S**R
Surprisingly easy to install and looks good too!
This is a GREAT product, well made, attractive and convenient... BUT here is a lot of information you might not have thought about:It's a little upsetting during the fall and spring here to listen to the a/c or heaters coming on when the temperature outside is delightful. I got fed up with it and started looking at screen doors at the local lumber and hardware store... the metal ones are very expensive and the wooden ones are even too expensive for me. The cheaper ones don't seal around the top, edges and bottom well enough to keep all kinds of bugs out. But on the other hand, the magnetic closure screens like this one can be unsafe at night if they are all there is between the inside and outside, especially out here in the badlands of Texas. We have feral cats, raccoons, and I KNOW those can figure out how to get inside. There are also wild rats, squirrels, possums and snakes I'd like to feel safe against. So here are some ideas and tips.First of all, the big advantage of a screen of any kind is that you leave the door open and allow ventilation from outside... that's obvious. Another is that, especially with a normal solid door, it opens to the inside, so that moths, flies, etc. park themselves on the outer edge of the door and fly into the house when the door is opened. Glass paneled doors especially. They just wait patiently, looking through the glass at the light or smelling the food inside, until you open the door and then easily rush inside. A rigid screen door opens out, pushing "most" of the bugs out of the way, but these flexible magnetic doors scare the bugs away when you brush through and then QUICKLY close and seal, so there is not the in-rush of bugs.1. This product seals very well against flying bugs and most of the crawling and climbing ones too. Tiny bugs and spiders will get in no matter what we do (screens OR sealed doors). So the only vulnerability is with cockroaches, centipedes, earwigs, pillbugs, etc. I'll go into what I've done to prevent those crawling in under the bottom of the screen in a minute.2. Animals are a different situation. All of the ones in the first paragraph will be taken care of if you have a dog... it will let you know when there's an invader. We don't have an indoor animal of any kind, so I have to find ways to make it more secure. The screen is pretty useless at night if you have to close the entry door to keep out animals... oh and I forgot to mention stray dogs.3. This product is super easy to install if you followed the seller's advice and measured your door. If you have a 36” standard entry door, it will not fit without modifications. I chose this one even though I have 36” doors simply because I wanted to make a special frame for it, which works quite well, but if you plan to just stick it to the existing door frame, be sure you get the correct size.4. I think the velcro mounting is perfectly adequate for adults, but children and pets are going to take a toll unless you demand their full attention about taking their time to go through it... and of course even then, there will be times where the kid runs through it on the way to the bathroom or the dog sees his nemesis stepping into his turf. Nudging it with your shoulder or hand opens it just fine, but hitting it with a body block not in the center might pull it free from the velcro, or pull the adhesive backing from the velcro. I put little screws spaced about a foot apart through both the screen and the velcro strip just to give it a little more strength, but those might disappear when I take it down this winter. And still, a kid throwing his body into the side instead of center could easily rip the fabric. That wouldn't be acceptable even with an expensive framed screen either.My installation over a 36” entry door:1. I put a full-width 2X4 across the top of the door frame, and under that put two full length 2X4s going down to the bottom door jamb. I angled those so they mounted flush against the jamb.2. I then strengthened the screen with short screws every foot, to prevent those off-center kids and pets from damaging them so easily (even though we don't have any, but my high-speed wife just might be a problem at times).3. So there it was (before painting the 2X4s) looking just great and me being proud of my work. But the bottom of the screen is loose and did not seal out crawling bugs, so I brought the velcro around UNDER the bottom of the 2X4s and the door jamb and put a couple of screws there as well. But then the door mat was a problem, so I just pulled that back far enough to be out of the way. Now no matter how you let go of the screen, passing in either direction, the bottom swings closed and the flange at the bottom sweeps and seals “somewhat”. I'll play around with weights or PVC to try and make that seal better. Disadvantage of the screws, of course, is that it is a little more trouble to take down when not needed, but not that bad with an electric screwdriver/drill motor.It does look very good indeed. When deciding which of the dozens of magnetic screens I was pleased to see that this inexpensive one had a clean line to close at the center, and the magnets do snap together nicely to seal. Some of the units costing more had puffy edges that looked pretty atrocious.How well it will stand up remains to be seen, but since I don't have kids or pets, and do have a trainable wife, I think they'll earn their keep very nicely.Fully Recommended
J**Y
My Doggies Love it!
