Retractable screens for French doors mount dual cassette housings on either side of the frame, drawing two mesh panels to meet at the center when protection is needed. The right system depends on swing direction, local climate, and whether wind retention or floating-edge tracking fits the site. Correctly specified, the screen retracts out of sight and preserves the door's appearance.
French doors create a screening problem that standard formats can't solve. Both panels must swing freely from the outer jambs to create the wide-open portal the design is built around. A fixed screen frame blocks at least one panel the moment it's mounted, defeating the point of having double doors.
Swing direction makes things harder. Most modern French doors push outward to preserve interior floor space. You can't mount a conventional swinging screen door on the same casing as an out-swing French door. The frames collide on each cycle. In-swing configurations create the opposite problem: an interior-mounted screen door projects into the living room and competes with furniture and drapery on a daily basis.
Sliding screens and fixed-frame panels stay visible all the time, permanently occupying half the doorway. For a homeowner in Pacific Palisades who invested in hand-crafted French door hardware and custom paint finishes, that's a design failure each time the doors are closed.
Retractable screens solve all three problems at once. You get full insect protection when the doors are open, full unobstructed clearance when they're closed, and no visible hardware either way.
Phantom Screens has manufactured custom retractable screens since 1992 and operates a nationwide certified dealer network. Among retractable screen brands, it's the most consistently specified by residential designers and general contractors working on West LA properties.
The disappearing design is what French door homeowners respond to most. When the screen is retracted, the mesh sits coiled inside a low-profile aluminum housing that mounts flush to the door jamb. No visible frame, no mesh, no hardware interrupting the view. The housing is powder-coated to match the existing door trim, so even the cassette reads as part of the casing.
Opening French doors to let in fresh air can reduce HVAC reliance during temperate months. Natural cross-ventilation works best when outdoor conditions are cooler than the interior. A screen that looks good and operates smoothly is one homeowners actually use.
The housing material matters most for long-term ownership. Phantom uses extruded 6063-T5 aluminum finished to AAMA 2604 standards, a powder-coat durability benchmark that covers resistance to salt-air corrosion, UV fade, and surface chipping. In Santa Monica and Venice, coastal marine air corrodes cheaper aluminum hardware within a few seasons. This spec holds up.
Where the screen assembly mounts depends on which way the French doors swing. Getting this right is the difference between a system that operates cleanly for years and one that binds or misaligns within weeks.
For in-swing French doors, where the glass panels open into the house, the screen assembly mounts to the exterior side of the door frame. The screens draw across the exterior of the opening. The door panels swing inward behind them without any contact.
For out-swing French doors, where the panels push toward the patio, the cassettes and tracks mount to the interior casing. The screens draw across the interior side of the opening. When retracted, the housing sits inside the indoor door trim and is largely invisible from either direction.
The guide tracks run along the top jamb and the bottom threshold. The bottom track uses a low-profile height to avoid a tripping hazard. It's color-matched to the floor sill so it reads as part of the floor, not as an obstacle.
The cassette housing determines how long the screen mesh actually lasts. The semi-cassette profile encloses the internal roller tube on three sides. When retracted, the fiberglass mesh sits inside that enclosure, shielded from sunlight, rain, pet claws, and grit. The spring-tension mechanism is housed inside the same cassette.
An internal nylon gear system modulates retraction speed. Cheaper spring-loaded screens snap back hard when released, which damages the mesh, misaligns the track, and poses a finger-pinch risk for children. The Phantom mechanism retracts at a controlled pace. That's a durability and safety feature, not a comfort one.
A single active French door panel takes one cassette, mounted on the hinge side of the frame. The slidebar draws across the full width of the opening and latches on the opposing jamb, covering the doorway with no gap. A true double French door, where both panels swing open, requires two cassettes, one on each outer jamb post.
With two cassettes, each screen draws from its respective side toward the center. The vertical slidebars meet in the middle and lock via a center-latching handle or magnetic closure. This setup also lets you deploy one screen while the other stays retracted, useful when you want partial fresh air without opening both panels.
