Happy Holidays from Midwest Screens

During the Holiday Season more than ever, our thoughts turn gratefully to those who have used our business to provide their home with Phantom Screens. And in this spirit we say, simply but sincerely, thank you and best wishes for the Holiday Season and a Happy New Year.

Midwest Screens receives two awards at the Phantom Screens Annual Distributor Conference

Cory Quaintance of Midwest Screens
& Derek Melnychuk of Screens of Georgia

Midwest Screens was honored to receive two awards at the Phantom Screens Annual Distributor Conference last week in Las Vegas. Both awards reflect our commitment to provide our customers with high quality products and service for their homes and condos. Cory Quaintance, president of Midwest Screens, accepted the following awards on behalf of the company:

Awards proudly displayed
in the Midwest Screens office

• The 2012-2013 Outstanding Project Award was received for our partnership with Hubbard Place, providing Phantom Screens for River North Neighborhood's newest luxury rental residences.  
• The 2012 Achievement Award was received for our commitment to provide Serene Retractable Window Screens for homeowners throughout the Chicagoland area.

We look forward to continue to provide the highest standard in products and service these awards deserve.

Should I think about installing Phantom Screens in the Autumn and Winter?

Yesterday was the first day of Autumn. While some are excited, thinking about warm drinks, sweaters, leaves changing, and apple picking; others are dreading the coming of snow, thinking about shoveling and winter traffic. Either way, most are not thinking about screens for their homes.




Yet the Autumn and Winter months are the perfect time to think about how Phantom Retractable Screens can provide you with the screening solutions you need for your doors, windows, and outdoor living areas. Let us help you plan and implement your screening needs now so that when Spring rolls back around you'll be ready to enjoy the warmth without a moment's delay.

Can I use Phantom Retractable Screens for my business or office?

The Executive Screen fits most custom and oversized applications, making it the ideal solution for local business and office use. Depending on the application, it can supply complete ventilation, shade from the sun, protection from pests, and enhanced privacy, all this is at the touch of a button. Contact us for more information on how Phantom Screens can enhance your business or office space.



 

 

 

 

 

Recommended articles of the week: 8/30/13

This week's recommended articles include examples of how to best utilize your patio for the holiday weekend, the importance of retractable screens, and real estate highlights from the surrounding Chicagoland area.

• Labor Day shine spotlight on patio upgrades - Shreveport Times
• Retractable: why does that matter? - Phantom Screens blog
• Apartment developer to buy River North warehouse our of foreclosure - Chicago Real Estate Daily
• Take a tour of the type of homes we install Phantom Screens on with an upcoming home tour in Hinsdale - Hinsdale Magazine
• This stunning home for sale in Lake Geneva, WI is on a street where Phantom Screens have left their mark of beauty and efficiency - Lake Geneva Home for Sale

Back to school in summer weather

 

Chicagoland may be headed back to school, but the weather still thinks its summer. September and October are the perfect months to install Phantom Screens on your home's doors and windows. Who doesn't want to open up their home to the last warm days and enjoy the first days of cool breezes and crisp air? When the weather turns cold, retract your screens into their protective housing where they'll stay safe and ready to use on the anticipated first warm day of spring.

Recommended Articles of the Week: 8/23/13

This week's recommended articles and blog posts all have to do with porches! Whether you're thinking through the logistics of building a porch or looking for design inspiration, the links below will give you helpful ideas.

• We love this vintage, classy three-bedroom home's porch in Chicago's Portage Park neighborhood - Chicago Magazine
• Porches are a stage for every day life - Valentina Interiors and Designs
• Top Five Reasons To Plan Ahead For Your Kansas City Porch (your Chicago porch too) - Archadeck of Kansas City
• Porches are the soul of the house - Beautiful Gardener
• Discover design and decorating ideas for creating the porch of your dreams - HGTV.com.
• 71 Breezy porches and patios to stimulate your creativity - Southern Living

Can I use Phantom Screens on my RV or Boat?

What would Chicago and the surrounding suburbs be without Lake Michigan and the thousands of lakes that cover the landscape from the southern suburbs up to Lake Geneva? Chicagoans love to take their boats out on the water whenever possible. And when they aren't boating, they're probably enjoying their RV next to the closest lake available.

Phantom Screens are a perfect way to bring your enjoyment of your RV or boat to the next level.

