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  • Maintaining and cleaning Phantom’s retractable door screens

    Maintaining and cleaning Phantom’s retractable door screens

    Summer is in full swing with warm days and lots of outdoor time. Since your Phantom screens are getting maximum use right now, we thought it was a good time to remind you about taking care of them.

    Here are some great ways to preserve the longevity of your screen mesh:b

    • 1). When the screens are not in use, make sure to roll it back into its protective housing to keep dirt and dust from collecting on it.
    • 2). Keep dirt and dust out of tracks. Clean regularly using Phantom’s greaseless silicone spray to ensure its smooth operation.
    • 3). If needed, clean the mesh of the screen with a mild detergent, such as dish soap, and a soft brush. Wait until the mesh is fully dry to roll back into protective housing.

    To see a demonstration of how to clean and maintain your Phantom Retractable Screen, go to the Customer Service section on our homepage and click on “Maintenance Tips.”

    If you have any questions, or would like to purchase a Phantom Retractable Screen, please call 763-425-4280.

    Happy Summer!

  • Beat The Bugs

    Beat The Bugs

    Summer has arrived, and with it, mother nature’s littlest buddies: insects.

    Here in Minnesota, we’re pretty well-acquainted with the insect world. We all know bugs are incredibly great for the environment in so many ways. Some pollinate. Others eat smaller, harmful bugs. There are even a few that are just pretty neat to look at.

    Unfortunately, they can also bite, sting, startle and annoy – especially when they blaze trails into our homes!

    Like it or not, bugs will get in from time to time. But, there are steps we can take to keep them out – including screens for all types of windows, doors and more.

    With this in mind, here’s a little info about our state’s most notorious little pests, and some advice for keeping them where they belong!

    Mosquitos

    It’s possible there isn’t another insect more obnoxious and omnipresent here in our state than the mosquito. Besides leaving behind their trademark itching, raised bites, mosquitoes are notorious disease vectors. In fact, they’re the world’s most prolific disease-spreader, responsible for hundreds of millions of illness case every year worldwide.

    And, bug spray notwithstanding, there’s really nothing we can do about it; according to National Geographic, mosquitoes are drawn to our breath, our movement and our body temperatures. A great way to keep them away from us? A thin, well-installed screen of course!

    Bees

    My mother always told me – if you don’t swat at the bee, it won’t sting you. Still, these pests can be quite startling, and when they strike, the results are painful. And, pain’s only part of the problem; for example, when honey bees sting, they release chemicals called pheromones. These pheromones are very appealing to nearby bees and prompt them to join in on the attack. So, a single bee sting can multiply rapidly. Not good. So, if you want to sit near your summery, blooming plants and flowers without the worry of a bee armada, consider a screen as a good line of defense.

    Boxelder Bugs

    Here’s a name you’ve definitely heard before. Boxelder bugs are those black and red beetles that seem to show up all at once when the weather gets warm. While they’re not known for hurting humans, they cause a ton of damage to plants, and can make unsightly colonies out of the sides of your home. Plus, if they do approach you, and you decide to smash them, they release a foul odor. None of this sounding fun to you? Consider a retractable screen buffer and enjoy the outdoor – minus these pests.

    No matter where you live, insects & bugs inside your home can be a pain. With retractable screens, you can rest easy, open up your home, enjoy the weather…and keep insects of all types right where they belong – away from you!


  • Creating A Nature Connection In The Home

    Creating A Nature Connection In The Home

    Biologist Edward O. Wilson developed a theory that stated that humans have an innate connection to other living things. Recognizing humanity’s place in nature and restoring it will supposedly enhance physiological and psychological connections to the outdoors. Biophilia, or love of life, has been adapted in the world of design. By bringing nature and pleasure into design elements of the home, the occupant will feel happier and more satisfied. You too can make the most of your home’s site and incorporate biophilic elements. Bring nature to you for a calming, serene home.