The Legacy series covers standard residential French doors. The Mesh Lock series adds wind retention for exposed locations. Both configurations are available, with height ranges from 78 to 120 inches. That covers the tall French door profiles common in older Beverly Hills and Hancock Park homes.
Mesh choice for a French door retractable screen determines airflow, UV filtration, insect protection, and pet durability. Standard fiberglass suits most applications. Solar mesh blocks heat gain for south-facing doors. The right selection depends on the door's orientation and local conditions.
Standard fiberglass insect mesh (Phifer 18/14 or 20/20) is the practical baseline for most interior-facing or shaded French door applications in Los Angeles. It maximizes airflow while keeping common flying insects out.
Solar control mesh (Phifer SunTex series) uses a denser weave with a 25 percent openness factor to intercept radiant heat before it reaches the glass. Solar mesh at the screen layer can reduce solar heat gain, which may lower cooling demand under suitable conditions. For south- or west-facing French doors in Pasadena or the San Fernando Valley, solar mesh is worth specifying.
Pet-resistant mesh Phantom Screens with Mesh Lock uses a captured-edge system that secures the mesh in the tracks, helping it stand up to everyday pet traffic without blowing out in the wind. Standard insect mesh is fine for basic bug protection, but it is not designed to keep small pets safely inside. If a dog or cat regularly uses the French door, Mesh Lock is the right call from the start.
Phantom Screens aren't sold off a shelf for self-installation. The manufacturer requires certified installation to preserve the warranty. More practically, each screen is custom-fabricated to the specific opening. There are no standard retail sizes.
Peninsula Mobile Screens handles French door screen installation throughout West Los Angeles, including Brentwood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, and the South Bay. The process follows a consistent sequence.
First, a technician visits the property for a free in-home measurement. They inspect the French door frame, confirm the swing direction, identify any structural irregularities, and determine whether a surface mount or recessed mount fits the specific casing. Older Spanish Colonial homes on the Westside frequently have frames that are slightly out of square after decades of settling.
Second, the housing, guide tracks, and internal spring mechanism are custom-fabricated to the confirmed dimensions. The spring tension is calibrated specifically to the width of the opening. A tension setting that works on a 36-inch single door causes a 72-inch double screen to sag.
Third, the installation crew mounts the housing, sets the guide tracks flush at the top and bottom, installs the slidebar, and aligns the center-latching mechanism. The technician runs the screen through multiple full-extension cycles, confirms the latch alignment, and walks the homeowner through the maintenance routine before leaving. Most installations run 30 to 60 minutes per door unit.
For a standard double French door opening in Los Angeles, Peninsula Mobile Screens installs Phantom Screen systems in the range of $1,400 to $1,800 fully installed. The figure varies by configuration and mesh selection. For a single active French door panel, the typical range is $800 to $1,100 installed.
Those ranges reflect the Legacy series with standard fiberglass insect mesh. The upper end of each range moves up with mesh upgrades (solar control, or premium color-match finishes. The Mesh Lock series adds mechanical mesh retention, locking it inside the top and bottom tracks rather than allowing it to float.
Multi-panel configurations and motorized screens on wide architectural openings are quoted individually based on measured dimensions and motor specification.
These figures are estimates. The exact number for your specific doors depends on measured dimensions, frame condition, swing direction, and options selected. A free measurement appointment confirms the actual quote with no obligation.
Phantom retractable screens need less upkeep than traditional fixed screen doors, but a minimal routine keeps the mechanism running correctly and protects the warranty.
The bottom track collects dust, pet hair, and debris from the patio or yard. Vacuum it monthly using a crevice attachment. Debris packed into the track creates friction against the slidebar guides, causing the screen to drag or mistrack. A minute of vacuuming prevents a service call.
For lubrication, use 100 percent silicone spray on the top and bottom tracks once a year. Apply the spray, then run the screen through several full cycles to distribute it evenly. Don't use WD-40 or any petroleum-based lubricant. Petroleum residue attracts airborne grit, forms a paste inside the track, and degrades the nylon components.
