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Custom Motorized Insect Screens for Patios, Porches, and Pergolas

If you want screened airflow without turning the opening into a rigid enclosure, motorized insect screens can be a strong fit for selected outdoor living spaces. Sunrise helps homeowners review custom insect-screen projects for patios, porches, pergolas, gazebos, and other covered exterior openings. Start by sending photos, rough measurements, your location, and a short description of the opening so we can review whether the project is a fit.

Motorized insect screen lowered across a covered residential patio opening

What motorized insect screens are

Motorized insect screens are retractable exterior screens designed for selected outdoor openings where insect control and screened airflow matter. They lower into place when needed and retract when you want the opening clear again. They are commonly used across patios, porches, pergolas, gazebos, and other covered outdoor living spaces.

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The right system still has to be matched to the size of the opening, the mounting conditions, and the way the space is used. These are not off-the-shelf insert screens, and they are not being presented here as security barriers or rigid closures.

  • Built for selected larger exterior openings

  • Matched to the opening, not chosen off a shelf

  • Not a security barrier or rigid closure

Custom exterior insect screen installed across a covered Garage opening

Where motorized insect screens are commonly used

These projects are most often considered for larger outdoor living openings where insect control and screened comfort matter.

Custom motorized insect screen across a backyard deck opening

Decks

A practical option for selected deck openings where a retractable exterior screen suits the layout.

Motorized insect screen lowered across a covered patio opening

Patios

Often used to make patio openings more comfortable when mosquitoes and flying insects are a regular issue.

Motorized insect screen integrated into a residential porch opening

Porches

A strong fit for porch openings where screened airflow is important but a rigid closure is not the goal.

Motorized insect screen fitted to a pergola opening in an outdoor living area

Pergolas

Can be considered for pergola projects where the structure and mounting conditions support the screen system.

Motorized insect screen installed on a gazebo opening for insect control

Gazebos

Useful for selected gazebo openings where insect control is the main priority.

Motorized insect screen used across a covered outdoor living space

Covered outdoor living areas

A good direction for covered exterior spaces that need a cleaner, more integrated screening approach.

Why choose motorized insect screens?

Motorized insect screens are usually chosen when the main goal is to make an outdoor living opening more comfortable without turning it into a rigid enclosure. They are a practical fit for homeowners who want to reduce mosquitoes and other flying insects, keep screened airflow, and have the option to open or clear the space when needed.

Motorized insect screen lowered across an outdoor opening to help reduce mosquitoes

Better insect control for outdoor openings

The main reason homeowners choose this direction is to help reduce mosquitoes and other flying insects in patios, porches, pergolas, gazebos, and similar covered openings.

Motorized insect screen allowing airflow across a covered patio opening

Screened airflow without closing the space off

These screens help keep the opening more usable while still allowing airflow. That makes them appealing for outdoor living areas where comfort matters, but a rigid closure is not the goal.

Integrated motorized insect screen installed on a residential porch opening

A cleaner and more integrated look

For the right project, motorized insect screens can create a cleaner appearance than temporary or pieced-together screening solutions. The system is planned around the opening so it feels more intentional.

Motorized insect screen retracting to reopen an outdoor living space

Use the screen when you need it, clear the opening when you do not

A motorized screen can be lowered when insect control is needed and retracted when you want the opening open again. That flexibility is one of the main reasons people choose this direction.

Some projects may also gain added shade or privacy depending on the screen selected, but on this page the main focus is insect control and screened comfort.

Part of the exterior motorized screens family

Motorized insect screens are one direction within Sunrise’s broader exterior motorized screens category. They are most often considered when the main goal is to reduce mosquitoes and other flying insects across patios, porches, pergolas, gazebos, and other covered outdoor openings. If the project is more specifically about a deck layout or more strongly driven by shade and sun exposure, another screen direction may be a better fit.

Overview of exterior motorized screen options for residential outdoor openings

Exterior Motorized Screens

Use this if you want the broader overview of the different exterior motorized screen options and how they compare.

Motorized screen designed for a residential deck opening

Motorized Deck Screens

Use this if the project is mainly centred around a deck opening, deck layout, or deck screening plan.

Exterior sun control screen installed on a covered outdoor opening

Exterior Sun Control Screens

Use this if the main concern is stronger shade control, glare reduction, or sun exposure rather than insect control first.

Motorized insect screens are usually the right direction when insect control is the main goal and the opening still needs to be matched carefully to the project.

Controls and operation

Different openings and screen systems can allow for different ways to operate the screen. Most projects in this category are motorized, but some openings may also allow for manual operation, and some motorized systems may support added control options such as remotes, wall switches, or smart home integration.

Graphic showing a motorized insect screen lowering with remote control

Motorized

Motorized operation is usually the main direction for larger exterior screen openings. It gives simple up-and-down control and is often the best fit where convenience, consistency, and a cleaner integrated feel matter.

Graphic showing a manual control concept for a retractable exterior insect screen

Manual

Some openings and some screen systems may also allow for manual operation. Whether that is possible depends on the layout of the opening, the system selected, and how the space is being used.

Graphic showing a motorized insect screen connected to smart home controls

Smart Home Integration

Some motorized systems may also support controls such as remotes, wall switches, or smart home integration. The exact control options depend on the system selected for the project.

