Entrepreneur Names Screenmobile #1 Home Repair Franchise

Screenmobile is proud to announce that it has been named Entrepreneur magazine’s #1 Home Repair Franchise — considered the world’s first, best and most comprehensive franchise ranking. Screenmobile has long been a member of the Franchise 500 list under the “Home Repairs” category and climbing up the magazine’s “Top Franchises for Less Than $100,000” list over the previous two years.

The prestigious award validates our progress and the past year’s accomplishments, including reaching more than 140 franchisees nationwide. 

About The Best of the Best

Entrepreneur magazine’s “best of the best” are the franchises that ranked not only in the increasingly competitive Franchise 500 list this year but also at the top of their respective industry categories. The Franchise 500 evaluates companies based on more than 150 data points in costs and fees, size and growth, franchisee support, branding strength, and financial stability. 

All franchises receive a score based on more than 150 data points, and the 500 franchises with the highest scores join the Franchise 500® in ranking order. Screenmobile has topped that order and taken first place in the “Home Repair” category.

What Makes Screenmobile Franchise Best of the Best?

Our commitment to customer satisfaction, convenience, and professionalism. 

Our mission was to reinvent the screening industry by offering high-quality, stylish screens and outdoor living concepts to home improvement projects around the country at reasonable pricing. Screenmobile’s unmatched commitment to customer satisfaction and convenience is just one way we make home improvement projects a breeze. With a single visit, a Screenmobile representative arrives in uniform, measures, manufactures, installs and tests the screens on-site. Afterward, we’ll follow up with proactive communication to ensure the customer’s needs are met.

A Screenmobile Franchise is the ideal franchise opportunity for family-oriented individuals or couples seeking the ideal work/life balance. Franchisees recognize the familial spirit that comes with being a part of the brand. The typical Screenmobile franchisee is drawn to the job’s physical and emotional features, such as working with their hands and creating relationships with customers and the local community.

Over our 40 years in existence, we’ve committed to unwavering franchisee support and customer satisfaction — helping us grow into a national brand with staying power: this award is a testament to our commitments and consistency.

Thank you to all our loyal customers, dedicated franchisees, and support staff for making this historic occasion possible.

Birds are beautiful, and we all love to hear them tweeting outside our windows. But unfortunately, they are light, fragile animals who get injured when they fly into windows. Be it via the kitchen window, the bathroom window, a bedroom window, or the back door. 

Birds flying into your windows can be a scary phenomenon. The cat gets agitated, the kids become excited, and you’re left with the sad job of having to collect tiny injured birdies. One easy solution to prevent birds from flying into your windows and doors is to install screens. This will save you the headache, and likely the bird, too!

Want to know more? Then keep reading.

Why do birds fly in through windows and doors?

First things first, why are the birds hitting your windows? Of course, location will decide the breed, but the why’s are similar across the board.

• The reflection of light is confusing the bird seeking shelter. 
• They’ve set up a nest near (or on) your home.
• They’re flying in a murmuration.
• Indoor lights on at night distract tired migrating birds.

Clean windows are usually the primary issue, but will you sacrifice cleanliness and your terrific view for a few birds? Not many would. Jumping into prevention mode and creating bird-safe windows is your best option.

Best way to keep birds from flying into windows

At Screenmobile, we have seen how screens are effective at preventing collisions. For example, exterior screens reduce the glare of the sun hitting the window pane of glass, while interior screens reduce the light reflection, distracting migrating birds. 

Migrating birds

We’ve touched on this a couple of times, so we’d like to explain the how and the why quickly. 

Our feathered friends, like hummingbirds, terns, and swallows, traverse large areas to reach a warmer climate and often fly throughout the night. The moon and the stars are a clear navigational map for them, without the discomfort from the heat of the daytime sun. 

However, lights in a home, especially many lights in a residential area, can confuse flight-fatigued birds into thinking it’s daybreak, and they swoop down to follow the light, flying straight into your window. 

The State of Texas actively campaigns for homeowners to turn off unnecessary lights during migrations to lower bird mortality. This includes any exterior or interior light that is unnecessary. 

What type of screens reduces birds colliding with windows?

Here’s a list of different bird-friendly window treatments you can install. Generally, a mesh or covering blocking your window will be the best result.

• Blackout screens: install them on the interior or exterior of your windows to prevent any light from escaping, distracting migrating birds.
• Solar shades: many options exist, interior and exterior, that initially stop the sun from coming into your home while maintaining your view. The same mesh and color will similarly work as a deterrent for clean windows and low-flying birds.
• Pet-resistant screens: feather-friendly and will be a softer blow for any bird misguided by a strong breeze.

When choosing interior window treatments, remember that the bird may still be distracted by the sun’s reflection. 

How to install a bird-friendly window screen?

