Retractable screens are a great way to keep bugs out while letting fresh air in during warmer months. Two of the most popular retractable screen brands are ClearView and Phantom Screens.
But which one should you choose for your home?
Here’s an in-depth comparison of ClearView and Phantom Screens to help you decide.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | ClearView | Phantom Screens |
| Opening Types | Doors, windows, patios, garages, large openings | Primarily doors, windows, large openings |
| Frame Material | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Frame Color Options | Many finishes available | White or brown only |
| Screen Material | Fiberglass mesh | Fiberglass mesh |
| Lift System | Manual or motorized | Manual or motorized |
| Installation | Professional recommended | Designed for DIY |
| Cost | $600-$2500, higher end | $500-$900, more budget friendly |
| Warranty Length | Varies by part | Part warranties tend to be longer |
| Customer Service | Hit or miss at times | More extensive DIY resources |
| Company History | 70+ years experience | Founded in 1992 |
| Ideal Applications | Large or complex openings | Typical doors and windows |
Overview of ClearView Retractable Screens
ClearView is one of the most well-known and largest manufacturers of retractable screens in North America. The company was founded in 1951 and is based out of York, Pennsylvania.
Some key things to know about ClearView retractable screens:
- Available for doors, windows, patios, garages, and large openings
- Custom-fit to size of each opening
- Frames constructed from aluminum
- Screen material is fiberglass, pet-resistant, solar transparent, and available in multiple colors
- Lift system either manual or motorized
- Screens retract into housing when not in use
- Multiple warranties offered on parts and labor
ClearView aims to provide retractable screens that are high-quality, easy to use, and built to last.
They focus on precision-fitting their screens for a tight, seamless fit.
Overview of Phantom Retractable Screens
Phantom Screens is another industry-leading manufacturer of retractable screens. They are based out of Abbotsford, BC, Canada and have been in business since 1992.
Some key details about Phantom retractable screen systems:
- Custom-sized for doors, windows, large openings
- Aluminum frames with fiberglass screen material
- Pet resistant, solar transparent screens in various colors
- Manual and motorized lift systems offered
- Screens retract into housings to open space when retracted
- Designed for easy DIY installation
- Warranties on materials and mechanisms
Phantom Screens aims to provide maximum fresh air and visibility while keeping pests out.
They focus on innovation and quality manufacturing.
Major Differences Between ClearView and Phantom Screens
Now that you have an overview of both brands, let’s look at some of the major differences between ClearView and Phantom Screens:
Opening Types
- ClearView offers retractable screens for more opening types than Phantom. ClearView has screens for doors, windows, patios, garages, and extra large openings. Phantom primarily focuses on doors, windows, and large openings.
Frame Material
- Both use aluminum frames for strength, durability, and corrosion resistance. ClearView offers a wider selection of frame finishes.
Screen Material
- Phantom lets you choose from a few more screen material options, but both brands use quality fiberglass material that provides clarity, solar transparency, and tear resistance.
Lift System
- ClearView and Phantom both have manual and motorized lift options. Phantom offers more motorized varieties whereas ClearView has more manual systems.
Customization
- Both brands allow you to customize screens to precisely fit your openings. However, ClearView may have more sizing options.
Installation
- Phantom Screens are designed for DIY installation. ClearView recommends professional installation for proper fit and operation.
Price
- Phantom Screens are generally a bit more budget-friendly, while ClearView products skew towards the higher end.
Reputation
- Both companies have excellent reputations and warranties, standing behind the quality of their products. ClearView has a longer track record, being in business for over 70 years.
Availability
- Phantom Screens are sold internationally but most popular in Canada. ClearView has wide distribution throughout the USA.
As you can see, there are some noticeable differences between the two brands. Choosing between ClearView and Phantom Screens really depends on your specific needs and application.
ClearView Retractable Screens Pros and Cons
To make the differences even more clear, let’s break down the major pros and cons of ClearView retractable screens:
ClearView Pros:
- Wide range of opening types and sizes
- Aluminum frame resists corrosion
- Fiberglass screen provides clarity and durability
- Custom-fit for flawless functionality
- Lift system options: manual or motorized
- Disappears into housing when retracted
- Established American company, in business 70+ years
- Excellent warranties on products
- Professional installation for proper setup
ClearView Cons:
- More expensive than some brands
- Primarily a U.S. company, may have limited dealers in some areas
- Screens may need re-tensioning over time
- Manual screens can be tricky to retract evenly
- Need to be mindful of wind when extended
- Professional installation adds cost
Phantom Retractable Screens Pros and Cons
Moving on to the pros and cons of Phantom Screens:
Phantom Pros:
- Custom-fit for doors, windows, and large openings
- Aluminum frame is strong and rust-resistant
- Wide selection of fiberglass screen materials
- Manual and motorized lift options
- Disappears into housing when not needed
- Designed for DIY installation
- Canadian company but distributes internationally
- Good value pricing
- Warranties on parts and mechanisms
Phantom Cons:
- Smaller selection of opening types than some brands
- Limited frame finish options
- Screen material choices not as wide as some
- Manual screens prone to uneven retraction
- Motorized options are more expensive
- DIY installation can be tricky if inexperienced
- Not as long of a track record as ClearView
- May have limited North American dealer network
Once again, the pros and cons show the key differences between the two brands. Phantom offers very good quality at more affordable pricing, while ClearView leans towards higher-end products.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Between ClearView and Phantom Screens
The variety of differences between ClearView and Phantom Screens means you should carefully assess your needs when deciding between the two brands. Here are some of the key factors to consider:
- Type and size of openings – Measure where you want retractable screens installed and pick a brand that can accommodate your openings. Both work for doors and windows but ClearView has more options for large spaces.