RVs & Boats: Doorways

If a doorway is wide enough and the rails are able to attach to the top and bottom, a Phantom Screen can be the perfect addition to a yacht, motor home, or trailer. It is there when you need it, and retracts out of sight when you don't.

RVs & Boats: Windows

Some windows in luxury boats and trailers may be the perfect fit for a Serene Screen. Designed to supply smooth operation and seamless style, the Serene window screen is a perfect complement to a window with a nice view.

For more information on how Phantom Screens can be used on your boat or RV, contact Midwest Screens.

Recommended posts of the week

We've scoured the web to find the week's great posts for outdoor decorating, designing, and living advice. This week's recommended posts include unique lighting ideas, designing on a budget, and food - because what would Chicago be without it's amazing restaurants?

• Tin Lights for a Summer Evening by Summer Plays House 
• Create an Outdoor Oasis on a Budget by Andersens Flooring
• 10 Great Outdoor Fireplaces by Garden Design
• A heart in the heart of the Big Apple by Phantom Screen’s CEO

… and because we all love food

• Here are the New Chicago Restaurants Opening this Week by  Chicago Magazine

Patio Design Tips from Better Homes and Gardens

At Midwest Screens we love outdoor living spaces. For example, patios help make a house a home with the comfort, style, and character they bring. Better Homes and Gardens has a list of creative ways to make your patio cozy and unique. Check out their design tips then let us know which is your favorite!




15 Patio Design Tips from BH&G

 

When is the best time to install Phantom Screens?

Homeowners often want to know what we consider to be the best time of year for installing Phantom Retractable Screens on their home. The answer is simple; any time of year is a good time! Whether you choose to install Phantom Screens in the Spring for the warm months ahead, Autumn for the crisp October breezes, or the Winter in preparation for that first bright, April day, any time is a good time for Phantom Screens.

How do I maintain my Phantom Screens?

Proper maintenance of your Phantom Screens will ensure you are able to enjoy your screens and the fresh air insect and hassle free for years. To learn how easy it is to maintain your screens (clean, wipe, lubricate), watch this short video. Also, step-by-step written maintenance tips are below.

       

Tips for maintaining your Phantom Screen's functionality:

• Screens should be retracted into protective storage housing when not in use.
• Spring loaded systems may retract suddenly. Do not push the mesh to release the magnet or latch. A safety feature releases the slide bar if the mesh is lightly bumped. Continual abuse will affect operation. When rolling the screen into the housing, ensure the mesh rolls evenly. Retracting the product with creases in the screen can cause wrinkles.
• Motorized screens should be watched during operation. Objects left under a motorized unit can prevent the unit from lowering. If this happens, lift the slide bar up manually, remove the obstacle, and lower the slide bar. If it does not extend to a level position, use the remote up button and roll up the mesh until the slide bar is level. Stop the unit, and then lower it.
• Interruption of power can affect motorized unit operation. Ensure that power is still getting to the unit by checking circuit breakers and ground faults for resetting. Remotes (in wall and handheld) have a limited battery life. If the remote light does not come on when the buttons are depressed, the battery is exhausted.
• Insect screens are intended to provide reasonable insect control and are not intended to provide the retention and / or security of objects, animals or persons inside or outside your dwelling.
• Ensure tracks are kept free of dirt and debris which may cause the screen to perform poorly. Cleaning the tracks and lubricating them with Phantom's greaseless silicone spray can restore smooth operation.
• Mesh fabric, housing tracks and slide bar can be cleaned with water and a soft brush but not with a pressure washer. A mild detergent like dish soap can be used, but do not use chemicals. After cleaning the mesh, allow it to dry before rolling it back up into the housing.
• It is normal for the mesh to "sail" in certain windy conditions. This may cause the mesh to pull out of the track, however when the wind subsides the mesh will return against the track.
• Motorized units should be retracted in winds in excess of 25 mph. Wind load may affect the ability of the unit to extend or retract. The screens should never be used solely for the purpose of a wind break.

How can Phantom Screens benefit your construction project?

Today’s discriminating homeowners want screen solutions that do not detract from the look of their home yet provide superior protection against pests and insects.  Phantom Screens provide that customized solution. MidwestScreens, LLC is the Chicagoland company of choice for homeowners and professionals that want to incorporate Phantom Screens into their designs and construction projects. Our years of experience and dedication to providing the best customer service means we will be there every step of the way in the process.