Bird-safe screens are going to double as your needed screens. There is no specific screen for birds. We advise you to consider all the elements and choose a screen accordingly. Elements to consider:

• Climate – hot or cold
• Proneness to hurricanes 
• Proximity to wooded areas (critters)
• Pets in the home
• Energy efficiency
• Protection from burglars

Perhaps your need solar screens or a storm door. Maybe you are seeking a tighter mesh to stop bugs from flying in while keeping your home ventilated? Maybe you need a more robust pet-resistant screen, or go all out and get a security screen.

Once you’ve figured out the best option, you’re halfway there.

Screenmobile – How We Work

Let us tell you a bit about how we work at Screenmobile. We are a franchise mobile door and window screen service provider. We don’t have a brick-and-mortar store. We do, however, have vans and trucks. This is the part where we’re mobile!

All you need to do is fill out a quick inquiry form here or call your local franchise for them to set an appointment with you. We come to your home, do the measurements, and provide advice. You can check out what we have in stock and choose your preferred fabric and color.

We then set another appointment, usually two weeks later, where we come out to professionally install your new screens, regardless if you have screens for the first time or if they are a replacement. 

So you don’t need to worry and bother about going to HomeDepot or Lowes, hoping you’ve taken the correct measurements, and then fretting for hours when you can’t find the correct dimensions. Choosing Screenmobile reduces your stress and time spent.

Two birds with one stone

Do your bit for nature and save some birds’ lives. Installing screens is also beneficial for the homeowner and occupants – the list of benefits is something to consider.

You can save birds while promoting ventilation in your home.

You can save birds while keeping flying insects and bugs out.

You can save birds while protecting your family and belongings from intruders.

You can save birds while keeping your lintels intact during hurricane season.

You can save birds while saving more on heating and cooling bills.

You can save birds while reducing sun glare and blocking harmful UV rays.

The solution is simple: Screenmobile window and door screens. All you need to do now is choose which ones!

Check out our Screenmobile store today and start your journey in making your windows bird-safe. 

NOTE FROM SCREENMOBILE: If you are interested in reading more about bird safety and preventing collision, we encourage you to visit the American Bird Conservancy website.

Awnings are the perfect way to keep the direct exterior of your property cool during high temperatures. Whether to cover your front porch or create an outdoor space in your backyard, they are the perfect cover for any hot summer day. 

They add value to your home and boost your curbside appeal. But you knew that already. 

What’s very much a grey area is whether you need a permit for an awning. As laws vary from state to state and county to county, we advise that you reach out to your local building department. However, it’s better never to second-guess the situation when it comes to licenses and permits. 

Different permits for different needs

Depending on where you are and how you plan to use an awning, a permit may be required. Building Department requirements and permitting processes vary from State to State, so there’s no cover-all answer here.

Among brokers (see sources below), the consensus is that residential awnings for your home do not require a permit.

You don’t need a permit if:

• Your awning is within your property.
• The projected shade of the awning does not trespass on neighboring properties.
• Rainfall doesn’t land on neighboring properties as a direct result of your awning.
• You are replacing or repairing your current awning.

Awning Permits for Condo and “Common Interest” communities

Yes, you need to seek permission from the Homeowner’s Association (HOA) of your community. It’s not uncommon for these communities to have already agreed on awning dimensions, style, and a color scheme. 

Awnings are great for turning an open space into a private one. Therefore, they are highly sought in condos, with close vis-a-vis neighbors. Your HOA will advise you where you can get your awnings. Screenmobile is also available to follow the HOA guidelines and build and install your condo awnings. 

Awing Permits for Commerical Properties

Proprietors of commercial properties must reach out to their local building department to request a permit. Be sure to distinguish whether you are installing an awning or a canopy. Awnings are attached solely to the property, whereas canopies have support columns. 

There are different permits depending on the coverage you are installing:

Awning: a permit from the Department of Building (DOB).

Canopy: a permit also from the Department of Transport – as the support columns obstruct the sidewalk.  

How to install an awning on the house?

DIY awnings are a fantastic feat of work if you are handy. However, you must build a frame with material that will work with your climate. Wood weakens over time with extreme weather conditions – your proud awning could become a harmful object that can potentially fall and hurt someone. 

Different awning frame materials:

• Wood
• Stainless Steel
• Aluminium
• Copper

Different awning material types:

• Canvas Drop Cloth
• Laminated Vinyl
• Coated Cotton
• Acrylic Fabric

Which material is the best?

The material you choose will depend on two factors: location and cost. As screen and awning experts, we strongly advise against choosing cost-effectiveness if the material cannot withstand your climate. 

Cheap awnings that are not chosen to suit their location and environment will rust, fray, tear, weaken, and basically fall apart sooner than you’d wish. You will end up exasperated and spending even more money. 

Similar to DIY installations. Choose a method that your home can resist and support. For example, don’t have a heavy-framed awning tacked onto your mobile home or short nails on a brick finish house.

Building and installing your awning

DIY installations are possible; some online resources and guides can help take you from idea to awning. But why risk something going wrong, damaging your home, or wasting days trying to get this done when you can spend that time relaxing?