During Santa Ana events in fall, retract the screens when you're not actively using them. Extended exposure to high-velocity wind stresses the internal tension springs and can work floating-edge mesh out of the guide tracks. This is normal physics for any floating-edge screen. Retract when the wind picks up and extend again when it calms.
Repair is typically the right answer before replacement. Because Phantom Screens use standardized mechanical parts and custom aluminum components, most common failure points can be addressed individually without pulling out the whole system.
Mesh replacement is the most frequent repair. Torn or punctured fiberglass mesh can be restrung onto the existing roller tube. If the original mesh was standard insect grade and the household now has a pet, a repair is also a good time to upgrade.
Spring tension adjustment addresses screens that retract too slowly, sag at full extension, or snap back harder than they should. Tension can shift over time with heavy use. A technician can re-tension the spring without removing the housing from the wall.
Latch and handle adjustment covers misaligned center latches on double-door setups, handles that need excessive force to release, and magnetic closures that have lost retention strength. These are straightforward mechanical fixes that typically take less than 30 minutes on site.
Track cleaning and re-lubrication resolves binding and uneven retraction. When routine vacuuming gets skipped, grit packs into the guide channel and binds the slidebar. A professional cleaning and silicone treatment restores smooth operation in most cases.
Peninsula Mobile Screens provides screen door repair in Los Angeles across the full West LA service area. Repairs use authentic Phantom replacement components, so the work preserves the manufacturer's coverage rather than voiding it.
The degree of privacy depends on which mesh is installed, and it's worth setting accurate expectations before choosing. Standard fiberglass insect mesh has a 56 percent openness factor, which means negligible visual privacy. Someone standing close to the screen from outside can see through it clearly in daylight.
Solar control mesh changes this meaningfully. Phifer SunTex has a 25 percent openness factor that makes interiors less visible from outside during daylight, when exterior light is brighter than interior light. This is a contrast effect, not true privacy. It reduces visibility under favorable lighting conditions, not in all situations. At night, when interior lighting reverses the contrast, the effect disappears.
For French doors facing a neighbor's yard or a public walkway, solar mesh is a practical upgrade for daytime visibility.
Phantom retractable screens include two features that directly benefit households with pets and children. The first is a controlled retraction mechanism that prevents the snap-back hazard common in spring-loaded screens. The second is a low-profile bottom track that eliminates the raised threshold lip that causes tripping. Standard spring-loaded screens snap back hard enough to trap small fingers. The internal nylon gear system modulates return speed so a child can step back safely.
The low-profile bottom track removes the raised threshold lip that framed screen doors typically have, which is a common tripping hazard for young children moving quickly. The latch handle also requires a deliberate press-and-pull to release, so most young children can't open it without adult assistance.
For pets, mesh selection plays a big role in long-term performance. Standard fiberglass mesh is not built for repeated contact, while pet-specific screen options are designed to better handle clawing, pushing, and everyday wear. Choosing a heavier-duty mesh at installation can help avoid the cost and hassle of replacing damaged standard screening later.
The Mesh Lock series adds containment beyond mesh strength. Because the mesh edge locks into the top and bottom track channels rather than floating, a pet pressing against the mesh can't work it out of the guide channel. For households where a dog has previously dislodged a lighter screen, Mesh Lock provides the additional retention that standard configurations lack.
In most cases, yes. Phantom's design makes HOA approval easier to obtain than many homeowners expect, because the visual impact on the building's exterior is minimal.
The semi-cassette housing mounts flush to the interior or exterior jamb and doesn't project beyond the door frame in a way that visibly alters the building elevation. When the screen is retracted, which is most of the time, the cassette reads as part of the door casing. Because the housing is low-profile and color-matched, it may be easier to approve than a permanently visible screen door. Requirements vary by association, and homeowners should obtain written approval before installation where required.
Color availability covers most common door frame finishes used in Southern California residential construction: white, bronze, beige, almond, and darker tones. The Decoral wood-grain series matches stained wood profiles. Custom paint-code matching is available for strict HOA color requirements.
Installation requires no structural modification to the door frame. The housing and tracks are surface-mounted with screws by the professional installation crew and can be removed without leaving permanent damage. That reversibility matters to HOA boards that are cautious about lasting changes.
