Retractable: why does that matter?

Have you ever wondered what's special about Phantom Retractable Screens? Let this helpful, two minute video introduce you to what makes our product unique.

Phantom Screens wins top Houzz.com Award!

Phantom Screens has won 'Best of Houzz 2014 award

We're very excited to let you know that Phantom Screens has won a 'Best of Houzz 2014' award.

Phantom Screens won in the Design category, as their portfolio includes some of the most popular images on Houzz in 2013. Phantom Screens was chosen by the more than 16 million monthly users that comprise the Houzz community.

The Best Of Houzz award is given in two categories: Customer Satisfaction and Design. Customer Satisfaction honors are determined by a variety of factors, including the number and quality of client reviews a professional received in 2013. Design award winners’ work was the most popular among the more than 16 million monthly users on Houzz, known as “Houzzers,” who saved more than 230 million professional images of home interiors and exteriors to their personal ideabooks via the Houzz website, smartphone and tablet apps.

If you've not discovered Houzz.com yet, or taken a look at our projects and ideabooks, you can check them out here and here.

Experience the Perfect Summer: $10,000 Backyard Makeover Sweepstakes

You can’t beat the joy of summer. The sunshine, the scenery, the cloud-studded sky. And now you can enjoy it even more.

Homeowners across North America are choosing retractable screens by Phantom® to enjoy natural ventilation, shade from the sun, and protection from insects.

Custom-made and professionally installed. Phantom Screens provides retractable screens for doors, windows and large openings.



If you have been thinking of getting a retractable screen for your home, now is the time to do it! Until May 31, you can enter for your chance to win $10,000 towards transforming your deck or patio into an outdoor space that helps you make the most of summer! Go to phantommakeover.com and enter today!

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States (including D.C.) and Canada (excluding the Quebec province), who have the age of majority in their state/province of residence or older at the time of entry. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Promotion ends 5/31/2014. For Official Rules, and complete details, visit www.phantommakeover.com. Sponsor: Phantom Manufacturing (Int'l.) Ltd.

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.