A motorized retractable screen is one of those products that sounds simple until you start looking at the options. Then you realize there are four different fabric types, five frame colors, multiple motor configurations, smart home integrations, and a sizing range that goes from a single narrow bay to a wall-spanning 23-foot opening.
Getting it right means knowing which fabric handles your specific problem, whether that’s Milwaukee’s June mosquito pressure, the brutal July afternoon sun on a west-facing deck, neighbor sightlines, or exposed lakefront wind. Getting it wrong means a screen that underperforms on exactly the thing you bought it to solve.
This guide covers everything. How the system works, how the four fabric options compare, what a realistic budget looks like in the Greater Milwaukee area, how motorized screens stack up against other outdoor comfort solutions, and how to keep the system running well through Wisconsin’s four seasons.
Have questions about your specific patio? Reach out to our team for a free in-home consultation, and we’ll assess your space before recommending anything.
What Is a Motorized Retractable Screen?
A motorized retractable screen is a powered screen system that deploys from a compact cassette housing at the top of an opening and retracts back into it when not in use. It’s not a fixed screen enclosure, and it’s not a seasonal canopy you put up in May and take down in October. It’s a permanent installation that gives you a full wall of protection on demand and disappears completely when you want the view open.
The Sunspace Retractable Screen System uses Somfy motors to drive smooth, quiet deployment and retraction through guided aluminum tracks on each side of the opening. When deployed, the screen creates a stable, taut barrier against insects, UV, wind, and in some configurations, rain. When retracted, the screen and all its hardware sit inside a powder-coated aluminum cassette that blends with the roofline of your porch, pergola, or patio cover.
Controls are flexible. Standard installations include a handheld remote and the option for a wall-mounted switch. Every system is also compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home, so you can deploy or retract screens by voice, smartphone app, or on an automated schedule tied to time of day or weather conditions.
How the System Works: Key Components
Understanding the components helps you make smarter decisions about configuration and care.
The Cassette
The cassette is the aluminum housing that holds the rolled screen and motor. It mounts at the top of the opening, either inside a porch header, under a patio cover beam, or on a pergola rafter. When retracted, the entire screen sits inside the cassette. A well-installed cassette is nearly invisible, with a clean powder-coated face that matches your chosen frame color.
The Side Tracks
Guided side tracks run vertically down each side of the opening. The screen fabric edges run inside these tracks, keeping the screen taut, stable, and wind-resistant when deployed. This is what separates a motorized guided-track screen from a simple roller blind: the track system prevents the fabric from billowing, flapping, or losing tension in wind conditions.
The Somfy Motor
Somfy is the industry standard for motorized screen and shade systems. The motor sits inside the cassette, drives the screen up and down via a continuous roll, and operates quietly enough that you can hold a conversation while it’s running. Optional intelligent obstacle detection stops or reverses the screen automatically if it encounters unexpected resistance during retraction, protecting the fabric and motor from damage.
The Fabric
The fabric is the decision that matters most. Four fabric families are available, each engineered for a different primary use case. The comparison section below covers this in full.
Frame Colors
The aluminum cassette and tracks come in five powder-coated colors: white, driftwood, bronze, black, and grey. Matching your frame color to your existing porch, pergola, or patio cover gives the installation a clean, intentional appearance.
The Four Fabric Options: What Each One Actually Does
The fabric determines what your screen does. Every other component is largely standardized. Choosing the wrong fabric for your situation means the system underperforms on exactly the problem you installed it to solve, so this decision deserves real time.
TuffScreen
TuffScreen is the most physically durable option in the lineup. It uses a heavy-duty open-weave mesh that resists tearing, holds up to pet claws and high-traffic patio use, and provides strong insect protection while preserving your view of the yard.
The No-See-Ums variant uses a tighter mesh specifically designed for the smaller biting insects common near Milwaukee-area water features, creek corridors, and wooded lots. Standard fiberglass mesh stops mosquitoes but lets No-See-Ums through. If your property backs up to the Milwaukee River, Menomonee Valley, a retention pond, or any wooded area, the No-See-Ums version addresses those insects that standard mesh misses.
UV protection is moderate and wind control is in the medium range. TuffScreen is not the right choice if heat reduction is your primary concern.
Best for: Families with pets, high-traffic patio areas, properties near water or wooded land where insect pressure is the primary problem.
Available colors: Black, No-See-Ums Black.
SunTex 90 and SunTex 95
SunTex is a solar screening fabric engineered specifically for UV reduction and heat control. SunTex 90 blocks 90% of UV radiation. SunTex 95 blocks 95%. Both significantly reduce glare and lower the temperature of the space beneath the screen by up to 11°C (20°F) on summer afternoons.