I needed a less invasive and inexpensive option for a doggy door so these magnetic screen doors have been at the top of my list for quite some time. I have tried several different brands of magnetic screen doors, including the awful one "As Seen on TV". As for this screen door, let me get right to the nitty gritty.This screen door is well made. I like the fact that it has velcro on the top and both sides that run the length of the curtain. This is very important for holding the screen in place, especially when you have puppies who get very excited about going outside. The other half of the Velcro provided, which attaches to the frame is more than enough, so that I had a bit left over which is better than running out. The package also includes little tacks/nails for wood framed entries. I have vinyl siding so I used the Velcro of course, therefore I reserve any commentary about how well the tacks work.Another plus is that the magnetic strip runs the full length of the curtain. This is very important for keeping bugs and critters outside where they belong. It also insures that the curtain closes correctly each time. I've used one of these curtains where there were only a few magnets installed down the center which made closing completely after each use hit or miss. My dogs are totally used to finding that center point and getting in and out without problems, and this curtain opens easily with a push of their noses. It makes my life very easy when they can come and go as they please and I don't have to play doorman all day. There is also a "cute" little lace valance at the top of the curtain which just adds a nice little touch.Although I don't have any cons at the moment (I will update if they arise), as I stated earlier, I have used several of these doors, so guessing from my particular usage, they definitely have a limited life span ONLY because of my dogs. When I say they put these screens through their paces, it's no joke.TIPS:Make sure the screen door is installed so that it does not drag on the floor. It should be just at the level of the threshold.If using the Velcro, I would suggest using alcohol to clean the area where the Velcro will be installed. This will make for better adhesion.Some pups may be slightly afraid of using it initially, so use some treats near the opening to coax them in and out a couple of times - they pick it up quick!If you have seasons where you live, I would take it down during Winter months to preserve the fabric.Overall, I think this magnetic screen door seems very strong and may hold up for more than one season of puppy use. I would recommend this product.
C**.
Here's a tip
When installing this screen...1. Attach the Velcro to the screen first for the most accurate measurements and easier installation.2. Cut off the excess Velcro and place it somewhere handy.3. Before removing paper from sticky tape, position curtain across area where you will place it to make sure it fits.4. Lightly hammer the brads/tacks in the 4 corners to hold the curtain in place and prevent shifting while you remove the paper from the sticky tape. Make sure the curtain is set where you want it; close the magnets and make sure there are no gaps.5. Remove sticky tape paper approximately 2 inches at a time and press against the top surface you want to adhere to. (Taking small sections will help you to keep the curtain even as you attach it and prevent ruining the tape if you drop it on the floor where it will pick up dust and/or fuzz.)6. Use the same method for each side.SIDE NOTE: I have indoor cats who like to go out on the patio. I left 12 inches on each side of the bottom un-taped so they could enter and exit at will. This should work for your furbabies who are up to 15 inches tall because they can still squat to get through, however I would not recommend leaving more than 12 inches undone on each side.
M**R
Does the job better than expected! Nice well manufactured product!
I received this magnetic screen door and am very impressed with the quality, ease of installation and operation. The color sort of disapprears but leaves a slight tint to the outside so there is no glare inside the house. The magnetic closures are just the right strength to allow easy opening, but strong enough to not break open in a breeze. Really nice to not have to fight the mosquitoes and flies in my house any more. Easy to hang, it included the double sided tape! Can't imagine how I lived without it up until now. Would definately order from this seller again.
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