Choosing the right fly screens for your Auckland home doesn’t have to be complicated. The two most popular options are retractable fly screens and magnetic fly screens. — and both do a great job of keeping insects out. But they’re built for different homes, different doors, and different budgets.
What’s the Difference Between These Fly Screens?
A retractable fly screen rolls or slides into a discreet cassette when not in use. You won’t even know it’s there until you need it. It’s custom-made, professionally installed, and designed to last 10–15 years.
A magnetic fly screen uses a lightweight mesh frame held in place by magnets. It snaps shut automatically, is easy to remove, and is a more affordable entry-level option.
Retractable Fly Screens for Auckland Homes
✅ Sliding doors, ranch sliders, bifold doors, and French doors
✅ Homeowners who want a permanent, seamless solution
✅ Large openings over 2 metres wide
✅ Modern Auckland homes where aesthetics matter
✅ High-traffic doors used multiple times a day
The biggest advantage? When it’s retracted, it’s completely invisible. No bulky frame, no visible mesh — just your view.
At Ecoscreen, our retractable screens are custom-built to fit your exact door or window size, and professionally installed by our Auckland team. They’re wind-resistant, UV-stable, and designed specifically for New Zealand’s coastal climate.
Typical investment: Mid to premium range — best value for permanent installations.
Magnetic Fly Screens for Auckland Homes
✅ Standard windows and smaller door openings
✅ Renters who can’t make permanent changes
✅ Budget-conscious homeowners
✅ DIY installation preference
✅ Secondary doors or rooms used less frequently
Magnetic screens are a great entry point. They’re easy to install, easy to remove, and do a solid job of keeping insects out. The magnets snap shut automatically — so no accidentally leaving a gap open.
Typical investment: More affordable — great for windows and secondary doors.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Retractable | Magnetic | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Doors, large openings | Windows, smaller doors |
| Appearance | Invisible when retracted | Frame visible when installed |
| Durability | 10–15+ years | 3–7 years |
| Installation | Professional | DIY friendly |
| Wind resistance | High | Moderate |
| Price | Mid–premium | Budget–mid |
| Custom fit | Yes | Yes |
What Do Most Auckland Homeowners Choose?
In our experience installing fly screens across Auckland since 2014, most homeowners go with:
- Retractable screens for their main living areas — ranch sliders, bifold doors, and lounge windows where they spend the most time
- Magnetic screens for secondary bedrooms, laundry windows, or rental properties
Many of our customers end up doing both — retractable for the main door, magnetic for the windows. It’s the most cost-effective way to cover the whole house.
Get Fly Screens Installed in Auckland — Free Quote
Not sure which option suits your home? Our Auckland team offers a free measure and quote — we’ll come to you, assess your doors and windows, and recommend the right solution for your budget.
No pressure. No obligation. Just honest advice from a local specialist.
👉 Get Your Free Quote Today 📞 Call us: 021 335 2410
FAQ
Q: Can I get retractable fly screens on all door types? A: Yes — we install retractable screens on ranch sliders, bifold doors, French doors, sliding doors, and most standard hinged doors across Auckland.
Q: How long do retractable fly screens last in Auckland’s climate? A: Our retractable screens are built for NZ’s coastal and humid conditions. With normal use, they last 10–15 years or more.
Q: Are magnetic fly screens good for Auckland’s windy conditions? A: They work well in sheltered areas. For exposed or windy locations — especially on Auckland’s North Shore or coastal properties — we recommend retractable screens for better wind resistance.
Q: Do you install both types? A: Yes — Ecoscreen supplies and installs both retractable and magnetic fly screens across Auckland and surrounding areas.

