is usually a much celebrated season in the Sunshine State because of the stunning sunny days and the warm Spring breeze. However, cooler days are still a very real possibility.
Why choose a retractable screen instead of a traditional screen door?
There are many options available on the market to bring you the utmost enjoyment from your home any time of year. You may be wondering why a retractable screen would make any difference from a traditional screen door.
Retractable screens can help lower your energy bill.
We are looking for ways to save a buck or two off of our energy bill. In Florida, summertime is hot and humid, causing most of us to rely on our A/C system 24/7. The result is an enormous power bill that can hurt pour wallets in a bad way. There are ways to cut down on energy uses with a retractable screen.
What kind of weather can we expect for September in Central Florida?
Most people can't wait for the end of summer to come around because it means cooler temperatures after a blazing season! Well for those of us in Central Florida, that isn't always the case. Thankfully though, September is the end of summer and lets us know that soon enough we can anticipate a break from the heat, but for that month, it's going to be warm and wet!
The benefits of fresh air in your home.
Out of all the elements essential for sustaining life, fresh air is by far the most important. The overall health of your mind and body much depends on the amount of fresh air you breathe in. When we were young, we spent a lot of time outside playing, riding our bikes and walking in our neighborhoods, but nowadays, a lot of people tend to forget the importance of fresh air and the many benefits it brings us.
Easy Spring Cleaning to do List.
It's almost that time of year again! You look around your house, and you get a little twitch as you notice dust and clutter around. You get the urge to sweep the patio, dust the baseboards, and wash off the outdoor furniture. Spring cleaning is in the air, and we have a few tips to help you get through it and get your home sparkling clean.
Lifestyle Screen Care Guide - Michele's Hide-Away Screens - Florida
Watch this video to learn how to care for your Lifestyle Screen.
5 tips to bring more sunshine into your home.
Do you sometimes feel like your home is as dark as a dungeon? When you move into a home, you aren't usually looking at the number of windows or if there is a skylight. Realizing your home is very dark, even during the day, it can be quite depressing. Don't grab a sledgehammer to make a new window just yet. There are other ways to bring natural sunlight into a dark house.
Preparing Your Home Screens for a Florida Hurricane Season.
Spring has officially ended and Summer is taking over our lives for the next few months. With Summer comes some pretty intense storms, and yes, even hurricanes! And with it comes hurricane season. Meteorologists are already predicting a slightly above average amount of tropical storms and hurricanes that can come our way in the coming months.
Can we live in peace with love bugs?
Twice a year in Florida we get to experience the "lovely" love bug season. Generally, you have seen them flying around in a pair of two locked together. These creatures stay around us for usually four weeks in both May and September and are heavily plastered on the front of everyone's car. Let's face it, there is nothing groovy about love bug season
Florida Springtime Garage Cleaning Tips.
Spring cleaning time is upon us, and for Florida, it's better to start cleaning early before it gets too hot to want to do anything! In the case of a Florida spring cleaning, it's best to start from the outside in. Get all that out of the way before the sun gets too bold during the afternoon and keeps you from venturing outside too often. If you have a garage, then this would be your perfect starting point! Over the years, a garage came become a sort of catch-all for various odds and ends in your home. Here we will dive into some of the best tips for spring cleaning a cluttered garage before those hot spring days Florida has come rolling in!
Pets and retractable screens.
Whether your fur baby is a dog, a cat, or you have both, when it comes to your retractable screen, you're sure to have questions about whether the screens are designed to fit your life. Like human babies, our fur babies all have different personalities and curiosities, so the answer to the question of whether the screens will work with yours is - yes, with a little adjustment and a few tricks.
How retractable screens are better than traditional screen doors.
Growing up many houses had a screen door to let in fresh air and keep the bugs out. These doors were a huge blessing on hot nights and could help keep the entire house cool. Just like with everything technology improves on an already great idea and makes it better. So now we have a new and improve screen door in the form of a retractable screen.
Is your retractable screen Winter ready?
No matter what state you live in, the winter months impact everything inside and outside your home, including your retractable screen. With the winter months coming up, now is the time to prepare your retractable screen for the cold.
Florida's Dry Season is almost here.
Many people say Florida doesn't have well defined seasons like other states, although lifetime Floridians do notice the changes. What Florida does have, just like many tropical places, is a wet and dry season.