Phantom Screens are a great amenity that will allow your home or build and design business to stand out from other homes or businesses, providing you with screening solutions that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.  As outdoor living continues to grow in the Chicagoland area, Phantom Screens make it functional without detracting from the architecture and beauty of the area that you are screening. 

What's in a name?

Last week millions watched as Prince William and Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, introduced their firstborn son, George, to a waiting world. In a day and age when celebrities choose to name their children everything from Cocoa, Apple, and North, the traditional name George stands out as a one that goes against the grain of the ever-changing fads of fame. In naming their son George, William and Kate chose a name that communicates legacy, tradition, and stability.

What's in a name? A lot actually. Names are more than a calling card. They communicate personality, character, and conviction. This reality should cause us to pause and consider, not only the names of people, but the names of the businesses, companies, and organizations we encounter on a daily basis.

What does the name Phantom Screens communicate? What are the values that undergird the Phantom name and product, and therefore Midwest Screens?

To Speak the Truth

We believe every person has intrinsic worth, potential and value which can be expressed through genuine relationships. Relationships rely on trust and in turn, trust is only created if the truth is spoken, and what needs to be said, is said. This value challenges us to have commitment to truth and to deliver what we promise. It is not an expression of a particular religious belief, or a basis for exclusion. Rather, it is a mandate for inclusion and a constant reminder for us to think and do the right thing in the right way and requires mutual accountability. We strive for a corporate culture wherein all decision-making is surrounded by honesty, integrity and morality.

     

To Serve our People

We believe that every person - regardless of personal beliefs or differences - has been created in the image and likeness of God. Phantom strives to ensure our corporate culture fosters a spirit of satisfaction, mutual respect and recognition. Phantom believes in not only empowering people, but also enabling them to succeed. By giving people the tools and training to develop, we increase their productivity and earnings, and enhance the dignity, self-respect and worth of each individual. It provides the basis for our belief in servant leadership. Our people's personal lives are important and not to be ignored. We will strive to be a faith friendly company.

     

To Pursue Excellence

We continually seek better methods of delivering service and believe that every time we touch a customer's life, we should provide added value for that customer. Pursuing excellence means that we must know our customers, understand their needs and expectations, regularly listen to them and adjust our processes and procedures to more effectively serve them.

      

To Practice Stewardship

We believe stewardship is an attitude of caring past ourselves. Being responsible stewards of the resources entrusted to us to achieve economic success, gives us the ability to positively affect the lives of all of our stakeholders being our people, our customers and our shareholders. We understand our social responsibility to help our surrounding community and world. Since profit is merely the applause for doing the right things in the right way, we have an obligation to give back. This will be not only in financial means but in our time and efforts as well.

Chicagoland real estate market is recovering

There's good news for Chicagoland homeowners, builders, and designers; foreclosures and short sales are down and home values are on the rise! According to a recent report, produced by Midwest Real Estate Data LLC, in the first six months of 2013, the Chicago-area real estate market finally began to recover effectively.

This is good news for everyone - allowing sellers, buyers, builders, and designers to capitalize on the attractive homes and lifestyle of the Midwest.

For more information on the market's recovery, click here.

Midwest Screens featured on Houzz

Midwest Screens, LLC is proud to now be featured on Houzz!

"Houzz is the leading online platform for home remodeling and design, providing people with everything they need to improve their homes from start to finish - online or from a mobile device. From decorating a room to building a custom home, Houzz connects millions of homeowners, home design enthusiasts and home improvement professionals across the country and around the world. With the largest residential design database in the world and a vibrant community powered by social tools, Houzz is the easiest way for people to get the design inspiration, project advice, product information and professional reviews they need to help turn ideas into reality."

We are thrilled to be part of a quality, online community that provides exceptional service for professionals, homeowners, and designers. Browse our Houzz page, and then go find everything you need for your home design and remodeling projects.

How do I add value to my home?

Owning a house is more than owning a place to call home. It's an investment. Every discretionary homeowner wants to see the value of their property increase, bringing with it financial security or potential stability. From new paint to a new roof, adding a sunroom, or remodeling the kitchen, homeowners can increase the value and curb appeal of their home.