The tradeoff is view. SunTex filters the view more than TuffScreen does. SunTex 90 keeps a relatively open feel. SunTex 95 is denser and filters more light. If your west-facing deck furniture has started to fade, or if your patio is essentially unusable between noon and 4 p.m. in July, SunTex is the fabric that addresses that problem.
Insect protection is partial. SunTex is not a fine mesh, so it blocks larger insects but won’t stop the full range of biting insects that TuffScreen handles.
Best for: South and west-facing patios where afternoon UV and heat are the primary problems. Homeowners whose outdoor furniture or flooring has shown UV fading.
Available colors: Black, beige, brown, dark bronze, grey, stucco, alpaca, carbon, chestnut, mocha, sand, white, white/grey.
Sheerweave
Sheerweave delivers the highest privacy rating in the lineup. From outside during daylight hours, the screen appears essentially opaque. From inside, you have a clear view outward. This one-way visibility effect is the same principle used in commercial window film, applied to a retractable screen system.
Sheerweave still admits filtered natural light into the space, so the interior doesn’t feel dark or closed. Wind control is moderate, which means Sheerweave works best in sheltered or partially sheltered locations rather than fully exposed patios.
Best for: Street-facing patios, decks adjacent to neighbors, and any Milwaukee outdoor space where daytime privacy is the primary concern.
Available colors: Contact your designer for current Sheerweave color options.
Soltis 502
Soltis 502 is the highest-performing fabric in the lineup for wind resistance and overall structural durability. It’s rated very high in both wind control and durability, making it the right choice for the most exposed positions in the Greater Milwaukee area: elevated lakefront decks along the North Shore, rooftop applications, properties on ridge sites with consistent wind exposure, and commercial outdoor spaces that need a screen rated for conditions standard residential fabrics aren’t built for.
UV protection is high, and privacy is medium. Soltis 502 is not the starting point for a standard residential patio. It’s the fabric you specify when wind is the determining factor.
Best for: Elevated decks, rooftop applications, lakefront properties with significant wind exposure, and commercial outdoor spaces.
Available colors: Black, silver, beige, white, brown.
Fabric Comparison at a Glance
| Feature | TuffScreen | SunTex 90/95 | Sheerweave | Soltis 502 |
| UV blocking | Medium | High (90% or 95%) | High | High |
| Privacy | Low | Medium | High | Medium |
| Durability | High | High | High | Very high |
| Wind control | Medium | High | Medium | Very high |
| Pet resistance | High | High | Medium | Low |
| Insect protection | Yes (No-See-Ums option) | Partial | Partial | Partial |
| View preservation | High | Medium | Low to medium | Medium |
| Smart home compatible | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Insects, pets, water-adjacent | UV and heat reduction | Daytime privacy | Wind-exposed, commercial |
System Sizing
The Sunspace system accommodates openings from 24 inches wide to 276 inches wide and up to 168 inches tall. This covers single patio door bays, wide pergola sides, large open-air patio edges, and commercial outdoor dining areas.
For openings wider than a single screen can cover, multiple units are installed side by side with shared or individual controls. The right configuration depends on your opening dimensions and how you want to control the screens.
What Motorized Retractable Screens Cost in Greater Milwaukee
Pricing depends on four variables: opening size, fabric selection, motor and control configuration, and site conditions. A single standard bay on an existing porch header with a base fabric and remote-only control is the most accessible starting point. Multi-bay projects with premium fabrics, smart home integration, and obstacle detection land at the higher end of the residential range.
A few things worth knowing about the cost framework:
- Size scales cost directly. More screen area means more fabric and more motor capacity.
- Fabric choice affects price modestly. The performance upgrade from TuffScreen to Soltis 502 is real but rarely the dominant cost driver on a project.
- Smart home integration and obstacle detection add modest cost and are usually worth it for the convenience and protection they provide.
- Site conditions matter. Properties without existing overhead framing or without a nearby electrical outlet will have additional costs for mounting structure or electrical work.
For a full breakdown of every cost variable with sample project estimates, the motorized retractable screen cost guide for Greater Milwaukee covers each line item in detail.
How Motorized Screens Compare to Other Outdoor Comfort Solutions
Understanding where motorized screens fit among the alternatives helps you make the right call for your situation.
| Solution | Insect Protection | UV/Heat Control | Privacy | View When Open | Reversibility |
| Motorized retractable screen | Yes (fabric-dependent) | Yes (fabric-dependent) | Yes (Sheerweave) | Full | Full |
| Fixed screen enclosure | Yes | Partial | Low | Full | None |
| Louvered pergola | No | Yes (adjustable) | Low | Full | Full |
| Patio cover (solid) | No | Yes | Low | Blocked from above | None |
| Seasonal canopy | No | Partial | Low | Partial | Full (manual) |
| Outdoor curtains | Partial | Partial | Medium | Partial | Full (manual) |
The motorized screen’s key advantage over every alternative is selectivity. You get full protection when you want it and full openness when you don’t, with no manual setup, no storage, and no physical effort beyond pressing a button.