- Manual or motorized – Do you want to operate your screens by hand or have them motorized? This impacts ease of use and pricing.
- DIY or professional installation – Phantom Screens cater to DIYers while ClearView recommends professional installers for optimal results. Consider your skill level.
- Frame color and finish – If you want more frame color choices, ClearView has more finishes to match your home decor.
- Screen material – Assess if you need solar transparent or sunblocking screens based on the window exposure.
- Budget – Phantom Screens are generally more affordable. ClearView retractable screens come at a higher price point.
- Warranties – Both offer strong product warranties but the length may differ. Review coverage details.
- Where you live – Availability can vary regionally, so see which brand has better representation in your area.
Once you weigh all of these factors against your own needs, you’ll find one brand emerges as the better choice over the other for your particular application.
Quality and Performance Comparison
When it comes to quality and performance, both ClearView and Phantom Screens are excellent products that serve their purpose well. Here’s an overview:
- Quality – The brands are closely matched on quality. Both use corrosion-resistant aluminum and durable fiberglass screen material. Their products are built to last year after year.
- Visibility – The fiberglass material provides clear outward visibility and brightness with minimal screen obstruction.
- Insect control – The tight mesh keeps out even tiny insects like flies and gnats. The screens help reduce reliance on chemical sprays.
- Operation – Smooth retraction makes the screens easy to open and close. Motorized systems are especially convenient.
- Appearance – Streamlined housings have minimal visual impact on home exterior when closed. Screens look crisp when extended.
- Weather resistance – Sturdy construction withstands wind, rain, and weather extremes. Provides ventilation in any season.
- Lifespan – With proper care and maintenance, these products last 5-15 years or longer before needing any major repairs.
While minor differences exist, both brands deliver excellent retractable screens that enhance home comfort, visibility, and insect control. The quality is on par with both ClearView and Phantom Screens.
Cost Comparison
When it comes to pricing, here is an overview of what to expect:
- ClearView – Typically $600-$1200 for a standard entry door screen with professional installation. Larger and custom openings can cost $1500-$2500.
- Phantom – Approximately $500-$900 for a standard entry door depending on frame and lift system. Similar pricing to ClearView for large or custom screens.
- DIY vs Professional Install – Installation accounts for about 25% of the total project cost. DIY Phantom Screens cost less overall.
- Motorized Systems – Motorized lift systems add about $150-$300+ over a manual retractable screen.
- Service Calls – Any post-installation service calls average $100-$150 per hour for labor and any needed repairs.
As you can see, both brands have significant product and installation costs. The overall investment pays for itself over time when you consider the benefits of reduced pesticide use, prevention of indoor damage, improved air circulation, and enhanced comfort.
Appearance Comparison
When choosing retractable screens, you want a product that looks clean and streamlined on your home’s exterior. Here is how ClearView and Phantom Screens compare aesthetically when installed:
- Housing – The protective housing for both brands has a low profile rectangular shape. Phantom’s is slightly more compact while ClearView offers more colors.
- Frame – The aluminum frame for each is narrow and trim. Phantom only comes in white or brown. ClearView has more finish options.
- Screen material – Crisp fiberglass material provides outward visibility for both. It’s taut and flat, not saggy.
- Transition points – Minimal light seepage around edges when installed properly. Housing and frame edges align cleanly.
- When retracted – Disappears from view into tidy housing. Only the housing is visible on the home exterior.
- When extended – Presents a sharp, rectangular screen surface across the opening. Doesn’t obstruct your view out significantly.
Overall, both options integrate with home design well thanks to tidy housing and frames around the screens. It’s mainly a matter of which brand’s finishes and colors better match your home style and color scheme.
Ease of Use Comparison
Retractable screens need to be simple to operate for maximum enjoyment. Here is how user-friendly ClearView and Phantom Screens are:
- Manual operation – Pulling down and pushing up with your hands. Smooth retraction makes it easy. Some technique needed for even roll-up.
- Motorized operation – Push button or remote controlled. Convenient and effortless to open and close.
- Adjustments – Once professionally installed, not much adjustment needed. But screens may need periodic re-tensioning.
