MagnaTrack screens: is the magnetic track a good fit for your patio?
EDG plans motorized screens around the opening, the fabric, the power path, the way you use the patio, and the care the system will need after installation.
MagnaTrack can be a strong fit when the screen needs to disappear
EDG considers MagnaTrack for covered patios, porches, pergola bays, lanais, and garage-style openings where the goal is insect protection and everyday comfort without leaving a fixed screen across the view. The magnetic side tracks let the fabric flex under wind pressure and draw it taut again as the pressure eases.
That benefit matters after the installation, but it only works when the opening, mounting, fabric, power, controls, and bottom-bar path are planned together. EDG measures those details before recommending the screen.
What you gain—and what to plan for
MagnaTrack is worth considering when you want an opening to work as both a screened space and an open one. Here is how its main features affect the project and everyday use.
| Feature | Practical strength | What to plan for |
|---|---|---|
| Magnetic side tracks | The fabric can flex under wind pressure and return to tension as pressure eases. | A flexible track still needs aligned mounting, suitable fabric, and an operating plan for changing weather. |
| Retractable design | Lower the screen for insects or sun control; raise it for an open view and access. | The housing and side tracks stay in place. Plan their finish, visibility, and service access before ordering. |
| Fabric choices | Choose insect mesh or solar fabric around the way you use the space. | More shade or privacy changes daylight, airflow, and the view through the deployed screen. Compare samples at the opening. |
| Motorized operation | Control the opening without handling a large screen by hand. | Power, controls, clear bottom-bar travel, and occasional service are part of owning the system. |
| Custom fit | A measured layout can work with a new structure or an existing opening. | Uneven surfaces, trim, concealed power, multiple bays, and difficult access add project scope. |
For EDG’s local homeowner projects, the work includes selecting the screen around the opening, coordinating installation details, and explaining operation and care. Explore the MagnaTrack cost guide for more planning detail, or start with a quote for your opening.
A motorized insect screen spans this Bartlett outbuilding opening
A light frame and dark fabric keep the installation visually simple; raise the screen to open the space to the yard.
Motorized screen opening and closing in Bartlett. View the project.
Bartlett, IL
Finish and operation
- Light frame with dark screen fabric
- Motorized screen shown closed, partway through travel, and open
- Raise the screen when you want the opening open to the yard
What EDG checks before the screen is ordered
A motorized screen feels simple when the design work is done first. EDG brings the opening, fabric, power, controls, and care plan together before installation.
Measure the opening
EDG checks width, height, squareness, mounting surfaces, headbox placement, bottom-bar travel, and the clear opening the screen needs to serve.
Choose the experience
Fabric changes bugs, glare, privacy, airflow, daylight, and view. EDG helps balance those goals around the orientation and daily use of the patio.
Plan power and controls
EDG coordinates the power route, control method, sensors, trim, and future service access before the motorized screen is ordered.
Set weather expectations
A screen improves comfort but is not a storm shutter. EDG explains the operating limits for the selected system and the conditions at the opening.
Keep the travel path clear
Furniture, toys, tools, snow, ice, and debris can interrupt the bottom bar. Clear the opening before cycling the screen.
Use the screen as designed
Follow the operating and care guidance for the selected system, and call EDG when movement changes.
Plan simple care
Rinse mesh gently, wash with mild soap and a soft cloth or brush, and allow it to dry before extended storage. Keep water out of the hood and motor. Clear vinyl needs a cleaner approved for that material.
Leave service access
The layout should leave room to inspect the housing, tracks, power, and controls later without dismantling the patio around the screen.
Tell us what you want from your patio.
A location, rough footprint, photos, and the comfort problem you want the screen to solve are helpful, but optional for the initial request. EDG can then discuss the right fabric, track, controls, installation path, and care plan.
Request a Screen Quote
Start with what you want from the space. Opening details and photos are optional.
MagnaTrack screen questions
Are MagnaTrack screens good quality?
MagnaTrack’s distinctive feature is its magnetic, self-tensioning side track. It lets the screen respond to pressure rather than holding every edge rigidly in place. That is a useful design feature, but the finished result also depends on fabric selection, mounting, alignment, motor setup, and installation. EDG reviews those details together rather than choosing a screen by the track alone.
What warranty comes with MagnaTrack screens?
Warranty coverage is component-specific. The aluminum system, screen fabric or vinyl, motor, and controls can carry different terms; installation labor and service visits should be checked separately. EDG reviews the written coverage for the selected system with you, including exclusions and how to request help. Keep the warranty supplied with your project rather than treating a general lifetime claim as coverage for every part or repair.
Can MagnaTrack screens be used in wind?
The magnetic track allows fabric to flex with ordinary wind pressure, but it is not permission to leave the screen down in all weather. Opening size, material, exposure, gusts, and temperature affect operation. Retract before sustained high winds or severe weather, following the more conservative guidance supplied for your project. If pressure makes the fabric or bottom bar bind, stop; do not force it or repeatedly jog the motor.
How do you clean and maintain MagnaTrack screens?
Keep leaves, grit, and objects out of the tracks and bottom-bar path. Clean mesh gently with water, mild soap, and a soft cloth or brush; rinse and let it dry before extended storage. Keep water out of the hood, motor, and electrical parts. Clear vinyl needs its own approved cleaner and soft cloth, not ordinary glass cleaner or abrasive products. Contact EDG if movement becomes uneven or noisy.
Can you operate MagnaTrack screens in winter?
Cold changes how mesh and vinyl move, and clear vinyl needs particular care. Do not operate a screen with ice, frost, or frozen debris in the fabric, tracks, or bottom bar. Plan its position before freezing weather arrives and follow the material-specific instructions supplied with your project. If it resists movement, leave it in place and contact EDG rather than pulling the fabric or changing motor limits.
Does EDG help after installation?
For local installations, EDG plans service access and explains operation and care at handoff. If a screen jams, hangs unevenly, or repeatedly stops, stop using it and contact EDG with the project address, a photo of the opening, and what happened. EDG can assess the next service step and applicable coverage; a manufacturer parts warranty does not automatically include labor or a service visit.
What affects the cost of a MagnaTrack screen project?
A single accessible opening with straightforward mounting and power is a simpler scope than several large bays with custom trim, concealed wiring, and integrated controls. Fabric, opening dimensions, finish, access, electrical work, and installation details drive the quote. EDG can compare a straightforward retrofit, a multi-opening layout, and a fully integrated installation around your priorities. Photos and rough dimensions are helpful, but optional to start.
Are MagnaTrack screens storm protection?
A standard insect or solar comfort screen is not a storm shutter. Progressive’s Defender hurricane products are a separate specification, with their own approvals, fabric, anchoring, and installation requirements. EDG keeps everyday comfort-screen selection separate from any project that requires rated storm protection.
Can EDG retrofit a MagnaTrack screen to an existing opening?
EDG can review retrofit opportunities, but the answer depends on the opening, mounting surfaces, headbox visibility, side-track path, power route, trim, and future service access. A site review determines whether the retrofit is clean.