One highly effect way of adding value to your house is to have Phantom Screens installed on your doors, windows, and large outdoor living openings. Phantom Screens give your house the comfort and dependability of fixed screens without the unwanted hassle and eye sore fixed screens inevitably bring. Because Phantom Screens blend seamlessly with the frame of your doors and windows, retracting out of sight when not in use, they add to your home's comfort, beauty, and value. With this in mind, you could say Phantom Screens aren't just a valuable commodity, they're a necessity.


For more helpful ideas on how to increase the value of your home, visit HGTV.

Keep cool this summer

Keeping cool during Midwest summers can be a challenge. Thankfully, there are a number of easy-to-implement, green steps that can help you stay cool as the temperatures rise.

Sustainable Baby Steps has a detailed list of cooling tips for both indoor and outdoor living (we especially liked the awning and screen suggestions). Visit their site to see how you can begin to live greener and cooler, then let us help you implement their tips with Phantom Retractable Screens and Sunesta Awnings!

Chicago suburbs claim 7 of 10 best Illinois towns

According to a recent article at Nerd Wallet, the Chicago suburbs can boast they hold 7 out of the 10 best towns in Illinois for young families. The findings were based on three questions:

1. Does the town have good public schools?
2. Can you afford to live there? 
3. Is the town growing and prospering? 

With two towns near St. Louis and one in central Illinois, the Chicago area dominated the rankings, claiming spots #4-10.

This is just one more reason we are proud to serve Chicagoland families, bringing quality service and functionality to their homes.

Is a Sunesta Retractable Awning right for my home?

Sunesta Retractable awnings enable you to enjoy shade or sun on demand. Extend your awning when you need sun protection and keep it retracted when not in use or during inclement weather. Unlike a fixed-frame awning, retractable awnings require minimal maintenance. You will not need to constantly remove and re-install your awning with the changing seasons.  

 

Sunesta Awnings are more durable, shade larger areas, and are custom designed according to the unique features of your home. While standard umbrellas are very susceptible to strong winds, which can damage them easily, Sunesta Awnings are designed to withstand winds up to 30 mph and can be retracted when the wind is strong.

 

Visit our website, or call our office at 847.557.5015 to schedule a complimentary in-home estimate.

Midwest Screens provides Sunesta Retractable Awnings

As our valued customers know, Midwest Screens takes pride in providing the very best in retractable screening solutions for homeowners in the Chicagoland area. Did you also know that Midwest Screens is a leading provider for Sunesta Retractable awnings, bringing shade and relief from the sun to outdoor living areas?

Sunesta Awnings
Patio awnings are Sunesta’s flagship product line and are designed to fit your specific style, budget, and need. Each product offers a variety of fabric colors, styles, frame colors, control options, and accessories to meet your décor and shading requirements.

Sunesta Shelters
Providing sun protection to existing structures, such as sunrooms, pergolas, and skylights, Sunesta Shelters are uniquely designed to provide you with the shade you need when you need it most. Sunesta Shelters are custom made to fit the needs of you and your home.




To better serve our customers, we have created a website dedicated solely to providing discerning homeowners with product information and support for Sunesta Retractable Awnings. Visit the Chicagoland Retractable Awnings website to learn how we can provide you with the shade you need for the home you love.

What Better Homes and Gardens fails to tell you

Better Homes and Gardens has an excellent article with helpful information for designing or remodeling a screen porch. But they've missed one crucially important piece to the designer puzzle. What kind of screens should the discerning homeowner use? Fixed screens detract from the look and feel of your porch and become a fixed barrier to enjoying the outdoors, the very reason you have an outdoor living area!


Phantom motorized screens are the ideal solution for any porch. Imagine being able to move seamlessly between indoor and outdoor spaces - without the intense glare of the sun or annoying mosquitoes. Phantom motorized screens provide you with the best of both worlds. They are there when you need extra shelter, and when you don't need them they retract out of sight, all with the push of a button.

Call our office to see how Phantom motorized screens can transform your porch, patio, or lanai into a bug-free oasis.

How do I know Phantom Screens are right for me?

 

One of the most common questions we receive is, “How do I know Phantom Screens are right for me? Will they work with my door?”