    Create outdoor spaces

    Outdoor living spaces give you a comfortable way to interact with nature. Having multiple areas like these around your home gives you options. Move from one porch to the next as the sun shifts or a breeze changes directions. The ability to choose a space based on comfort will increase your satisfaction. Design deep porches with high ceilings. This lets the sun stream in while you catch a whisper of wind. For added comfort and flexibility, install retractable screens on the large openings. Phantom’s motorized screens can be installed so that they disappear completely out of sight when not in use. Retractable screen systems are also able to match the existing architecture of your home so that your comfort is camouflaged. On the days when the sun is too strong, but you’d like to lounge in nature, bring the screen down.

    Add furniture to your outdoor living spaces to further develop the feeling of relaxation. Retractable screens allow for natural ventilation through your porch while maintaining your view. You will be able to enjoy the ecology of your home’s site while still sitting in comfort.

    Blend into surroundings

    When designing a new home, or an addition to an existing home, utilize the topography of your lot. Build your porch into a hillside rather than leveling the elevation. This design choice will make your home feel like a natural part of the environment. According to biophilic theory, you are more likely to enjoy the space the more organic it feels.

    Increase the nature-inspired atmosphere of your home by choosing indigenous building materials. Using wood harvested from native trees and stone mined from nearby quarries will allow your home to fit into the area. Think local. If the material can be found in the region near your home, use it.

    Have a view

    Be sure your home has many windows so that you can peer into nature. Looking at plants, whether they be those that are outside or those that are within the home, will ease tension. Retractable screens can also be fitted to your windows and will be completely out of site when not in use so you can enjoy the view and fresh air while keeping bugs outside. You won’t have to worry about these window fixtures obstructing your view of the outdoors.

    If you are located near a body of water, be sure you have a clear line of sight to see it. Humans historically survived by orienting themselves near water. This innate instinct hasn’t left the human psyche. Having a view of water will add a calm quality to your home. If you do not have a pond or lake nearby, invest in a water feature for the interior of your home. The sound of bubbling water will sooth you and the humidity created by the feature will change the feel of the air.

    Build in texture

    The natural world has many unique textures. Bring this element into your home with the materials you use. A tactile piece of wall art or a shaggy rug will give your hands and feet something unique to touch. Find ways to fit these details in every room so that moving through the house becomes a sensory experience.

  • Why Choose Retractable?

    Why Choose Retractable?

    Here are five simple reasons to consider making the switch to retractable screens.


    1. Preserve Your Stylistic Integrity

    When it comes to our retractable screens, the options are as varied as the unique tastes of our customers. Whether you’re aiming to cover your windows, a door, or any number of specific home features, rest assured –  you’ve got a wealth of colors & finishes at your fingertips that will blend with and accentuate your personal decor and style.

    2. Won’t obstruct your view

    This is a seriously great and unique feature of retractable screens; when you don’t need them, they’re gone. Unlike clunky blinds and curtains, you don’t have to worry about any extra material when you simply want an untainted view of the outdoors.

    3. Keep the elements at bay

    A word synonymous with Phantom Screens – durability. With proper installation, each screen  is strong enough to handle humid, hot weather…and hearty enough to protect against our famously brutal Minnesota winters.

    4. Reduce Energy Bills

    Phantom screens are an investment with some solid returns. Our retractable screens can be 7x more effective than blinds & shades. Maximize the daylight by using screens only when needed. Save on A/C & energy costs

    5. Interior Design Protection

    Think of retractable screens as an insurance policy for your tapestries. The reduced glare from the sun will keep your drapes & curtains bright and colorful and prevent fading!

    So, there’s a short list of reasons to check out Minnesota Screens – contact us to find out more about how we can help make your home exactly as you like!

  • Top 4 DIY Projects That Will Make Your Backyard Stand Out From The Rest

    Top 4 DIY Projects That Will Make Your Backyard Stand Out From The Rest

    Without a doubt, reading DIY posts inspire us to create. However, the sheer number of ideas and projects online can leave one overwhelmed. Where does one find the perfect DIY project that is easy and affordable? We narrowed down some of the top DIY projects out there in hopes to give you a head start on selecting the perfect DIY that fits your taste, skills, and style.

