Question 1

What Are MagnaTrack Screens?

Accepted Answer

MagnaTrack screens are motorized retractable outdoor screens that lower with the press of a button to enclose a porch, patio, pergola, or other covered space, and retract into a discreet housing when not in use. The difference from fixed or zipper-track systems is a patented self-tensioning design that uses rare-earth neodymium magnets (small permanent magnets seated in the side tracks) to hold the screen taut as it deploys.

Because the system is fully zipper-free, the screen self-corrects on the way down and the way back up, which is the failure point that affects most standard motorized screens. Each MagnaTrack screen is custom-fabricated to your opening and comes in solar mesh or vinyl.

Question 2

What Do Motorized Retractable Screens Actually Protect Against?

Accepted Answer

Motorized retractable screens address several of the biggest barriers to spending more time outside: insects, direct sun and UV exposure, wind-driven rain, blowing debris, and temperature swings. Solar mesh screens block up to 99% of harmful UV rays while keeping the space breezy and the view clear, while vinyl screens add weather insulation that makes year-round or four-season use realistic.

The screens also give you privacy on demand, which is useful for poolside seating, hot tubs, and outdoor dining areas that face neighboring properties or a busy street. For homeowners who want extra storm protection, the Defender Hurricane Series uses a Kevlar-style woven fabric and is rated for sustained winds up to 75 mph on standard models, with higher ratings available for storm-prone applications.

Question 3

How Do MagnaTrack Screens Handle Michigan Weather?

Accepted Answer

Michigan's mix of hot summers, cold winters, and unpredictable storm seasons is the exact environment MagnaTrack was built for. Standard MagnaTrack screens are rated for wind gusts up to 75 mph, which is well above most competing motorized screen systems, and they're designed to be lowered (not raised) when a storm rolls in for added protection of the covered space.

Vinyl screens are built for year-round use and help regulate temperature across all four seasons, so a covered patio or three-season porch stays comfortable into late fall and on milder winter days. Skyview installs motorized outdoor screens throughout Michigan, with crews in Detroit metro and the surrounding counties.

Question 4

What Types of Outdoor Patio Screens Does MagnaTrack Offer?

Accepted Answer

MagnaTrack outdoor patio screens come in two primary types: solar screens for shade, UV blocking, and full airflow, and vinyl screens for weather sealing, temperature control, and four-season enclosure. Both types use the same patented magnetic track and are custom-built to fit any opening up to 30 feet wide and 20 feet tall, which is one of the largest single-panel sizes available in the motorized screen category.

Whether the project involves porch screens, pergola screens, or a wide deck enclosure, the system is offered in a range of opacities, colors, and finishes, with custom color matching available for homeowners who want the housing to blend cleanly with existing trim, brick, or siding. The same system is used in both residential and commercial applications, so the engineering is built for long-term daily use.

Question 5

How Are Motorized Outdoor Screens Controlled?

Accepted Answer

MagnaTrack screens can be operated from a handheld remote, an in-wall remote, a smartphone app, voice commands through Amazon Alexa or Google Home, or fully integrated whole-home automation systems, including Lutron, Control4, and Crestron. The smartphone app lets you raise or lower screens from anywhere with a connection, and you can program automated schedules based on time of day or sun position.

Optional weather sensors take it a step further by deploying or retracting the screens automatically when rain or wind is detected, so the system protects the space even when you're away from the property. A single control setup can manage up to 32 screens at once, which makes the system practical for larger or multi-zone outdoor living spaces.

Question 6

How Much Do Motorized Retractable Screens Cost?

Accepted Answer

Pricing for motorized retractable screens is fully custom because cost is driven by the number of openings, screen dimensions, fabric type (solar or vinyl), and the control system you choose, so there is no standard per-unit price. As an industry reference point, comparable motorized retractable screens typically cost between $2,000 and $6,500 or more per opening, with larger or more complex projects landing at the higher end of that range.

Skyview provides free quotes and consultations, and the most accurate estimate for your space comes from an on-site assessment where measurements, structural details, and access conditions can be reviewed in person. MagnaTrack screens are a long-term investment, and the system's reduced maintenance needs and industry-leading warranty help protect the value of that investment over time.

Question 7

How Long Does Screen Installation Take, and What Warranty Is Included?

Accepted Answer

A standard single-screen installation typically runs 3 to 6 hours, while larger projects involving multiple screens or structural modifications can span 2 to 5 days. Skyview provides a detailed project timeline before any work begins, so homeowners know what to expect at each stage.

On the warranty side, MagnaTrack carries one of the strongest coverage plans in the category: a limited lifetime warranty on aluminum components, 15 years on screen fabric, 5 years on motors, 2 years on electronic components, and 1 year on vinyl. The patented self-tensioning design also eliminates an estimated 98 percent of the service issues that affect competing motorized screen systems, which means the screens are far less likely to need warranty work in the first place.

Question 8

Do Retractable Porch Screens Add Value to a Home?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Retractable porch screens are widely recognized as a home value add, particularly when they convert a seasonal porch or patio into a space the household can use comfortably across more of the year. A well-designed enclosure increases the home's functional square footage and enhances the appeal of outdoor entertaining areas, both of which carry weight with buyers when it comes time to sell.

MagnaTrack's clean recessed housing and custom-fit design read as built-in architecture rather than an aftermarket add-on, which protects curb appeal and resale impression. There is also a secondary energy-efficiency benefit: solar screens that reduce heat gain on a covered patio or three-season room can lower summer cooling loads, which adds to the long-term return on the investment.

MagnaTrack Screen
Innovative Shade and Insect Protection Solutions

MagnaTrack Screens: Effortless Comfort, Uninterrupted Views

Unmatched Quality

Stress Free Experience

Limetime Partnership

Invisible When You Don’t Need Them. Exceptional When You Do.

Effortless Outdoor Comfort Starts with MagnaTrack

Sun & Shade Control

Insect Protection

Temperature Regulation

Privacy & Seclusion

Added Home Value

Effortless control

Screen Solutions Tailored to Your Lifestyle

Vinyl Screens

Solar Screens

Features and Benefits

Motorized Customization

No Jams or Snags

UV Ray Protection

Recessed Screen Options

Industry-Leading Wind Rating

Jumbo Wide Screens

Meet the Dreamers Living It Out

Why Choose Skyview?

Recent Projects

A private retreat.

A refined finish.

Effortless outdoor living.

A bold statement.

Year-round comfort.

A space to stay.

Let’s create something extraordinary.

Commercial Outdoor Spaces

FAQs

Join our Mailing List

Need Some Help?

Skyview Detroit

Our Partners

MagnaTrack ScreenInnovative Shade and Insect Protection Solutions