A louvered pergola paired with motorized side screens gives you complete overhead and side control from a single outdoor space, which is worth considering if coverage from all directions is the goal.
How Motorized Retractable Screens Are Installed
Most installations follow a predictable sequence. The cassette mounts at the top of the opening, either inside an existing porch header, under a patio cover beam, or on a pergola rafter. Side tracks are set vertically down each side of the opening. The motor is wired to a power source, programmed, and tested. Controls are paired, and the system runs through a complete deployment and retraction cycle before sign-off.
Installation for a single-bay residential project typically takes one day. Larger multi-bay projects may take two. The most important pre-installation consideration is power access: the motor needs an outdoor outlet within reach of the cassette location. If your patio doesn’t have one nearby, plan for an electrical rough-in before the screen installation begins.
Permit requirements vary by municipality across the Greater Milwaukee area. Check with your local building department or ask your installer to confirm what’s required before work starts.
Seasonal Maintenance for Wisconsin Conditions
The Sunspace system uses aluminum and stainless steel components built for year-round outdoor exposure. A seasonal routine keeps the system running smoothly and extends the life of both the fabric and motor.
Spring
Run the screen through several full deployment and retraction cycles after reduced winter use. Listen for any unusual motor noise or hesitation in the tracks. Wipe the tracks with a damp cloth to remove winter debris, salt residue, and pollen. Clear any buildup in the track channels with a soft brush before lubricating lightly with a silicone-based lubricant. Inspect the fabric for any tears, discoloration, or UV degradation.
Summer
Test operation monthly. Smooth, consistent deployment and retraction is the baseline. Any hesitation, uneven tension, or motor noise warrants attention before it becomes a larger issue. Clean the fabric with mild soap and water if pollen or debris has accumulated. Rinse thoroughly and allow the fabric to dry completely before retracting. Never retract a wet screen into the cassette.
Fall
Do a full cleaning pass on fabric, tracks, and hardware before the season ends. Test obstacle detection before winter if your system has it. For homeowners in particularly exposed positions who prefer complete winter protection for the cassette, the system is designed to allow seasonal cassette removal and reinstallation without special tools.
Winter
The aluminum and stainless steel components handle Wisconsin winters without corrosion. Keep the screen in the retracted position during extended cold periods. Operating the screen in extreme cold below approximately minus 10°F puts additional stress on the motor and fabric. If ice forms in the track channel, allow it to melt naturally rather than forcing operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a motorized retractable screen and a fixed screen enclosure?
A fixed screen enclosure permanently encloses your space with stationary screens. A motorized retractable screen provides the same protection on demand and retracts completely when you want the unobstructed view. The enclosure is more structurally permanent. The retractable screen gives you flexibility.
Can motorized screens be added to an existing pergola or patio cover?
Yes. The system installs on existing pergola posts, patio cover columns, wood framing, and masonry surfaces. The right attachment method depends on your existing structure and is confirmed during the site assessment.
Which fabric should I choose for a south-facing Milwaukee patio?
South-facing patios receive strong UV exposure throughout the day. SunTex 90 or SunTex 95 is the right starting point for UV and heat reduction. If insects are also a concern, your installer can help you weigh the trade-offs between fabrics during the consultation.
Can the screen handle Milwaukee wind?
The guided track system keeps the screen taut under normal conditions. For highly exposed positions, Soltis 502 provides the highest wind resistance in the lineup and is worth considering for lakefront, elevated, or ridge-site properties.
What happens if the power goes out?
Most Somfy motor configurations include a manual override, typically a manual crank, that allows deployment or retraction without power.
Can I screen just one side of my pergola?
Yes. Screens can be installed on any combination of openings. Many homeowners screen the west and south sides for afternoon sun and privacy control while leaving other sides open.
How long does the system last?
The aluminum and stainless steel components are built for long-term outdoor exposure. Fabric lifespan depends on UV exposure and care. With regular seasonal maintenance, high-quality solar screening fabrics typically perform well for many years before replacement is needed.
Talk to Our Team
Getting a motorized screen right depends on matching the fabric, motor configuration, and sizing to your specific patio, orientation, and use case. That match starts with a site visit.
Outdoor Oasis is the authorized Sunspace dealer serving the Greater Milwaukee area. Reach out to our team for a free consultation, and we’ll walk through the options with samples before anything is quoted or ordered.
