Are Retractable Fly Screens Worth It? A 25-Year Installer’s Verdict

By The Ultrascreen Team

Looking to transform a door or window space? Want something that’s flexible and easy to operate? If you’re weighing up the options and wondering if retractable fly screens are worth it, we’re here to help.

As an Aussie business operating for three generations, we’ve built a strong understanding of what genuinely works for the local climate, environment, and property types. In this article, we’re going to explain the reasons why retractable fly screens continue to be one of the best.

Let’s jump into it.

What are retractable fly screens?

Retractable fly screens are a modern alternative to traditional fixed screens. Once installed, they allow you to enjoy fresh air without permanently covering your doors or windows. When you need protection from insects, the screen glides smoothly across the opening. When you don’t, it retracts neatly into a discreet housing, leaving you with clear views and unrestricted access to your outdoor spaces.

Custom made to suit your home’s exact openings, Ultrascreen’s retractable fly screens are ideal for everything from standard doorways to large architectural features.

Key benefits of retractable fly screens include:

• Space-saving design (screens retract neatly out of sight)
• Smooth operation (easy glide system, even on large openings)
• Versatility (suitable for many door and window types)
• Custom-made design (made to order for each opening)
• Preserves views, airflow and the look of the home

Why we recommend retractable fly screens

Retractable screens are particularly valuable for areas where a permanent screen would interrupt how you use your home, including:

• Bifold doors that open completely to outdoor entertaining areas
• Large stacker doors connecting indoor and outdoor spaces
• Servery windows used for entertaining
• Patio doors that are regularly opened during warmer months

On these types of openings, the benefit is simple: the screen is there when you need it and disappears when you don’t.

The difference between retractable screens and traditional fly screens

The difference comes down to how they work.

A standard fly screen is a fixed frame with mesh. A retractable screen has moving parts that need to operate smoothly every time you use it.

Quality retractable screens rely on:

• Strong components designed for regular movement
• Accurate measurements for the opening
• Correct track alignment during installation
• Durable mesh that maintains tension over time

This is why installation matters just as much as the product itself. A high-quality screen that is poorly fitted can develop problems, while a properly installed system should provide years of reliable use.

The importance of choosing the right screen for your home

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is assuming the most expensive option is automatically the best.

It isn’t.

A good installer should look at:

• How often you use the opening
• Whether you need the area completely clear when the screen is not in use
• The size and location of the opening
• Your household needs, including children and pets

At Ultrascreen, the goal is not simply to install a retractable screen. It is to recommend the option that makes sense for the way you use your home.

Retractable fly screens vs security screens

These products both have their advantages, yet they essentially solve two completely different problems.

A fly screen is designed for comfort. It allows you to enjoy fresh air while keeping insects outside.

A security screen, on the flip side, is designed for protection, and to prevent forced entry.

Neither replaces the other. If you’re a homeowner who wants both airflow and security, these systems can work together to provide a more complete solution.

Are retractable fly screens worth the investment?

For the right door or window, absolutely. In addition to keeping the insects out, it gives you the freedom to open your home up without compromising comfort.

A retractable fly screen allows you to enjoy:

• Natural airflow
• Better connection with outdoor areas
• Uninterrupted views
• A cleaner, more streamlined appearance

The benefits become even greater when the retractable fly screen is customised to your property, which is something we offer right here at Ultrascreen. From discrete finishes to heavy duty screens, our versatile range has options to suit your screening needs and decor style.

Why quality installation matters

A retractable fly screen is only as good as the product and the installer behind it.

Poor measurements, incorrect fitting or lower-quality components, can lead to issues such as:

• Sagging mesh
• Difficulty opening and closing
• Worn cords or mechanisms

Supplying and installing retractable fly screens and security screens for over 25 years, we’re committed to quality, innovation, and top-tier customer service. Our dedicated specialists can also work with you to find a screen that perfectly fits your personal style and day-to-day needs.

Find the screen that’s right for you

Ready to take the next step? If you’re in the market for Australian-made retractable fly screens, Ultrascreen is the perfect place to be. We are a family owned business that has been operating for 25 years in the retractable fly screen industry and over 40 years in the window & door industry.

Our team can supply and install retractable fly screens across Melbourne. We’ve got a fantastic selection of retractable screens for french doors, double doors, bifold doors, and more. We manufacture products to suit windows and doors of every shape and size. . Given our extensive experience in the window and door industry, there’s very little we can’t do. !

Check out our products online or contact us to receive a free quote!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do retractable fly screens last?

A quality retractable screen that’s well maintained will serve you well for a lifetime! This is the reason why we offer a lifetime warranty on components and parts. What’s more, every Ultrascreen product is modular and can be repaired without replacing the whole system.

How big can Ultrascreens go and what colours are available?

We offer a wide variety of products to suit openings up to 3200H & 6500W in a single screen. Double screens may span up to 12000W depending on product selection. Our standard colours for each product are listed on the relevant product page, and we can also colour match to most Dulux powder coat colours and some Interpon colours.

Are retractable fly screens pet-friendly?

They can be, with the right mesh. Standard insect mesh is fine for calm pets, but a determined dog or cat can claw or push through it, and once the mesh tears the tension goes. If pets use the opening, ask for a tougher pet mesh built to take claws and knocks. Placement helps too: a screen on an opening your pet charges at will always take punishment, so pet mesh plus a sensible spot beats standard mesh in the firing line. Matched properly, a retractable screen and pets get along fine.

Are retractable fly screens suitable for larger openings?

Yes. Retractable screens are actually particularly effective for wider openings where traditional screens can become inconvenient. Ultrascreen offers solutions for large doors and windows, including bifold doors, stacker doors and other custom applications.

Are retractable fly screens easy to use?

They certainly are. Our retractable fly screens are designed for everyday use, with smooth operation that allows the screen to open and close easily. With professional installation and regular maintenance, they should continue operating reliably for years.

How do I maintain my retractable fly screen?

To ensure smooth operation, we recommend that the bottom tracks be kept free of debris and left in the retracted position when not in use. The mesh can be wiped down with a wet cloth to remove the layer of dust that builds up. Please note: we strongly recommend that you don’t use any chemicals.

If you are weighing up a retractable fly screen for a bifold, french, double, or patio opening, our specialists can measure, make and install retractable fly screens and security screens for homes across Melbourne.