    One

    Brittany Stager demonstrates how to make this simple, elegant bench.

    Most importantly, it is easy to construct and will undoubtedly add a classy flare to your outdoor space.

    Two

    1001 Gardens puts a new twist on the classic ottoman by demonstrating how to create them with merely a tire and a rope. The great news about this furniture piece is that it is versatile and practical, yet it will stand out from any other furnishing.

    Three

    Storing your essential outdoor equipment can be a hassle and a pain. Knowing this DIY Candy has created a simple way to store your garden he as well as displaying your beautiful flower arrangements.

    Four

    Although this project may take time and effort, the results of creating your own “moss graffiti” are stunning! Thanks to Green Prophet, recreating this look is easy and effortless and will leave your guests remembering your backyard long after they leave.

  • Phantom Screens – Best Screen Door

    Phantom Screens – Best Screen Door

    “After moving recently and needing screen doors in our new home I was given the opportunity to collaborate with my favorite screen door company: Phantom Screens! I wish I had thought to do this right after moving in as we have spent numerous days and nights chasing out the flies we have let in with our open doors. Summer is in full swing so better late than never…”

    Read the full article by personal blogger, Kristy Wicks

  • Having A Tailgate In Your Backyard

    Having A Tailgate In Your Backyard

    Photo credit: https://phillipshelmets.co.uk/review

    Football season is upon us, and you know what that means: wings, beer and loads of fun with loved ones. Your outdoor living spaces can quickly transform into an at-home tailgate for the next Sunday afternoon game. Who needs to go to the stadium when you have a full game day set up in your backyard? Here are a few ways to make the most out of football days in America.

    Television

    In order to make the perfect home-tailgate, you’ll want to consider a large outdoor television. You can choose between a projection screen or wall-mounted television set so that your guests can catch every play. Additionally, consider a built-in sound system to make it easier for everyone to listen. You can place speakers sporadically around your outdoor area so that nobody misses a touch-down!

    Games

    What tailgate is complete without games? Horseshoes, darts and pool are all great games that will keep all of your guests in the competitive mode. Try to set up horseshoes at either end of the yard so guests have plenty of room. In your indoor space, make your pool table, dart board and any other games you have readily available for guests. Also, set up a card table if you have one as well. Again, games are great for tailgating because they not only give everyone something to do, they also will provide activities for those who aren’t glued to the television.

    Food

    Food is always the most important aspect of a party! Why have guests if you don’t have anything to keep them full and satisfied? Simply prepare traditional tailgate fare like chicken wings, dips and sandwiches. Finger foods like cheese and crackers, chips, vegetables and dips are also ideal for a football tailgate.

    However, the last thing you want is flies landing all over the place. Phantom’s motorized retractable screens for patios allows you to entertain without any worry of bugs. Plus, the right mesh will shield you from the glare of the sun and will get a bit more privacy from your neighbors.

    If you’d prefer to cook outside, make sure you are equipped with a large gas grill and plenty of room. Expect to feed a bunch of hungry football fans! Stainless steel grills that are built into an outdoor kitchen are perfect for Sunday afternoon games.

    Seating

    While some people might be enjoying the game while playing bean bag toss, others may prefer to park themselves in front of television. Make sure to have ample seating for these guests. You will also want to place extra seating around a fire pit for those trying to get warm, as well as a few chairs around the games you have set up so people can relax. Finally, add a few side tables around the seating so people have a place to put their drinks and food.

    Warmth

    You might be wondering, “What about when the weather gets chilly?” Worry not. You can strategically place heaters around the outdoor space to warm everyone up during night games and other events later in the season. Minnesota Screens is proud to offer Vinyl Retractable Screens which, with the touch of a button, retract down to cover your outdoor area and provide a bit of shelter from the cool temperatures. Want to move your gathering outside? You may also want to add a bonfire pit outside if you don’t already have one. Both a built-in fire pit or an outdoor fireplace are ideal for fall festivities as they emit light and heat.