For Brentwood and Beverly Hills condo owners or HOA-governed homes, Peninsula Mobile Screens works with homeowners on documentation for review, including product spec sheets and photos of completed installations. A custom door screen consultation in Brentwood covers the options most likely to satisfy a review board's requirements.
The architectural character of West Los Angeles, from Brentwood to Beverly Hills to Bel-Air, is built around indoor-outdoor living. Spanish Colonial Revival, Mediterranean, Mid-Century Modern, and Cape Cod-style homes in these neighborhoods use French doors to connect interior great rooms to backyard loggias and pool decks. It's how these homes were designed to be lived in.
That lifestyle has been complicated by the spread of Aedes aegypti in Los Angeles County, where the mosquito is now one of the invasive species documented by state public health officials. Los Angeles County Public Health also notes that climate change creates favorable conditions for mosquitoes, including warmer weather and heavier rainstorms.
Unlike native Culex mosquitoes that are most active at dusk, Aedes aegypti bites throughout the day. It breeds in very small standing water sources: a potted plant saucer, a clogged yard drain, even a bottle cap. That makes it difficult to eliminate from residential properties.
Leaving French doors open during the day no longer carries the low-risk assumption it once did. A screen that was previously optional for comfort has become a practical necessity for homeowners who want to maintain the indoor-outdoor lifestyle their homes were built for. Phantom Screens fill that role without changing how the doors operate or how the home looks.
A retractable screen works best for homeowners who want to preserve their door's appearance and need a system compatible with both in-swing and out-swing configurations. It should be backed by a lifetime warranty on mechanical components.
It's well suited for homes with premium French doors worth protecting: custom hardware, architectural glass, or historic trim profiles. It's a good fit when the homeowner won't accept a screen that stays visible. It's also the right call when the application includes pets, children, or coastal salt exposure that would defeat cheaper alternatives within a season or two.
A different format may suit very high-traffic service entries where doors open and close dozens of times per day. If a latched retractable screen adds friction to that flow, a heavy-duty swinging screen door handles the volume better.
For the West LA homeowner with quality French doors leading to a garden or patio, a retractable screen is the durable, low-profile, professionally installed option. The retractable screen options covers configurations available for different door types and site conditions.
Comparing retractable screen brands for French door applications comes down to three questions. How does the center seam handle? How does the screen perform in wind? How does the frame hold up locally? Premium brands differ meaningfully on all three.
Mirage Screen Systems is the most direct competitor in the premium manual retractable segment. Mirage uses Teflon-infused plastic guides in the track channel, reducing the pulling force needed to extend the screen. Their handle releases the center seal with a pivot-rotation of the wrist rather than a direct pull. That's a real advantage for elderly users or children who struggle with a pull-force latch. Mirage also offers a broader standard color palette. The primary limitation in Los Angeles applications is wind retention. Mirage uses a floating-edge track design, meaning the mesh can blow out of the guide channel during Santa Ana events.
ClearView Screen Doors manufactures domestically and offers a lifetime warranty that explicitly covers the mesh fabric in addition to the mechanical components. Most brands, including Phantom, exclude mesh from their lifetime coverage. ClearView has faster regional delivery times and strong custom powder-coating options. The trade-off is a smaller dealer footprint across Southern California.
Wizard Retractable Screens specializes in wide-span architectural openings. For standard French door widths, their performance is comparable to other premium brands. Their product differentiation becomes more relevant at oversized spans.