The opening still has to be right

Not every opening is automatically suited to a motorized insect screen. The size of the opening, the surrounding structure, the mounting surface, and any obstructions all affect whether the project is a good fit and what kind of screen direction makes sense.

Large residential outdoor opening being reviewed for a custom motorized insect screen

Opening size matters

The width and height of the opening affect whether a motorized insect screen is realistic and how the system needs to be planned.

Covered patio structure showing mounting surfaces for an exterior insect screen

The surrounding structure matters

Posts, beams, trim, soffits, and other surrounding construction affect how the screen can be mounted and how cleanly it can fit into the opening.

Outdoor opening with structural details and obstructions being reviewed for screen fit

Obstructions matter

Lights, handles, downspouts, uneven surfaces, and other obstacles can affect how the screen system needs to be designed.

Homeowner photo of an outdoor opening being used to review insect screen project fit

The opening should be reviewed first

Photos of the opening help Sunrise review whether the project looks like a strong fit before the process moves further.

The cleaner the opening details are at the start, the easier it is to give useful preliminary guidance.

How Sunrise Reviews Insect Screen Projects

Send photos of the opening

Send clear photos of the opening and the surrounding area so Sunrise can understand the layout of the project.

Add rough measurements

Include rough width and height measurements along with your location. This helps make the first review more useful.

Describe what you want to solve

Explain the insect-control issue, how the space is used, and what kind of opening you are trying to screen.

Sunrise reviews the project

Sunrise reviews the opening and may provide preliminary guidance or a preliminary range if the project details are clear enough.

​Next steps if the project is a fit

If the opening looks like a good fit, the process can move into detailed measurement, final scope, and final quoting.

The first step is usually a practical review of the opening and the project details. That starts with the information you send in, so Sunrise can see whether the project looks like a fit before moving into detailed measurement and final quoting.

Better photos and clearer rough measurements make the review process faster and more accurate.

Motorized insect screens FAQ

What are motorized insect screens?

Motorized insect screens are retractable exterior screens designed for larger outdoor openings where insect control matters. They lower into place when needed and retract when you want the opening clear again. They are commonly considered for patios, porches, pergolas, gazebos, and other covered outdoor living spaces.

Where are motorized insect screens usually installed?

They are most often used on patios, porches, pergolas, gazebos, covered decks, and other outdoor living openings where homeowners want better insect control without turning the space into a rigid enclosure. Some larger exterior openings may also be suitable, depending on the structure and layout.

Are these the same as regular window or door screens?

No. Regular window and door screens are a different category. Motorized insect screens are a more custom solution for larger openings where retractable operation, cleaner integration, and broader coverage are part of the project.

What is the main benefit of motorized insect screens?

The main benefit is better control over mosquitoes and other flying insects in outdoor living areas while still keeping the space open, usable, and visually clean. They are often chosen by homeowners who want screened airflow and the ability to retract the screen when it is not needed.

Are motorized insect screens only for decks?

No. Decks are one common application, but they are not the only one. These screens are also often considered for patios, porches, pergolas, gazebos, and other covered outdoor openings where insect control is the main concern.

Can motorized insect screens also help with shade or privacy?

In some cases, they can provide some added shade or privacy depending on the screen selected. However, the main purpose here is insect control. If shade or sun exposure is the main issue, Sunrise may recommend looking at a different screen direction.

Are motorized insect screens security products?

No. They are not security barriers and should not be treated as a substitute for security shutters or other security-focused systems.

Can these screens be operated manually instead of motorized?

​In some cases, yes. Some openings and some screen systems may allow for manual operation. Whether that is possible depends on the opening, the system selected, and how the space is being used.

Can motorized insect screens work with remotes or smart home controls?

Some systems may support controls such as remotes, wall switches, or smart home integration. The exact control options depend on the screen system selected for the project.

Will a motorized insect screen work on any opening?

No. The opening still has to be suitable. Size, structure, mounting surface, surrounding construction, and obstructions all affect whether the project is a good fit and what type of screen solution makes sense.

What do I need to send first for Sunrise to review my project?

Start by sending photos of the opening, rough measurements, your location, and a short description of what you are trying to solve. That gives Sunrise enough information to review the opening and advise on whether the project looks like a fit.

Does Sunrise come out right away for a site visit?

Not usually as the first step. The project is normally reviewed first using the photos, rough measurements, and the details you send in. If the opening looks like a good fit, the process can then move to detailed measurement and final quoting.

Can motorized insect screens be used as weatherproof or winter-ready closures?

No. They should not be treated as weatherproof closures or rigid year-round enclosures. They are designed as screen systems, and the right solution still depends on the opening, the conditions, and the project goals.

Can Sunrise give me pricing right away?

Sunrise may be able to give preliminary guidance or a preliminary range if the photos and rough measurements are clear enough. Final pricing depends on confirmed measurements, opening conditions, system selection, and final project scope.

Send photos and rough measurements to start

If you are considering motorized insect screens for a patio, porch, pergola, gazebo, or another covered outdoor opening, start through the contact page. Send photos of the opening, rough measurements, your location, and a short description of what you want to solve. Sunrise can then review whether the project looks like a fit and advise on next steps.

Photos, rough measurements, location, and project details help Sunrise review fit faster.

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