  • Five Ways To Bring Privacy To Your Patio

    Five Ways To Bring Privacy To Your Patio

    Even if you get along with your neighbors, you probably don’t want them peeking into your backyard during special events. Outdoor living spaces are often big and open, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be private. The right amount of privacy can help turn your patio into a place where you can relax, entertain or disappear. Here are some tips for making your patio more private:

    Plant A Tree

    Trees are a beautiful and natural addition to your patio. They provide lush greenery, shade and privacy. This will feel less structured than a fence but will make your yard feel much more secluded. However, you should consider planting a tree that won’t overgrow and take over your patio space. Look into any of the following, which are easy to keep well-groomed but still offer shade and privacy:

    • Crepe Myrtle: If you plant this tree in the summer, you’ll find that it sprouts flowers in rich shades of purple, white, pink or red. During fall, the leaves transform into gorgeous shades of yellow, orange and red. It’s even beautiful in winter with bare branches and pink bark that gleams in the sunlight. It can grow up to 25 feet tall and 25 feet wide. If that’s too big for your patio, don’t worry. You can always trim it down to fit into your space.
    • Fern Pine: Depending on what you need for your patio space, this tree can be trimmed down to any size. It has a round top, delicate branches and a deep green color with slim, fine leaves. Some would even say they resemble the needles of a pine tree! This gorgeous tree grows up to 20 to 30 feet tall and 10 to 15 feet wide.
    • Japanese Maple: This is a sweet tree and is a bit smaller, growing 15 to 25 feet high and about 10 to 15 feet wide. You can enjoy colorful leaves throughout spring and fall, with elegant bare trunks during the winter.

    Retractable Porch Screens

    Phantom’s retractable screens are a great way to get the privacy you desire while enjoying the experience of your backyard. They offer natural ventilation and protection from the sun, which makes your outdoor space more comfortable during warm summer months. The privacy mesh blocks up to 90 percent of UV rays and the thicker weaves provide added protection from peeping eyes. When privacy isn’t needed, the screens retract into cavities designed above the openings, completely hiding them from view. Click here to learn more about our motorized retractable screens and what they can offer you.

    Add A Pergola

    If you’re looking to incorporate style and privacy, a pergola might be right for you. The structure’s design provides privacy but doesn’t look too closed in. It also allows you to hang flowers or plants to bring a little color into the space. It’s also great for hanging light fixtures like lanterns or chandeliers, which can bring a unique personality into your patio. You can even add motorized screens to create a wonderful outdoor room or additional privacy.

    Listen To The Water

    Water may not block out any views, but the relaxing, trickling sound of it certainly blocks out noisy neighbors. You would be surprised how even the slightest trickle of water from a fountain can make a difference to the ambiance of your patio.

    Build A Trellis

    A trellis doesn’t completely block the view of your neighbors or busy streets. However, it does provide just enough privacy to make your outdoor space more enjoyable to be in. If you wish to make it more secluded, simply plant flowers or vines around the deck and watch as they climb all over the trellis.

  • Revamp Your Lake House or Cabin During The Off Season

    Revamp Your Lake House or Cabin During The Off Season

    Just because the summer is ending doesn’t mean that you can’t squeeze in time at your lake house. In fact, it may be the perfect time! The kids are back in school and busy lake hours have come to a sudden halt. How could anyone pass that up? The only difference is you’ll need to consider any re-decorating or designing that you want done for next summer. Feel inspired by following our tips to revamp your lake house in time for next summer’s hustle and bustle.

    When you’re preparing for summer days spent at the lake house, it’s easy to ignore the chances of rain. Thankfully, you can always prepare your space for a fun day spent inside. By creating a large media room, everyone can cozy-up together for a movie while the rain drizzles down. To enhance the theater feel, consider adding black or navy drapes along the walls of your basement space. Also, consider incorporating stadium-type seating with wooden risers to sit in a staggered fashion. Most importantly, add cozy blankets and pillows!