3 Reasons To Screen In Your Golf Cart Garage.
Central Florida is home to some of the largest retirement communities in the world. And what self-respecting retirement community doesn’t have its own golf course or two (or almost fifty.. yes 50!... if you’re talking about The Villages)?
Fun ways to spruce up your lanai this Summer.
Ahhh, Summer. Time to get outside and enjoy the sunshine, light breeze and thrilling afternoon thunderstorms from the comfort of your lanai.
What Is The Best Rated Mosquito Repellent For This Summer?
Summer is almost here! In Florida, that means it is time to enjoy days of the sun, sand, and surf and nights of… well being cooped up inside because the mosquitos are brutal! An evening walk or a night stargazing turns into an all you can eat Vegas buffet for the flying and biting insects.
Which retractable screen is right for your garage?
If you live in Florida, you no doubt enjoy the beautiful weather and refreshing warm breeze that often brings a hint of salt air from the coast. The reason you moved to The Sunshine State in the first place is to enjoy that perfect tropical environment and take in all this gorgeous oasis has to offer. So the last thing you want to be is cooped up inside on a stunning Spring day. A garage screen is a perfect way to enjoy the outdoors while also relaxing in privacy and free of pesky insects.
Mirage Screens Release Cutting Edge Innovation for Effortless Function of Retractable Screen Doors
Mirage Screen Systems Inc. introduces the PivotPro Easy Release Handle which provides a profound improvement in how retractable screen doors are opened and closed. Mirage Screen Systems Inc., a leading manufacturer of retractable screening systems in North America for over 20 years, introduces the PivotPro (patent pending) handle which allows the retractable screen to be opened and closed effortlessly.
Simple maintenance for your hide-away screens.
There's nothing better than enjoying a gentle breeze throughout your home on a warm summer day.
Our Stunning New Showroom Is Open!
At last, after much planning and building, Michele’s Hide-Away Screens has a brand new showroom location! We know that it is hard to decide on the perfect screen for your home sight unseen. That’s why we have opened a brand new convenient location on 30 Almond Drive Run in Ocala just 25 minutes north of The Villages® community; so you can see these beauties in action and create a custom screen for your home.
Snowbirds! What are they?
Wikipedia's definition of a snowbird is a North American term for a person who moves from the higher latitudes and colder climates of the northern United States and Canada and migrates southward in winter to warmer locales such as Florida, California, Arizona, Texas, or elsewhere along the Sun Belt of the southern United States.
5 Ways a motorized roll-up screen makes life so much easier.
Motorized roll up screens makes life easier in so many ways. Homes that are built in areas where windows and doors remain open for large parts of the year need screens. Typical screens are considered part of the primary structure of a home. Motorized roll up screens works in the same way as typical screens in that they screen out bugs, insects, dirt, and debris. Without screens covering doors and windows, insects, flies and other pests have free access to enter the home. Mosquitoes and flies breed quickly and are a nuisance. Keeping out flies and mosquitoes was the first reason screens were added to the doors and windows of homes.
How a hide-away screen can increase property rentals for snowbird season.
Hide-away screens add value and appeal to any home. Typical screens are considered part of the primary structure of a home. Hide-away screens work in the same way as regular screens in that they screen out bugs, insects, dirt, and debris. Without screens covering doors and windows, insects, flies and other pests have free access to enter the home. Mosquitoes and flies breed quickly and are a nuisance. Keeping out flies and mosquitoes was the first reason screens were added to the doors and windows of homes - and one of the best "selling points" to attract renters to your property
Is there a screen that protects from the harmful rays of the Sun?
Summer is most definitely upon us here in Florida, and so are some of the not so "fun in the sun" dangers of overexposure to the sun's harmful UV rays. Fortunately, for those of us who have discovered the benefits of retractable, motorized, and hideaway screens, we've learned how to beat the heat while enjoying the great outdoors…..and we're doing it in style!
What is a typical Florida Summer day like?
While there are several factors that go into determining a "typical" Florida Summer day, there are a few factors that we Floridians find predictable enough to count on every summer. Among these include elevated frequency of thunderstorms, a few completely rainy days, and a few more days of nothing but hot, hot heat! Sometimes, our news reports indicate a higher than usual likelihood of hurricanes, and depending on which Floridian you ask, that's something to either celebrate or worry about.
