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:

• Step One: Take a close look around your screen and make sure it is free of debris, dust and insects.
• Step Two: Use a mixture of warm water and a mild dish detergent with a soft brush to clean around the screen and the screen itself. Never use a spray like WD-40. These sprays attract more debris and interfere with the screen’s normal movement.
• Step Three: Use extra care when rolling them up and down in the winter to avoid debris and moisture build-up. Also, never lower the screen when there are wind speeds in excess of 15 mph. Similar to clear vinyl, mesh screens are susceptible to contracting in the cold, but not to the extent of clear vinyl screens. Leave these screens down whenever possible to avoid the buildup of moisture and mildew. Never use a power sprayer to clean and be sure the screens are fully dry before rolling them back up.

For these and other tips on getting the maximum life out of your motorized retractable screens, contact Michele’s Hide-Away Screens & Awnings today.