Are Garage Doors Screens Worth The Investment For Wisconsin Homeowners?
Jun 19, 2025How Automatic Garage Door Screens Can Instantly Expand Your Living Space
By Garage Door Specialists of Neenah
When you think about your garage, you probably picture storage, tools, or a place to park the car. But what if it could be more?
Homeowners across Neenah, Appleton, and the Fox Valley are discovering a smart, affordable upgrade that turns this underused space into a versatile hangout: the automatic garage door screen.
What Is an Automatic Garage Door Screen?
An automatic garage door screen is a motorized mesh system that lowers at the push of a button to create a fully enclosed, ventilated, and bug-free space. These sleek, retractable systems let in the breeze without letting in the bugs — perfect for everything from workouts and hobbies to cookouts and kids’ playtime.
Price Range: $2,800–$3,200 installed
Sizes: Up to 24 feet wide by 13 feet high
Control Options: Remote, wall switch, smartphone, or voice assistant
Maintenance: Minimal (more below)
Lifespan: 10–20 years with seasonal care
And yes — they’re smart-home compatible.
Why More Fox Cities Homeowners Are Adding These Screens
Keep Bugs Out, Let the Breeze In
Enjoy fresh air without the mosquitoes and gnats. Perfect for Wisconsin summers.
Ventilate Your Space
Garages get stuffy fast, screens help you stay cool while working, relaxing, or entertaining.
Use Your Garage for More
Home gym, art studio, man cave, craft space, kids’ zone, the screen transforms your garage into a multipurpose living area.
Block UV Rays
Mesh options filter sunlight and offer up to 95% UV protection, especially helpful if your garage faces west or south.
Way Cheaper Than a Room Addition
Instead of spending $30K+ on an addition, spend under $3,000 to make space you already have feel brand new.
Real Uses by Real People in Neenah
We’ve installed garage door screens for customers who now use their garage for:
Backyard party prep and food tables
Grandkids’ play zones
At-home fitness areas
Workshops and DIY stations
Breezy weekend hangouts with friends
One of our local clients told us:
“It’s like adding a three-season room, without the price tag. We use the garage more now than we ever did before.”
Smart Home Integration = Seamless Living
These screens can be paired with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, for total voice control and automation. Imagine this:
“Alexa, lower the garage screen.”
Done. No remote. No switch. Just simplicity. You can also automate schedules, for example, have the screen automatically lower at sunset or when the garage hits a certain temperature.
Is It Safe for Pets and Kids?
Absolutely. Today’s automatic garage door screens come with safety sensors and soft-close technology. If anything crosses under the screen while it’s lowering, a child, a dog, a stray ball, the system auto-reverses. It’s like the safety features on modern garage doors.
Other safety features include:
Manual override in case of power loss
Wind-resistant track systems (holds firm up to 30mph gusts)
UL-listed motors and wiring
Tamper-resistant controls and locks
Easy Maintenance Tips for Longevity
Keeping your screen in great shape is simple — here’s our local seasonal checklist:
Spring
Wash the screen and housing with mild soap and water
Vacuum debris from tracks
Replace remote batteries
Summer
Spray silicone (not WD-40) on tracks
Inspect seals and check motor sounds
Fall
Clear leaves, check mounting hardware
Retract for winter or cover for protection
Winter
If not using the screen during the snowy months, keep it retracted to protect the mesh and motor. Some homeowners add a simple tarp or vinyl cover over the cassette for added defense.
What’s the Catch?
No major downsides, but there are a few things to know:
Not DIY-friendly: Professional installation is best (we handle that for you).
Budget: These aren’t cheap roll-up kits. Expect to invest $2,800+ for a quality, motorized solution.
Requires minor track space on the sides of your opening.
But in return, you get:
Smart controls
Custom color and mesh options
Bug-free breezes for over a decade
Expanded living space with zero new construction
Ready to Make the Most of Your Garage?
At Garage Door Specialists of Neenah, we install automatic garage door screens for homeowners who want more from their homes without a major remodel.
Whether you live in Appleton, Neenah, Menasha, or beyond, we’ll help you turn that garage into the most surprising room in your house.
Get a free estimate today
Call us or visit our website to schedule a consultation
Locally owned. Fox Cities focused. Fully licensed and insured.
FAQs
How long does installation take?
About 2–3 hours on average. We’ll test everything before we leave.
Can I customize the color or mesh?
Yes. Choose from frame colors that match your trim and mesh styles ranging from full visibility to near-blackout privacy.
Is this a good idea for Wisconsin weather?
Definitely. Use your garage like a porch from spring through fall, and retract it for winter.
Will it work with my garage door setup?
Most likely — whether you have a standard two-car garage or a unique frame, we can adapt the system to fit.
