Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a retractable door, window or motorized screen with mesh:

• Regularly clear the tracks of dirt and debris using a vacuum or a rag, and lubricate them with Phantom’s greaseless silicone spray.
• Once or twice a season, clean the mesh and casing with water, mild detergent, and a soft brush—never use harsh chemicals or a pressure washer.

If you have a motorized screen with vinyl:

• Never wash the vinyl with a pressure washer. Instead, hose it down to remove salt or grit. Then wash it with a gentle soap using a soft cloth.
• Remember that grit or particles will scratch the vinyl and cloud it.
• Never use Rain-X, Pledge, or Plexus on your vinyl, they cause hazing and discoloration.
• We do recommend you use high-grade polishes like IMAR Strataglass™ Polish or Collinite Insulator Wax to restore your vinyl’s sheen.

SLS’s screens are designed to blend in with your décor and become part of your home. Our warranty covers the screens for the original purchaser and for the lifetime of the home. Removing your screen would negate your warranty.

The maintenance is minimal. Because the screens are retracted when not in use, they stay in their housings during wet and cold weather.

We recommend cleaning the screens once or twice a season to eliminate any small dust particles in the mesh: upon first use after winter is over, and at the end of the busy summer season. Use mild detergent and water to wipe them down gently.

Finally, regularly lubricating the tracks with SLS’s greaseless silicone spray will ensure that the screen operates smoothly. (Note that this is a special type of dry silicone specifically intended for the screen, and using any other type of lubricant (e.g. WD40) could damage your screen.)

Unlike traditional fixed screens, retractable screens remain out of sight until you need them. They retract into a discreet housing when not in use—preserving your view as well as your home’s decor.