- Accessories – Available helpful add-ons include remote controls, sun sensors, wind sensors, and screen cleaners.
- Maintenance – Low maintenance. Just occasional cleaning, hardware checks, and mesh inspections.
- Troubleshooting – Some tricks can fix issues like uneven retraction. But professional help may be needed for repairing broken components.
In most cases, the screens glide smoothly with minimal hassle. Motorized systems make operation easiest. But a bit of learning curve exists for maneuvering manual systems.
Durability Comparison
You don’t want your retractable screens tearing or breaking easily. Here is how the durability and longevity of ClearView and Phantom Screens compare:
- Frame strength – Sturdy aluminum resists dents, warping, and corrosion. Built to last for years of regular use.
- Screen resilience – Fibreglass material is tear-resistant and doesn’t sag. Withstands kids, pets, weather, and more.
- Weather resistance – Screens are tested in extreme weather. Waterproof housing protects mechanisms when closed.
- Wear and tear – Moving parts like springs and rollers eventually wear. But have lifespan of 10-15 years or more.
- Hardware – Hinges, latches, and lift systems made of durable materials that don’t easily break from use.
- Warranties – Parts and mechanisms generally have 1-5 year warranties. Covers manufacturing defects.
With proper installation and care, these screens remain in top shape for many years before repairs are needed. The brands are comparable for durability and longevity.
Customer Support Comparison
It’s important to have good customer service backing your product. Here is how ClearView and Phantom’s customer support compare:
- Warranties – Both offer warranties on materials, parts, and mechanisms. Phantom’s tend to be a bit longer for full coverage.
- Technicians – ClearView relies on dealers for installation and service. Phantom has dedicated technicians but uses dealers for repairs.
- DIY Repairs – Phantom’s designed for DIY repairs. ClearView recommends contacting technicians.
- Service calls – ClearView’s dealer network allows for widespread service. Phantom has limited techs so third-parties help with repairs.
- Response time – Customers report quick response times for standard warranty issues from both brands. More complex repairs can take longer.
- Customer service – Knowledgeable teams to answer questions for both companies. ClearView gets mixed reviews occasionally.
- Resources – FAQs, instructions, troubleshooting tips, and videos provided. Phantom seems to have more extensive owner resources.
Overall, both brands provide decent customer support. But Phantom may have an edge with more DIY repair guidance and accessible warranty service.
Ideal Applications For Each Brand
Based on their respective strengths, here are the ideal applications for each brand:
Best applications for ClearView retractable screens
- Extra large doorways and openings
- Full garage door screens
- Unique shaped windows
- Covered patios and outdoor spaces
- Matching special frame colors
- Tight, seamless fit needed
Best applications for Phantom retractable screens
- Typical doors and windows
- Budget-friendly projects
- DIY installation
- Basic white or brown frames
- Easy motorized access desired
- Frequent ingress/egress
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, Phantom Screens are regarded as high-quality, durable retractable screen systems that serve their purpose well. They offer smooth operation, clear visibility, and good insect protection. As one of the top brands, Phantom’s products are on par with competitors like ClearView.
Mirage is the proprietary name for Phantom Screen’s mesh material. So Mirage and Phantom screens are the same product. The key difference from competitors is Phantom uses the unique Mirage translucent fabric that provides clarity, solar control, and insect protection.
The best type of screen door is a heavy-duty retractable screen made by a reputable brand like ClearView or Phantom Screens. Retractable door screens provide complete insect protection when extended while conveniently disappearing into a housing when you want an unobstructed opening.
Phantom window screens are retractable screen systems custom-sized to fit over windows. They are window-specific versions of Phantom’s retractable screens which feature durable aluminum frames holding tight mesh screening material. The window screens retract into a slim housing when not needed for a clean, invisible look.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, ClearView and Phantom Screens both make exceptional retractable screen systems. They have similar qualities like aluminum frames, fiberglass mesh, smooth operation and crisp appearance.
Key differences come down to pricing, where openings they work for, availability in your region, and if you want DIY or professional installation.
As you choose between ClearView vs Phantom Screens, focus on which brand better fits your budget, design needs, and application. For large or complex openings, ClearView is likely the better choice.
For typical doors and windows on a budget, Phantom Screens get the job done reliably. Either brand delivers significant benefits over fixed screens in terms of full ventilation control, pest prevention, and unobstructed views.
Carefully weigh the pros and cons to pick the ideal retractable screens for your home.
Ralph, Really appreciate this article. For new construction on northern Lake Michigan, we will have a northwest facing screen porch and looking at retractable screens on two sides spanning a width of 26′ wide by 16′ deep (though the retractable portion would likely be 26×13′). We’d like to maximize the screen/minimize the view-obstructing posts, but are aware of the cons of larger screens. Two questions: Is there a rule of thumb on ideal screen size as far as durability and tensioning? We are not there year round, so the wind issue comes into play – how high of winds can these retractable screens tolerate in the down position? Thanks