For Los Angeles homeowners, the wind retention question is the deciding factor at most addresses. Santa Ana events generate sustained pressure that blows floating-edge mesh out of its track with regularity. Phantom's Mesh Lock configuration physically locks the mesh edge inside the top and bottom channels. Captured-edge systems generally provide stronger mesh retention than standard floating-edge configurations.
| Brand | Best Application | Wind Retention | Mesh Warranty | LA Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phantom Legacy | Standard residential French doors | Moderate | Excluded | Via Peninsula Mobile Screens |
| Phantom Mesh Lock | Wind-exposed or coastal locations | High | Excluded | Via Peninsula Mobile Screens |
| Mirage | High-traffic homes, low-force operation | Moderate | Excluded | Regional dealers |
| ClearView | Buyers prioritizing mesh warranty | Moderate | Included | Smaller dealer network |
| Wizard | Large architectural openings | Moderate | Dealer-dependent | Limited LA presence |
Phantom Screen installation on French doors requires calibration that can't be replicated by a general handyman. The system runs under continuous spring tension, and that tension must be matched to the exact span of the opening. A screen calibrated for a 36-inch single door will bind or sag at 72 inches. A track mounted even slightly out of level causes the slidebar to drift low and eventually bind.
Peninsula Mobile Screens performs all Phantom installations with factory-trained technicians using authentic Phantom components. The process runs in four steps.
The site assessment confirms frame geometry. Older Los Angeles homes present a specific challenge. Spanish Revival bungalows in Hancock Park, Mid-Century structures in Silver Lake and Los Feliz, and Cape Cod-style homes in Bel-Air often have frames that settled unevenly. The technician measures the opening at multiple points to capture any taper. A frame that measures 72 inches at the top but 71.5 inches at the bottom requires the fabrication spec to account for that difference.
Once the components arrive, fabricated to the confirmed dimensions, the crew mounts the housing, sets the guide tracks, installs the slidebar, and calibrates the center-latching mechanism. Silicone lubrication is applied to the tracks at installation. The technician then runs the screen through multiple full-extension cycles to confirm smooth operation and verify the center latch engages cleanly.
The limited lifetime warranty on mechanical and aluminum components is contingent on certified professional installation. A screen self-installed or installed by an uncertified party voids that coverage. The warranty covers a correctly calibrated system, not arbitrary component mounting.
The pricing for retractable screen door installation in Los Angeles reflects the custom-fabricated, professionally installed nature of the product. The figures below represent typical ranges from Peninsula Mobile Screens for Phantom installations. All figures are fully installed and include measurement, fabrication, and certified labor.
| Configuration | Series | Typical Installed Range |
|---|---|---|
| Single French door (one active panel) | Legacy | $800 – $1,100 |
| Double French doors (both panels active) | Legacy | $1,400 – $1,800 |
| Single door, wind-retention upgrade | Mesh Lock | Add approx. $200–$300 to Legacy single |
| Double door, wind-retention upgrade | Mesh Lock | Add approx. $300–$400 to Legacy double |
| Solar control mesh upgrade | SunTex / SunScreen | Quoted per unit |
| Pet-resistant mesh upgrade | Phantom Screens | Quoted per unit |
| Custom color-match or decorative wood-grain finish | Decoral series | Quoted per unit |
Oversized openings, multi-panel configurations, and motorized systems are quoted individually based on measured dimensions. A free in-home measurement appointment confirms the exact quote for your specific doors with no obligation.
The total cost of ownership is the relevant comparison, not the upfront price. A magnetic mesh screen at $40 to $80 typically lasts one to two seasons before the adhesive fails, the center magnets lose retention, or the polyester mesh tears. At two replacements per year, the five-year outlay on a magnetic screen approaches the one-time cost of a Phantom installation. It won't deliver comparable insect protection, wind resistance, or visual quality. A double retractable screen door system for French doors, installed and maintained correctly, eliminates that recurring replacement cycle.
Choosing a screen format for French doors comes down to one question: what happens to the screen when the doors are closed? That answer separates the formats more clearly than any other comparison.
Retractable screens store the mesh inside a protective housing when not in use. No visible frame, no permanent fixture, no impact on the appearance of the doors when they're closed. Custom fabrication to the exact opening dimensions means there are no edge gaps. The system works with both in-swing and out-swing configurations without structural conflict.
Magnetic mesh screens are adhesive-mounted polyester panels with a row of center-aligned magnets that meet when the two halves come together. They cost $30 to $80 at retail and install in minutes. They have no structural frame, so they billow and blow open in any meaningful breeze. The adhesive tape degrades quickly under Southern California UV. The center magnet seal opens easily under hand, shoulder, or pet contact. For homeowners with premium French doors, the visual mismatch is also apparent regardless of color.