This is an important question with a simple answer. Phantom Screens are custom made and professionally installed, which means they are designed to fit virtually every kind of door. Whether you have a French Door, patio slider, an oversized door, or a standard in-swing/out-swing door, our retractable screens can be easily applied to your doorframe.

Installation options include in-jamb mount and surface mount, enabling Phantom Screens to be applied to your doorframe in the most seamless and aesthetically pleasing way possible. Are Phantom Screens right for you? Most definitely! Will they work on your door? Yes they will!

For more information or to schedule a free in-home demonstration and estimate, contact our office today! 847-557-5015

Phantom offers retractable screen solutions for windows

On perfect weather days it’s important to have the freedom to open your home to let the fresh air in. Phantom retractable screens for doors are not the only option you have to let the summer breeze waft through your house - without the inconvenience of letting in the insects.

Phantom’s Serene and Prestige retractable screen solutions are ideal for the windows in your home. Custom made and professionally installed, Serene and Prestige are designed to fit your specific window type, finish, and color.

Serene Retractable Screens

Serene Window Screens are stylish, adaptable and suited to the finest homes – like yours. They’re a perfect fit in any room you choose – kitchen, living room, study, bedroom, or bath. Fitting most standard window sizes, Serene Screens come in a variety of standard colors. And thanks to our custom color program, we can match Serene Screens to virtually any color in your home.

 

 

Prestige Retractable Screens

Phantom’s newest product, Prestige Screens is the perfect solution for custom wood windows.  Prestige Screens come in a wide range of veneered wood finishes, blending seamlessly with the finish and profile of your custom wood windows.  These screens come with the same high quality, professional service and custom installation that make Midwest Screens a leader in Phantom Screen installations.

For more information on Serene or Prestige Screens, contact us here.

How do I take care of my Phantom Screens?

 

The month of June has been full of perfect weather for opening up your home and enjoying the warm, but not too hot, weather. The sun is shining, the world is green, and you’re making the most of the fresh air from the comfort of your home through your Phantom Retractable Screens.

 

As the summer months roll one and you use your Phantom Screens regularly, here are a few maintenance tips to keep them working smoothly.

Tip #1: Cleaning the track at the bottom and top of your Phantom Screen is highly recommended to keep it in excellent condition, enabling you to open and close your door with ease. When dirt and dust particles accumulate in the tracks it can cause the mesh to catch and not extend or retract smoothly. Simply spray the tracks with dry silicone lubricant spray once or twice a month. This removes the dirt and dust particles that get caught in the track, keeping your door from sticking when you slide it open and retract it into its housing.

Tip #2: If you enjoy the comfort and versatility of a double door pull and latch your screens into place one at a time. This will help your screens to fully latch in place and protect them from retracting back into their housing unnecessarily.

Tip #3: As you enjoy the beautiful summer and the high quality of your Phantom Door, spread the word to your friends, family, and neighbors! We’d love to provide them  with the same quality service and product you enjoy.

Working with and for Builders, Architects, and Designers

Midwest Screens is the company of choice for professional builders, architects, and designers who want to incorporate Phantom Screens into their designs and construction projects. Our experience is second to none as we walk through the installation process with professionals from start to finish.  We have expert product and construction knowledge which can “turn key” the entire project, saving the architect, builder and designer time and hassle.

 

What To Expect in Your Building Project

For more on what to expect during your building project, view our timeline page.

Chicago Condo Market on the Rise

On Tuesday Chicago Real Estate Daily wrote an article that highlighted the rise in condominium sales in Chicago. After a six year slump, the condo market is on the upswing as more people are attracted to the convenience and lifestyle of downtown living.

The condo the article chose to highlight as an example is the Park Monroe, “a 216-unit project overlooking Millennium Park that's on the verge of selling out.” Midwest Screens has installed Phantom Screens in the Park Monroe in the recent past, which provided owners with a bug-free view of Millennium Park and the Chicago skyline. We’re thrilled that the Park Monroe is reaping the benefits of the condo comeback and look forward to serving more condo owners throughout Chicago in the days, weeks, and months ahead.  

Park Monroe, 65 E. Monroe St. - Chicago Real Estate Daily

 

For more information on the benefits of a Phantom Screen for your Chicago condo, contact us for a quote or to schedule a complimentary in home estimate.

