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.

Courtesy of Phantom Screens, Inc. 

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.

Courtesy of Visbeen Architects on houzz.com

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.

Courtesy of Refined, LLC. on houzz.com

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!

Courtesy of John Kraemer & Sons on houzz.com

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!

Minnnesota Screens Makes First Appearance at the Great Minnesota Get Together

Retractable screens on a stick anyone?

Well, ok, not really. BUT, Minnnesota Screens will be making our very first appearance at the Great Minnesota Get Together - and we’d love for you to drop by and visit!

In case you’ve never been to the MN State Fair, it kicks off this week. Frankly, it would take an insane amount of blogosphere space to tell you about everything the fair has to offer, but as with most treasured traditions, there are highlights. So, here’s a short list of ‘musts’ when it comes to fair season.

Giant Slide at the Minnesota State Fair

FOOD.

Seriously, the food. From chocolate-dipped bacon and fried alligator to deep-fried twinkies and crab fritters, this is a wonderland for adventurous eaters. Plus, the good folks organizing the fair have announced a whole new lineup of  unique food vendors. Come hungry and stocked with cash...and ready to patiently wait in line.

MUSIC.

It’s a little hard to fathom, but the State Fair, in fact, boasts over 900 musical performances this year- many of them free with the price of admission. The main stage - the State Fair Grandstand (which is not free with admission) will feature some of the biggest names in the game, including Tim McGraw, Fall Out Boy, Journey and Aretha Franklin. Plus, each night is capped off with a fireworks show. If you’re aiming to take in some legendary tunes, the fair is a pretty solid bet.

EXHIBITS.

From prize-winning animals, foods and crafts to historical exhibits and tours, there’s no shortage of interesting things to see and learn at the fair. Be sure to visit the Adventure Park,  where you can check out bungee jumping, reptile petting zoos, a butterfly house and a ton more.

EXPOS.

And that brings us to Minnesota Screens! Like we said, we’re making our first trek to the fair, where we’ll be showcasing our Phantom Screens! Want to get a personal look into what retractable screens can do for you? Visit us in the Home Improvement building anytime between August 21st and September 1st.

Hope to see you around!

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!

The Minnesota State Fair

'Increase Your Curb Appeal'

A Partnership between Fox Twin Cities News Talk and Phantom Screens at the Minnesota State Fair

It is that time of year again - when all of Minnesota gathers together in St. Paul for eating, socializing, eating, crowd watching, eating, concerts, eating, walking and eating!  From August 23-Labor Day 2012, KTCN Twin Cities News Talk will be promoting an 'Increase Your Curb Appeal' contest, and Phantom Screens is happy to be a part of that!  Register to WIN on their website, or stop by the booth in Carousel Park.  The WINNER will receive a package that includes new landscaping, siding, garage door, driveway and Phantom Screens!  Also, even if you are not the lucky WINNER, if you stop by the KTCN booth and register for the GRAND PRIZE, you will receive a coupon for a Phantom Screen product to be installed at your home! 

Be Listening to KTCN Twin Cities News Talk for the 2012 Phantom Screens fall radio campaign as well, and stop by our website to learn about all of our retractable screeen solutions that are available for your home, cabin and business. 

Have you looked around our website?

Check out our website at www.minnesotascreens.com for information about our 'perfect for Minnesota summer' products! Also, check out http://www.houzz.com/pro/phantom-screens/phantom-screens for beautiful home ideas and concepts! Interested in learning more? Contact us at 763.425.4280

New legacy Retractable Screen

Phantom has re-designed the retracable door, with a new latching handle, which provides smooth control and quiet operation.

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:
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." There is a video clip there.

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

Happy Summer!
Minnesota Screens, Inc.
(Distributor of Phantom Screens)