Hinged screen doors provide durable protection and need no special operating technique. They can't be mounted on out-swing French doors on the same casing without frame conflict. On in-swing configurations, an interior-mounted hinged screen door creates a permanently visible frame projecting into the living space. Hinged doors are well suited for single-swing entry doors. They're a poor fit for true double French door geometry.
Sliding screen doors work well on sliding patio door systems. On French doors, a sliding screen permanently blocks one panel half of the doorway. That defeats the primary reason someone has double French doors in the first place.
| Format | Visible When Doors Closed | Works on Out-Swing French Doors | Wind Resistance | Typical Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Retractable (premium) | No | Yes | High with Mesh Lock | 10–20+ years |
| Magnetic mesh | Yes | Yes | Very low | 1–2 seasons |
| Hinged screen door | Yes | No | High | 10–15 years |
| Sliding screen | Yes | No | High in track | 5–10 years |
Mesh selection for French door retractable screens varies across Los Angeles. The city spans dramatically different microclimates, and the mesh that performs best in Malibu is not the right spec for Pasadena.
Coastal neighborhoods (Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, Venice, Malibu) require AAMA 2604-rated aluminum housing above all else. Salt air corrodes unprotected hardware aggressively. Cheap aluminum castings and lower-grade anodized frames oxidize visibly within two to three seasons in these environments. Standard Phifer fiberglass insect mesh performs well once the frame spec is correct. Solar mesh is worth adding for west-facing doors that also receive direct afternoon sun.
Inland valley and foothill communities (Pasadena, Encino, Sherman Oaks, Glendale, Burbank) face sustained summer heat that regularly exceeds 100°F. Phifer SunTex solar mesh is the preferred spec here. Solar mesh intercepts radiant solar heat before it passes through the glass, which can reduce cooling load when outdoor temperatures are high and doors are open. The U.S. Department of Energy says heat gain and heat loss through windows account for 25% to 30% of residential heating and cooling energy use, which is why low-SHGC windows or solar-control mesh can improve cooling performance. Standard insect mesh, by itself, is not designed to reduce solar heat gain.
Wind-exposed locations (canyon ridges, hillside lots in the Hollywood Hills, properties in the Antelope Valley corridor) should use the Mesh Lock configuration with any mesh type. The captured-edge system keeps the mesh in the top and bottom tracks during Santa Ana events regardless of mesh density.
Pet households Dog door and pet screen solutions are a separate category, but for retractable French door screens used daily by pets, Phantom Screens with the Mesh Lock option is the correct baseline. It costs marginally more than standard insect mesh and lasts significantly longer under pet contact.
Phantom Screens are sold and installed through the manufacturer's certified dealer network. Purchasing from an unauthorized source, including online marketplaces or uncertified contractors, voids the manufacturer's warranty. Homeowners searching for a certified local installer in Los Angeles need a dealer who carries authentic components, handles proper fabrication, and backs the work with a warranted installation.
Peninsula Mobile Screens is a certified Phantom dealer serving Los Angeles County and surrounding communities. Phantom screens installation is handled by factory-trained technicians, not subcontractors, which is why each completed job carries the manufacturer's limited lifetime warranty on mechanical components. The service area covers West Los Angeles including Brentwood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, Bel-Air, and Malibu. Peninsula Mobile Screens also serves the South Bay, the San Fernando Valley, Pasadena, and Glendale.
The process starts with a free in-home measurement appointment. A factory-trained technician visits the property, assesses the door frame, confirms the configuration, and produces a firm quote. Fabrication begins only after the homeowner approves the quote.
Because Peninsula Mobile Screens is a certified dealer, each installation carries Phantom's limited lifetime warranty on mechanical components and aluminum housing. Contact the company directly to schedule a measurement.
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Yes. French doors can be screened effectively with a retractable screen system. Traditional fixed screens block one or both swinging panels, which defeats the purpose of the design. A retractable system mounts dual cassette housings on either side of the door frame and draws two mesh panels to meet at the center when protection is needed. Both panels retract out of sight when the doors are closed.