    Consider your options for how you’ll watch the movie. For example, you could use a large flat-screen television or a projector screen. If you choose the projector, be sure to place it somewhere near the ceiling so it doesn’t cast the shadow of someone’s head! Now you can pop the popcorn and gather ‘round to watch one of your favorite flicks!

    Now is the time to think about Phantom’s motorized retractable screens for the ultimate protection against pesky bugs. If you and your family enjoy eating outdoors, then this is the best way to keep your dinner to yourselves. When they’re not in use, Phantom’s retractable screen system can disappear with the click of a button. Executive screens can fit a single opening as wide as 25 feet. Get your windows, doors and patio ready for next summer’s battle against bugs!

    Do you sometimes find that more people end up at your lake house than you expected? In no time flat, a get-together of a few family members and friends can turn into an elaborate social event. As long as you have enough seating for everyone, this doesn’t have to be an issue. You’ll want to add a couple of large couches for the living room and extra seating to the kitchen area. Also, by including a large dining table and an island, people can relax with a cool drink.

    You will also want to be sure to have plenty of space outside for guests. Since this is where people are going to be most frequently, ample seating is extra important. Try to get some chairs that are stackable so they can be stored in a garage, shed or even just on the deck so people can grab them when needed.

    A built-in fire pit is a must for any lake house. There’s just no better way to spend your evening than roasting marshmallows! In your yard, you can install a fire pit with brick so that it’s easily contained and will be big enough to keep everyone cozy. Place a few comfortable chairs and campfire necessities around the fire so people can grab a blanket and enjoy the night.

  • Transitioning Outdoor Space To Fall

    Transitioning Outdoor Space To Fall

    Now is the time of the year when the crisp fall air begins to make its way across the country. With a few minor tweaks, transition your outdoor living spaces from summer to fall. You can follow these simple steps to create a warm, welcoming fall patio.

    Accessories

    Is your outdoor space filled with bright hues of turquoise, peach and yellow? It’s time to swap the tropical vibes for warm cozy colors! Consider burnt orange, golden yellow and rich red. These colors embrace the tones of fall, and they will make your outdoor patio the perfect oasis for the season. Switch out your rugs, pillows, seat cushions and décor to accompany the transition into fall. To further accent your beautiful space, add large candles in glass vases.

    Bring In Warmth

    Fire features are the perfect fall addition to an outdoor living space. While you can easily purchase space heaters to keep your patio toasty, actual fire features add a whole new element. Try these ideas:

    • Built-in fireplace: Why not have a permanent fireplace? It’s a safe and striking addition to an outdoor space! However, make sure that you place it accordingly so there is plenty of open room for seating. If you have a dining table outside, plan to enjoy a meal without getting cold. Consider this as well if you are constructing a built-in fire pit.
    • Chiminea: These small, effective fire pits are a great option for people who’d like move their fire feature around the patio. Although they don’t give as much warmth as larger fire features, chimineas are perfect for intimate settings.
    • Gas fire pit: While the smell of burning wood adds character, it can also be a pain to constantly add more wood. Instead, you can opt for a gas fire pit, which can add a modern appeal to your outdoor living space. You can purchase a gas fire pit in virtually any shape or size. That way, you can plan the entire area exactly how you want it!

    Seasonal Arrangements

    If you have a green thumb, now is the ideal time to plant fall flowers outdoors. Add small planters around the space with yellow, orange and red arrangements. You can then utilize green shrubbery for a natural and calming aesthetic. Additionally, consider filling vases and containers with branches that don’t need sunlight or warmth to add an earthy feel. Once the season begins to really settle into fall, don’t forget about gourds and pumpkins as decor in your space. These are simple yet elegant and will add a cozy feel to your outdoor area with very little effort.

    A Basket Of Comfort

    If you spend most of television time on your patio, you may want to consider something to store thick blankets. You won’t want to keep these items outside with bugs and dust, but a lockable chest will keep them protected. You may even want to toss a couple cozy sweaters in there for those cold nights next to the bonfire!