Mirage Retractable of San Diego - Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Mirage Retractable Screen?

For those not familiar with retractable screens, they are insect screens that disappear into a compact housing that doesn’t interfere with window or door functioning. You only have a screen for your door/window when you need it. The screen is extended from the housing and kept in place by a magnetic latch that easily retracts with the aid of a spring-loaded roller tube inside the unit housing. Homeowners often prefer this type of screen, even with more traditional slider doors and windows, because they interfere the least with views of the landscaping details or vistas through windows and doors. During a screen consultation, we can show you a table top model so you can envision how it will work for your specific application.
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How durable is the Mirage Retractable Screen?

The #1 comment we get from existing customers is how ‘durable’ and durable Mirage Retractable Screens are. Mirage operates virtually service call free day after day, year after year. Mirage Screens do not have the problems associated with mediocre or flimsy quality brand retractable screens.
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Can a Mirage Retractable screen work on my door?

Yes! Mirage Retractable Screens can be made to fit almost any door or window application, including in-swing and out-swing doors. Mirage Screens are also available for French/double doors and sliding glass patio doors. We can custom install a Mirage Screen to door heights up to 110” and door widths up to 55”. For larger openings, Mirage offers a motorized screen solution as wide as 25 feet and as high as 16 feet in a single unit, or as small as 3 feet by 3 feet. Ask us for further details on our automated screen solutions at the touch of a button!
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How much does it cost?

Mirage Retractable Screens are very competitively priced without sacrificing quality, a high level of customer service, skilled installation and company stability. Because each screen application is unique and custom made to fit, we will need to ask you a few questions about your screen solution before we can provide a *quote over the phone. Yes, over the phone! *Please note that some screen solutions may require a visit to your home before a quote can be provided.
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Can a Mirage Screen be re-screened if my dog or friend runs into it by accident?

Yes. Just give us a call and we can arrange an appointment with you.
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Will a Mirage Retractable Screen reduce my air conditioning bill?

Yes! A Mirage Screen will increase the flow of fresh air into the home – a natural cooling solution is the most energy efficient method. A better ventilated home will not only cut energy bills but also will feel more comfortable.
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How easy are Mirage Retractable Screens to clean and take care of?

What appeals most to homeowners about Mirage Screens is the *low maintenance. Here are the manufacturer’s requirements for cleaning your Mirage Retractable Screen: **Note: we recommend to customers that they clean and clear the tracks of the retractable screen on a regular basis. It is also recommended that you fully extend the screen mesh material and vacuum the housing for any accumulated dirt or debris. After the tracks have been cleared and cleaned, liberally lubricate both top and bottom tracks and plastic guides with a silicone spray lubricant. A periodic check of the screen is also recommended to ensure it is kept free of holes and is completely intact. With these simple maintenance procedures, you will be amazed how smoothly and easily your Mirage Screen continues to operate and how well Mirage sustains its appearance.
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Can a Mirage Retractable Screen provide solar protection and reduce glare on my TV?

We offer a number of solar screen solutions for your home whether you’re after a retractable screen, motorized screen or fixed screen solution – give us a call to assess your screen requirements. We enjoy solving these types of problems by providing a quality product that will make your home more livable and comfortable.
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Will a Mirage Retractable Screen stay closed if a pet or child brushes up against it?

Mirage offers a secure latch system called, Super Magnet, that is 3 times stronger than what is offered by its competitors. You can be assured that your Mirage Screen will remain closed! Mirage Super Magnets are also anti-corrosive, no more rust and no other screen provider has it.
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Does Mirage Retractable Screens have a lock option?

Yes. We have a lock system for single and French/double doors.
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My front door is a focal point of my home – what colors do you have available?

Mirage Retractable Screens offers a world of colors including 7 standard colors, or select a color from over 30 additional colors in our Designer Collection. We can help you choose a color that matches your entry way décor. We can also offer a unique custom color match program.
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Do you have screens large enough to install on an overhead garage door?

Absolutely! Mirage offers a motorized screen solution for an opening as wide as 25 feet by 16 feet high not to mention at the push of a button. Call us for further details.
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Does Mirage Retractable Screens have a backer on it?

No and you don’t want one. If and when you complete seasonal or annual maintenance to your screen mesh, you will need to fully extend the screen mesh material for cleaning. If you have a backer for the housing, you will need to pay a technician to remove it for cleaning and then reinstall it ~ they are simply not easy to remove. A backer simply just doesn’t make good sense because it interferes with normal maintenance.
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Does Mirage Retractable Screens slam shut?

No. Mirage Retractable Screens do not slam shut any longer. Mirage now comes with the ability to adjust screen tension while maintaining its performance.

One screen provider, fairly new to the industry, promotes a slow door closer similar to the one Mirage and other major screen providers used to offer. Several years ago, it was taken off the market. Why? It was ruining the integrity of the screens. After a period of time, the screen would no longer retract all the way, end caps were falling off and fluids were leaking. To top it off, the screen mesh has to be replaced more frequently. This is simply not a good solution. Mirage does offer a new and different speed reducer, however by adjusting screen tension, we believe this feature is unnecessary.

Whether you want a highly tensioned screen to resist wind or a loose tension for a very reduced door slam or any tension in between, we can install your screen to open and close exactly as you choose. Your screen mesh stays more taut, your screen mesh lasts longer and you will be very pleased with this solution.
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Can I replace my rickety, dirty sliding screen door with a Mirage Retractable Screen?

Certainly! Installing a Mirage Retractable Screen on a sliding glass door is a very popular application. Your Mirage Retractable Screen will be installed on the stationary panel in the centre. When you want a screen door, simply pull the retractable screen over to cover the opening, otherwise it is retracted and not obscuring your view and getting in your way.
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Can I use a Mirage Retractable Screen on the door between my garage and house?

This is a great application. This is also another popular place to put a Mirage Retractable Screen. This type of screen system works so much better in this particular location of the home compared to a conventional screen door. Instead of having to always go through two separate doors with a load of groceries or a sleeping child, you only have one door because your Mirage Screen is retracted when you are not using it.
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How are Mirage Retractable Screens installed?

Because every Mirage Screen is custom made for an application, Mirage is a professionally installed screen system. In the case of an in-swing door application, the screen will either be installed inside the door jamb or outside on the door’s trim. For out-swing doors, the screen will be installed inside of the home. Your Mirage Sales Professional will brief you on further details during your free screen consultation.
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Are your installers employed by Mirage San Diego?

Yes! All of our Mirage Retractable Screens are professionally installed by our own team of factory trained installers. Bruce, Geoff, Derek, Brett, Don and Steven make up our dynamic Installation and Service Team – together they have over 22 years of solid screen installation experience. Mirage San Diego delivers a quality product and this team delivers quality installation that is done right.
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What sort of warranty do you offer for Mirage Retractable Screens?

Mirage offers a one year warranty on parts and labour and a limited lifetime warranty on all parts (except the screen material) under normal wear and tear. Ask us for further details.
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