A retractable screen is the most effective format for French doors because it's the one that doesn't require a permanent visible frame. Magnetic mesh panels billow in the wind and lack structural retention. Hinged screen doors can't be mounted on out-swing French doors without frame conflict. A retractable screen works with both swing directions, disappears when not in use, and can be specified with mesh suited to the specific environment.
For a standard double French door opening in the Los Angeles area, a Phantom Screen system installed by Peninsula Mobile Screens typically runs $1,400 to $1,800 fully installed. For a single active French door panel, the range is $800 to $1,100. Variance within each range reflects mesh selection, color matching, and series. The exact price is confirmed at the free measurement appointment.
For most West LA homeowners with premium French doors, the answer is yes when you compare total cost over five to ten years rather than upfront price. Magnetic mesh screens last one to two seasons at $40 to $80 each, so the recurring cost adds up while protection quality stays low. DIY retractable kits rarely fit historic or custom French door frames correctly, leaving edge gaps and often voiding the manufacturer warranty within months. Phantom Screens are custom-fabricated to the measured opening, installed by a certified technician, and backed by a limited lifetime warranty on mechanical and aluminum components.
A single configuration uses one cassette on the hinge side. The slidebar draws across the full opening and latches on the opposing jamb. A double configuration uses two cassettes, one on each outer post, with both screens drawing to center and locking together. The double setup can also run with just one screen deployed if only one door panel is open.
The mounting location reverses based on swing direction. In-swing French doors get the screen assembly on the exterior side of the frame, so the doors can swing inward without contact. Out-swing French doors get the assembly on the interior casing, where the housing sits flush and out of sight when retracted. In both cases the screen and door panel never share the same space.
For a standard French door or patio doorway, professional retractable screen installation in Los Angeles typically ranges from $800 to $1,800 depending on configuration, door size, and series. Single-door configurations are at the lower end of that range. Double French door configurations with mesh or series upgrades land at the upper end. Motorized and oversized configurations are quoted individually. These figures reflect Phantom Screen installations by Peninsula Mobile Screens and include measurement, fabrication, and certified labor.
Yes. Both slidebars draw to the center and connect. The Legacy series uses a magnetic profile at the meeting point. The Mesh Lock series uses a mechanical latch instead. The magnetic seal is insect-tight under normal conditions. The mechanical latch stays closed under wind pressure or pet contact, which makes it the better choice in those situations.
For wind-exposed West Los Angeles locations, a captured-edge configuration is the stronger specification. It keeps the mesh locked in the tracks during Santa Ana events rather than allowing it to blow out. For protected locations where ease of operation is the priority, a lower-force pivot-handle system may suit elderly users or young children better. A free measurement appointment includes a recommendation specific to the address and conditions.
Yes. Peninsula Mobile Screens provides certified installation throughout West Los Angeles, including custom door screens in Brentwood, custom door screens in Beverly Hills, and custom door screens in Santa Monica. The service area also covers Pacific Palisades, Bel-Air, Malibu, the South Bay, Pasadena, and the San Fernando Valley. Schedule a free in-home measurement appointment to get a confirmed quote and installation timeline for your French doors.
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This article is intended for general informational purposes about Phantom Screens, French door screening options, and related home improvement considerations in Los Angeles County. Product performance, mesh selection, installation requirements, pricing, warranty coverage, and service availability may vary by opening size, door configuration, site conditions, and selected options.
Building codes, fire safety regulations, HOA rules, and HPOZ or historic preservation requirements vary by jurisdiction within Los Angeles County and can change over time. Verify current requirements with the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety, local fire authorities, your HOA, and any relevant Historic Preservation office before purchasing or installing a screen system.
This content is not legal, engineering, or installation advice. For guidance specific to your property, consult a licensed contractor, a certified Phantom dealer, or the appropriate local building official. For emergencies, contact local emergency services immediately.
This article was authored by the Peninsula Mobile Screens team, a family-run business serving the Greater Los Angeles area since 1999. The content draws directly from over two decades of experience in mobile screen services and reflects the company's own history and growth journey.