Lakeside Living at it's Finest

Lakeside homes are one of the perks of living in the Chicagoland and southern Wisconsin area. From Lake Michigan to Lake Geneva, and the Chain of Lakes in between, this is the perfect place to enjoy all the benefits of lakeside living. If you live on or near one of the hundreds of lakes that make this area unique, you know how important it is to make the most of being  near the water, enjoying your ability to go swimming, fishing, or to simply relax from your home and enjoy the view.  

In order to fully reap the benefits of a lake house, Phantom Screens are the perfect solution to make your home the personal retreat you desire. Once installed, they help block the mosquitoes and insects that are common in this area. They also provide shade for you when the sun gets too strong reflecting off the lake’s water.

 

 

We offer manual and motorized retractable screens that blend seamlessly with the look and feel of your home. These screens extend to protect you when needed and retract out of sight when not in use. To learn more about these and other solutions we can incorporate into your home, contact us today!

The Benefits of a Legacy Retractable Screen

Who doesn’t want to leave their doors open on a sunny day, letting the fresh air sweep away the winter blues?  Phantom’s Legacy retractable screen is the perfect application to welcome the breeze into your home without welcoming the bugs in at the same time.

The Legacy’s latch and release handle is a one-of-a-kind system that automatically latches the screen in the closed position when in use, keeping the screen secure from opening in windy conditions. And like all Phantom products, the Legacy screen retracts out of sight when not in use, blending seamlessly with your door application.

Custom made and professionally installed, the Legacy is ideal for a wide range of door styles, including:

• Double-French doors
• Sliding patio doors
• Single out-swing/in-swing doors
• Oversized doors

Contact our office to learn more or to request a free estimate.

Midwest Screens Partners with 360 W Hubbard

We are pleased to announce that Midwest Screens has been chosen to provide Phantom Retractable Screens for Hubbard Place, the River North neighborhood’s newest luxury rental residences. Still in construction and towering 43 stories tall, residents will now be able to fully enjoy all a Chicago high rise view has to offer.

 

 

Happy Memorial Day Weekend

From all of us at Midwest Screens, have a blessed Memorial Day with family and friends. Thank you to all the service men and women who have sacrificed their time with family and their lives to keep us safe.

Thinking Spring?

 

That's right, during a bone-chilling week and the first day of Spring in Chicago we have warmer weather on our minds.  The thought of warm breezes, the sounds of songbirds arriving and the smell of fresh flowers blooming awakens the slumbering senses that winter swept away and it couldn't come soon enough for any of us.  Our loyal Phantom Screens customers already place a high value on opening their home to those inviting sounds and smells that a new season has to offer. Now is the time to start thinking about caring for your current Phantom Screen or perhaps adding one to your home. Visit our photo gallery on our website to see areas around your home that can open up your living space to the wonderful Spring season.  Also, check out our Spring service special below and Happy Spring from all of us at Midwest Screens!

Print this blog for $10 off our normal re-screen service!

Regular price $135 which includes new mesh, remove, clean and re-install the Phantom Screen and a fresh can of Phantom Silicone Spray!

Why Should I Use Retractable Screens?

As we wait for the snow to melt and warm weather to fill our days, you may be thinking ahead on how you can make the most of fresh air and nature from the comfort of your home. Maybe you’re tired of your fixed screens and the tacky or dirty look they inevitably bring to your doors and windows.

If you’ve been contemplating getting new screens and wondering if retractable screens are the right choice for you, we encourage you to visit Phantom Screen website. You will find helpful answers to our most frequently asked questions, including: we have really severe winters here – will my screens still work; are retractable screens Eco-friendly; and will retractable screens add value to my home?

For these answers, and the answers to other questions, click here.

To find out more how we can help you with all your retractable screen needs, click here.

Introducing Prestige by Phantom

We are excited to provide Phantom Prestige retractable screens for custom wood windows. Phantom Prestige retractable screens blend seamlessly with the interior finish and profile of your custom wood windows and disappear out of sight when not needed. Mounted inside the window frame, they are available in seven wood species, as well as being stainable, to ensure a perfect match. Phantom Prestige screens slide vertically from the top and are easily operated by the ergonomic handle to pull the screen into place.

Midwest Screens - Coming to a Home Show Near You

We're very excited to be participating in two home shows in the greater Chicagoland area in the coming weeks.