Andersen offers several ways to add fresh air and insect protection without leaving a permanent screen in the middle of the view. Options range from the LuminAire® Retractable Insect Screen Door for entry doors to retractable screens designed for patio doors and oversized Andersen Big Doors.
The right screen depends on the door opening and how the space is used. Some homeowners want an all-screen solution at a front entry. Others want a retractable screen that integrates with a gliding patio door or spans a large indoor-outdoor opening. Better View Windows & More can help Hampton Roads homeowners determine which Andersen screen options fit the door system and project.
What Is a Retractable Screen Door?
A retractable screen provides insect protection and ventilation when extended, then rolls or slides back into its housing when it is not needed. Unlike a conventional fixed screen panel, it does not have to remain continuously in front of the opening.
That makes retractable screens particularly useful when homeowners want fresh air without permanently interrupting daylight, views or the appearance of an entry or patio door.
Andersen LuminAire Retractable Insect Screen Door
LuminAire is Andersen’s retractable insect screen solution for hinged entry-door openings. It is an all-screen product rather than a storm door: there is no glass panel. When ventilation is wanted, the screen extends across the opening; when it is not needed, Andersen’s SlideAway® insect screen system retracts out of sight.
LuminAire is available for single and double hinged-door openings and is designed to preserve natural light and the appearance of the primary entry when the screen is retracted.
How LuminAire Works
The screen is stored inside a housing at the side of the opening. The homeowner extends it across the doorway when fresh air is desired and releases it to retract when the opening should be clear.
Andersen describes the system as having quiet, controlled operation. Because the screen disappears when not in use, homeowners do not have a permanent hinged screen door occupying the entry.
Single-Door and Double-Door LuminAire Options
LuminAire can be used with both single and double hinged-door openings. That makes the product relevant to a typical front or side entry as well as wider double-door configurations.
The opening and mounting surface still need to be appropriate for the selected screen. Exact sizing and installation requirements should be confirmed for the doorway rather than assuming one screen configuration fits every entry.
LuminAire vs. a Storm Door
The key difference is glass. A storm door combines glass and screen functionality, giving the entry another layer of weather protection while also allowing ventilation. LuminAire is all screen and is intended primarily for insect protection and fresh air.
Choose a storm door when glass protection and ventilation are both priorities. Consider LuminAire when the homeowner does not need storm-door glass and wants the screen to disappear when it is not being used.
LuminAire vs. a Traditional Hinged Screen Door
A traditional screen door remains hinged in front of the primary door whether the screen is needed or not. LuminAire retracts into its housing, leaving the doorway visually open when the screen is stored.
For homeowners who want to preserve the appearance of a decorative entry door or avoid another swinging door at the entrance, the retractable design can be a cleaner solution. Homeowners planning the primary entrance can also explore Andersen entry door styles, materials and options.
Retractable Screens for Andersen Patio Doors
Andersen also offers retractable-screen solutions for patio doors. One premium Retractable Screen for Andersen® Patio Doors is designed specifically for Andersen 200 Series, 400 Series and A-Series gliding patio doors.
The screen is designed to integrate visually with the patio door, use premium metal hardware and retract out of view when it is not needed. Andersen offers 11 color options and states that the screen can be installed on new doors or added to applicable Andersen patio doors manufactured from 1990 to the present.
For a broader look at the doors these screens can complement, see our guide to Andersen patio door styles, series and options.
LuminAire Retractable Screen for Patio Doors
Andersen has also expanded the LuminAire family with a retractable screen option for patio doors. This version is designed to work with most patio doors, including the Andersen 100 Series Gliding Patio Door.
Like the entry-door version, it uses the SlideAway insect screen concept so homeowners can bring the screen into the opening for ventilation and hide it when clear views are preferred.
Which Patio Door Retractable Screen Is Different?
Andersen’s patio-door screen options serve different applications. The premium Andersen Retractable Screen for Patio Doors is designed exclusively around applicable Andersen 200, 400 and A-Series gliding patio doors. The LuminAire patio-door screen is positioned as a broader-fit retractable solution and can work with most patio doors.
The correct choice depends on the patio door itself, desired level of integration, opening dimensions and product compatibility. Homeowners comparing the underlying door families can review our Andersen patio door series comparison.
Big Door Retractable Screens
Andersen also offers retractable screens for applicable Big Door systems, including MultiGlide™ and Folding Outswing doors. These screens are designed for openings far larger than a typical entry or patio door.
The Big Door retractable screen is retained within the frame on all sides and retracts when not in use. Andersen lists configurations for openings up to approximately 30 feet wide and 10 feet tall, allowing homeowners to add insect protection to expansive indoor-outdoor openings.