Remembering Gene Rank
We are saddened to announce the sudden passing of our “weekend warrior” Gene Rank, who faithfully represented Michele’s Hide-Away Screens for many years at our Market of Marion exhibit. As one of the most dependable and enthusiastic members of our team and often being the very first contact with thousands of MHAS customers, Gene had just celebrated his 87th birthday on May 31st before being called home on Saturday, June 3rd. The Michele’s Hide-Away Screens family, along with all of his Market friends, will miss him and we wish to express our sincere condolences to Gene’s wife Barbara and the entire Rank family.
How bad will the bugs be after the mild winter?
You may have loved this winter’s unusually warm weather, but guess what—so did many insects. The winter warmth (this was the sixth-warmest winter and second warmest February on record in the United States according to NOAA) was pure buggy bliss. Add a warm, wet spring to the mix, and 2017 is creating the perfect breeding ground for some of our least favorite insect pests, including ticks and mosquitoes.
Time to Spring Clean your Retractable Screen!
Spring has sprung! And, if you’re the proud owner of a Michele’s Hide-Away retractable screen, undoubtedly, you want to enjoy a full long life with it. Well, we’re here to help. Most likely, one of the biggest reasons you purchased your screens was convenience. When it comes to the care of your retractable screen, it’s no different. Convenience and quality are what Michele’s Hide-Away screens are all about. Here’s how best to care for yours this spring:
Why did winter skip Florida this year?
Florida's weather is known for being unpredictable and ever changing, but this year's "winter was reported as the warmest since 2006."
Spectacular DIY Garage Floor Upgrade Ideas.
When you consider flooring options for your home, your mind may conjure up images of sparkling hardwood in the dining room, romantic Spanish tile in the kitchen, or classic white sleek hexagonal tile in the bathroom. But, there's another room of your house that also needs a stylish floor: your garage! Because of the unique demands and possibilities in this often overlooked space, you want to avoid flooring materials in your garage that break or stain, but leave plenty of options for sprucing up this unsung workhorse quickly and affordably. Here are a few garage floor ideas to inspire you in your next home improvement project:
Five ways a motorized roll-up screen adds value to your home.
Motorized roll up screens adds value to any home. Homes that are built in areas where windows and doors remain open for large parts of the year need screens. Typical screens are considered part of the main structure of a home. Motorized roll up screens works in the same way as typical screens in that they screen out bugs, insects, dirt, and debris. Without screens covering doors and windows, insects, flies and other pests have free access to enter the home. Mosquitoes and flies breed quickly and are a nuisance. Keeping out flies and mosquitos was the first reason screens were added to the doors and windows of homes.
Why are screened garages so common in Florida?
We Floridians know that our garages are more than just a place to store our cars and tools. A garage can be a great untapped resource in your home, and with a retractable screen garage door, we can enjoy the best of both the indoors and fresh outdoor Florida air. Screened garages are standard in Florida for many reasons.
5 Reasons Autumn is the best time of year to bring in the breeze.
After the hottest Summer on record, it's safe to say that as Floridians, we are so glad Autumn has arrived! While people in other parts of the country seem to look forward to Spring and Summer as the best times to open up the doors and windows and bring in the breeze, we Floridians count the days when the outdoor thermometer finally stays below 85 degrees.
They're Back! It's Love Bug Season.
Twice a year - each May and September, we Floridians get to experience that “oh so lovely” love bug season. Generally seen flying around in pairs, locked in an amorous embrace, these slow-moving creatures happen upon us these seasons for about an estimated four weeks, according to the University of Florida.
When is the end of Summer and when will it actually FEEL like Autumn?
Just when it feels like Summer has just begun, you turn around to see the kids are back in school and the stores already adorned with Halloween decor. But wait...it’s STILL August, it’s STILL hot and now our brains are trying to tell us it’s about to be Fall? So when is the end of Summer and when will it actually feel like Autumn?
Are retractable screens just as good as regular screen doors?
Retractable screens are not just as good as regular screen doors... they’re much, much better. Especially one from Michele’s Hide-Away Screens, Central Florida’s leader in innovative screen solutions!
Another Satisfied Michele's Hide-Away Screens Customer
We love seeing & hearing stuff like this! Thanks for sending this in!
Turn Your Garage into Something Other Than a Parking Space.
Perhaps you long for a patio, art studio, game room, workshop, home gym or man cave?
Imagine a rec room for the kids. A wide-open area where they can build, play, draw and game until their heart’s content. This means no more Legos to pick up or having to stash game controllers before receiving company. What happens in the rec room, stays in the rec room.
