Retractable Screens & Vinyl Shades

Retractable Screens and Vinyl Shades for Porches, Patios, and More

Not every outdoor space needs a permanent enclosure. Sometimes you want screens when the mosquitoes are out and open air when they’re not. Retractable screens and vinyl shades give you that flexibility — drop them down when you need protection, retract them when you don’t.

M2 Decks & Enclosures installs Betterliving motorized retractable screens and vinyl shades across 14 counties in southeast and south-central Wisconsin. These products work on open porches, under pergolas, in garages, on gazebos — basically anywhere you want convertible protection from insects, sun, or wind.

Interior view of a sunroom with a tile floor and ceiling fan, showing solar shades partially lowered to reduce glare while maintaining a view of the outdoor deck.
Exterior view of a home patio featuring white pillars and three motorized screens, one fully lowered and two partially lowered to show captured-edge sealing.

Motorized Screens With Captured-Edge Technology

Betterliving’s motorized screens use captured-edge technology, which means the screen fabric runs in side channels that seal the edges. No gaps for bugs to sneak through. When the screen is down, it functions like a wall of insect protection with full visibility.

Sizing is flexible: 3 feet to 16 feet wide, with drops from 2 feet 1 inch to 10 feet. That covers most residential openings — standard patio spans, wide garage bays, and everything in between.

Frame colors are White, Desert Sand, Black, and Earthstone. The units are Somfy motorized, which means smooth, quiet operation with a remote control. You can also integrate with the Somfy TaHoma app for smartphone control, or add Rain & Sun Sensors and Wind Sensors for automatic operation.

Imagine the screens dropping automatically when the wind picks up on your Pewaukee Lake patio, then retracting when conditions calm down. That’s what the smart sensor system does.

Vinyl Shades for Wind and Weather Protection

Vinyl shades are the heavier-duty option. Where screens stop insects, vinyl shades stop wind, rain, and cold. They’re ideal for extending the use of a porch or screen room into the shoulder seasons — that stretch of April and October weather where it’s nice but breezy.

Vinyl comes in Clear, which preserves your view, and tinted options for privacy and glare reduction. These shades roll up into a compact housing when not in use, keeping your space open and uncluttered.

Exterior of a poolside patio with four dark bronze vinyl weather shades lowered to provide wind protection and privacy between brick pillars.
A high-end rooftop patio featuring a metal pergola with a retractable fabric canopy and dark grey motorized side screens for full enclosure.

Where These Products Shine

We install retractable screens and vinyl shades across our full service area — Mukwonago, Waukesha, Brookfield, New Berlin, Muskego, Milwaukee, Racine, Madison, Kenosha, Sheboygan, West Bend, Fond du Lac, and beyond. Common installations include:

  • Open porches that need seasonal bug protection
  • Under canopies and pergolas where you want the option of full enclosure
  • Garage bays converted to entertaining space
  • Restaurant and bar patios (we do commercial work too)
  • Pool houses and cabanas around Lake Country

Somfy Smart Controls

Every motorized screen and shade we install uses Somfy motors. Somfy is the industry standard for motorized shade products — reliable, quiet, and compatible with smart home systems. The TaHoma app lets you control individual screens or groups from your phone. Set schedules, create scenes, or just tap a button from the couch.

Add-on sensors include:

  • Rain & Sun Sensor — retracts or deploys shades automatically based on weather
  • Wind Sensor — retracts screens in high wind to prevent damage
A two-story suburban home with a motorized screen lowered over the garage door opening, showcasing smart home automation for hobby spaces.

Frequently Asked Questions

Somfy tubular motors run on standard household electrical. We coordinate the wiring during installation. Battery and solar options may be available for certain models.

Yes. The mounting system is designed for retrofit applications. We measure your openings during the consultation and specify the right sizes.

The screens retract into a protective housing when not deployed, which shields them from snow, ice, and UV. We recommend retracting screens for winter storage.

Screens stop insects and reduce sun while allowing airflow. Vinyl shades block wind and rain, creating a more enclosed space. Many homeowners install both for maximum flexibility.

They’re more commonly paired with open structures. If you want an enclosed space, a 3-season sunroom or 4-track stacking windows are usually better options.

Retractable Screens & Vinyl Shades Gallery

  • A white poolside pergola with a striped retractable fabric canopy and a motorized privacy screen, featuring an outdoor dining set next to a swimming pool.
  • Exterior of a covered patio with grey motorized screens installed between white pillars, showing one screen partially raised to reveal the interior dining area.
View More Photos on Our Facebook Page
Exterior of a tan sunroom with a large retractable shade lowered over glass walls, built on a custom paver patio in a Wisconsin backyard.

Ready to Get Started?

Call M2 Decks & Enclosures at 414-491-9334 or request a free quote below. We’ll come to your home, measure your openings, and show you exactly how retractable screens and vinyl shades can work for your space.

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