For more context on the systems themselves, see our overview of Andersen Big Doors and moving glass walls.
MultiGlide Screen Options
Applicable MultiGlide doors can use Andersen’s Big Door retractable screen. MultiGlide also offers aluminum-frame gliding insect-screen panels with synthetic rollers, flush hardware and charcoal fiberglass screen mesh.
The retractable option is particularly useful when preserving the open view is a priority, while gliding screen panels provide a more conventional sliding-screen approach. Availability depends on the selected MultiGlide configuration. Learn more about the complete system in our guide to Andersen MultiGlide doors.
Folding Outswing Retractable Screens
Applicable Folding Outswing doors can also be paired with Andersen’s Big Door retractable screen. This gives homeowners a way to open a broad bank of folding glass panels while still creating a screened barrier across the opening.
Because Folding Outswing systems can span large widths, the screen should be planned at the same time as the door rather than treated as an afterthought. Our Andersen Folding Outswing Doors guide covers the system’s configurations, sizes and other available options in more detail.
Retractable vs. Fixed or Gliding Screen Panels
| Consideration | Retractable Screen | Fixed/Gliding Screen Panel | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| View when not in use | Retracts out of sight | Panel remains present | Retractable minimizes visual interruption |
| Ventilation | Extend when needed | Ready whenever panel is closed | Both provide airflow |
| Storage | Integrated housing | No seasonal storage for gliding panels | Depends on screen type |
| Operation | Extends/retracts | Slides or remains fixed | Personal preference and door design |
Why Choose a Retractable Screen?
- Fresh-air ventilation is important, but the screen is not needed year-round.
- Preserving daylight and an unobstructed view is a priority.
- You do not want a permanent hinged screen door in front of the entry.
- The appearance of the primary entry or patio door should remain visible.
- You want insect protection for a large patio or Big Door opening.
- The ability to hide the screen when entertaining or during colder weather is appealing.
Screen Doors for Hampton Roads Homes
Hampton Roads homeowners often have long stretches of weather when opening an entry or patio door for ventilation is appealing. A screen can make that practical while helping keep insects outside.
The best product depends on the opening. A front entry may call for LuminAire or a storm door with a retractable screen, while an Andersen gliding patio door or Big Door may have a screen solution designed specifically for that product.
Choosing the Right Andersen Screen Option
- Identify whether the opening is a hinged entry door, gliding patio door or Andersen Big Door.
- Decide whether glass weather protection is needed in addition to a screen.
- Choose retractable when hiding the screen and preserving views are priorities.
- Confirm compatibility with the exact door series and manufacturing date where applicable.
- Consider whether a product-specific integrated screen or a broader-fit LuminAire solution makes more sense.
- Plan screens at the same time as oversized door systems so size and configuration can be coordinated.
Andersen Screen Door & Retractable Screen FAQs
Does Andersen make a screen-only door?
Yes. The LuminAire Retractable Insect Screen Door is an all-screen product with no glass and retracts out of sight when it is not needed.
What is the difference between LuminAire and an Andersen storm door?
LuminAire provides screen ventilation without glass. Andersen storm doors combine glass protection with screen or ventilation options.
Can LuminAire work with double doors?
Yes. Andersen offers LuminAire configurations for single and double hinged-door openings.
Does Andersen make retractable screens for patio doors?
Yes. Andersen offers retractable-screen options for patio doors, including a premium screen designed for applicable 200, 400 and A-Series gliding doors and a LuminAire patio-door option designed for broader compatibility.
Can a retractable screen be added to an older Andersen patio door?
Andersen states that its premium Retractable Screen for Andersen Patio Doors can be added to applicable Andersen patio doors manufactured from 1990 to the present.
Are retractable screens available for Andersen Big Doors?
Yes. Applicable MultiGlide and Folding Outswing systems can use Andersen Big Door retractable screens.
How large can an Andersen Big Door retractable screen be?
Andersen lists Big Door retractable screens for openings up to approximately 30 feet wide and 10 feet tall.
Does MultiGlide have a conventional sliding screen option?
Yes. In addition to the Big Door retractable screen, Andersen offers aluminum-frame gliding insect-screen panels for applicable MultiGlide configurations.
Explore Andersen Screen Options with Better View
Better View Windows & More can help homeowners throughout Hampton Roads identify Andersen screen options for entry doors, patio doors and large indoor-outdoor openings. We can help determine whether a LuminAire retractable screen, patio-door screen, storm-door screen or Big Door screen is appropriate for the door and project.
Schedule a consultation or call Better View Windows & More at 757-689-6210.