Easy Cleaning Tips for an Amazing Garage All Year Long.
In the beginning, cleaning your garage may have been a seemingly insurmountable task. If you’ve gone through the process of decluttering, organizing and establishing it as a functional part of your home, you will need to establish a cleaning routine for your garage.
Florida, Mosquitoes & Zika. How you can protect yourself!
Jokingly referred to in Florida as “the state bird”, mosquitoes in Florida are a fact of life. The Zika virus, however, is no laughing matter and the State of Florida Department of Health is warning all Floridians to take whatever measures necessary to prevent themselves from contracting this dangerous disease.
How to Prepare For Florida's Summertime Pests.
As all Floridians know, Summertime in Florida is a bug’s paradise. When we think of summer, we think of bugs - from flies and gnats to ants, mosquitoes and love bugs. This is the time of year when the temperature, humidity, rainstorms and bug population all seem to rise at once, so how can you be prepared?
5 Reasons to Add a Retractable Screen Door to Your Home.
Here are 5 good reasons why you should consider a retractable screen for your front door, from the experts at Michele's Hide-Away Screens.
Big Box vs. Michele's - The Difference is Clear!
When it comes to choosing the perfect screens for your home, the options are vast and customization is practically limitless. From a single retractable door screen to electric roll-up screens for the garage and lanai, Michele’s has got you covered.
Lanai Screens Are Awesome!
You’re sitting on your lanai, feeling the cool breeze and enjoying the sun. All of a sudden, you swat your arm. Mosquitoes! Many of us choose not to utilize our outdoor spaces due to pesky creatures. Well, with a touch of a button, all of that can disappear. Michele’s Hide-Away Screens has been providing electric roll up screens to customers since 1999. Why a roll up screen? There are many pros.
Five Great Reasons to Screen in your Garage Door
When it comes to the garage, a lot of people think that it’s just a place to store your cars and tools. But your garage can be a great untapped resource in your home and with a garage door screen from Michele's Hide-Away Screens your garage can open up a whole lot of great opportunities. Here are five great reasons to screen in your garage:
Getting your Motorized Retractable Screen Ready for the Winter
Regardless of what area you live in, the winter months bring changes to just about everything inside and outside of your home, including your retractable screen. With the winter months upon us, now is the time to prepare your retractable screen for the cold. Here are some quick and easy steps:
5 Reasons a Retractable Screen is Better than a Conventional Screen Door.
We are always ranting and raving about how awesome our retractable screens are. But hey, what makes them so much better than a regular screen door? In case you are wondering, here are 5 reasons why Michele's Hide-Away Screens are way better than your old screen door.
You've Never Enjoyed a Screened in Lanai Quite Like This!
Everyone likes to enjoy the weather in fresh air in the comfort of their lanai. Sometimes though, there are factors that seem to get in the way of simply sinking into a comfortable chair and relaxing in the fall afternoon.
Maximize the Value of your Garage
Often forgotten, or written off as just a place to park your car, your garage deserves to be given another look as an untapped resource for wherever your imagination leads you. Adding a couple comfy chairs, an extra fridge and a big screen TV can get you started on your way to the man cave you’ve always wanted, while adding some utility shelves, a saw horse, work table and a bench provides you with the perfect area to work on that long neglected hobby of yours.
Attack of the Blind Mosquitos, How to keep Midges at Bay.
They're everywhere, thousands upon thousands of them swarming every store front, car grill and front door. If you live in Central Florida there is no way you could not be aware of these pesky little insects. It's midge season and these guys really make a mess of things. Even though they haven't come up with a sure fire method of getting rid of them, there are a few things you can do to keep them away from your door step.
5 Reasons to Install Lifestyle Screens on Your Garage
Garages aren't just for storing cars and tools in anymore. By installing a Lifestyle Screen it can become much, much more. There are endless possibilities for creating any space you want for whatever you want. With the door within a door feature of Life Style screens you can have the convenience of accessing the outside with the touch of a finger. There are many ways to benefit from these incredible screens.
A little history lesson of screens
During the fall and spring months, nothing feels better than turning off the air, opening the windows and letting in the breeze blow through. As we sit back and enjoy the outside breeze sometimes we take for granted not being interrupted by pesky flies and mosquitoes. Screens allow us to enjoy the outdoors and nature while being in a protective bubble.