Call the professionals

Installing an awning can be done yourself, but the more extensive the job, the more experience is necessary. Reach out to your local Screenmobile expert technicians today for that second opinion and flawless finish.

Your beloved pet is Boss, regardless if it’s a dog or a cat, a guinea pig or an iguana who has free roam of your home. They’re your baby, furry or not. Your pet’s happiness is at the top of your priority list; however, you still want them to be safe. 

You probably have a specific chair for them and another chair they’re forbidden to mount on. They have their corner for food, rather than eat with you at the table (?), and you have your language, so you understand when they need to go out to do their business (mainly talking cats and dogs here now).

The window screens you’ve chosen for your home should be of the same caliber to resist pet scratches and tears, to be strong enough to prevent your pet from getting out while also maintaining the primary benefits of installing these screens. 

You can get pet-safe window screens. We provide them here at Screenmobile! But let’s talk about them first to be confident you’re making the best purchasing decision. 

What are pet-friendly screens?

There are two factors to consider when analyzing a screen for its pet-friendliness:

1. The mesh
2. The frame

The Mesh: this is the screen, the wonder material that allows you to keep your windows open in summer without worrying about an onslaught of mosquitos in your home. A cool breeze can safely circulate through your home, carrying the benefits of fresh air with it. They help cut your dependency on the AC and, most notably for you, prevent pets from running out.

The Frame: a screen is only as good as its frame, as we say in the trade. If you already have window screens installed, answer these questions:

1. 1. How old are these frames?
   2. Did you change the frame the last time you replaced the screen?
   3. Do you live in an area with extreme weather changes?
   4. Are your screen frames solidly in place? Do they shift if you put pressure on them?
   5. Are there any cracks in the frame or gaps around them?

Should I replace or hold onto my window frames? 

Age

• >10 years: It’s advisable to change window frames after 10 years of use
• <10 years: If your frames are in good condition no need to change them!

Last Changed

• >15 years: Sometimes products last longer than projected, but 15 years is risking it.
• < 5 years: you shouldn’t need to change your frames in less than five years unless they have been damaged.

Weather

• Extreme fluctuations between hot and cold for wooden frames.
• Temperate weather conditions

Firmness

• The frame wiggles when you press slightly. You don’t want it to pop out suddenly.
• Frame is firmly in place, even when putting pressure on it.

Cracks and gaps

• Cracks and gaps are present due to age, weather, or pets hurling themselves against your screens.
• No gaps or cracks present in or around the frames

Do pet-resistant screens work? 

Put simply, yes, pet-resistant screens are strong, durable meshes explicitly designed to resist pet clawing and scratching work. The screen material is more robust, usually a vinyl-coated polyester fabric.

Vinyl is commonly used as a shorthand name for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic. In summary, with the exception of paints, glues, and certain films, “vinyl” as a product description almost always means made of PVC.

Source: https://healthybuilding.net/uploads/files/sorting-out-the-vinyls-when-is-vinyl-not-pvc.pdf

The mesh is thicker but still allows ventilation while stopping bugs from coming in.

Here’s a scenario

Your cat loves to sit at the kitchen window and watch the world go by. You like seeing her there and enjoy her company. You chat away to her while you prepare lunch and you’re secretly relieved you can keep your eye on her. 

Open windows, though. A bird flies by, a neighboring dog barks, or a less-tamed street cat prowls close by, inviting your cat out to play. The last scenario you want is your cat fleeing and you spending your afternoon searching for her or anxiously awaiting her return.

Best to get a cat-proof window screen. 

Installing a pet-resistant screen will:

• Keep your pet indoors, even if they push or scratch to get out,
• Leave your windows open for ventilation,
• Stop bugs from coming in, and
• Preserve your view.

Are pet screens worth it?

By all means, yes! Regardless if you have one or ten fur friends running about. If anything, for peace of mind. Plus, a specifically designed pet screen will last longer, saving you money in the long run.

What’s the difference between a pet screen and a regular screen?

The difference is the material of the mesh. The fabric is heavy-duty and costs extra. However, a cat screen, for example, can withstand clawing and scratching. Over time this leads to gaping holes in your screens, rendering them useless for their primary service. Your cat won’t be able to pop the screen out with her animal force, either. 

Where can I install pet screens? 

Pet screens are not just for your kitchen window. They can be installed over any opening and entry in your home. At Screenmobile, our technicians can prepare custom-sized pet screens to fit anywhere in your home.

Entry doors 

Front and back doors can be installed with a frame and screen strong enough to keep your pet indoors. 

Patio doors

Why not turn your patio into a Catio? Reinforce your patio doors with pet-resistant screens. Create a safe space for your pets to roam and enjoy your patio benefits without running out onto the street.

https://www.screenmobile.com/blog/what-to-know-about-french-doors-with-screens/ 

French doors

We’ll bust the myth right now: you can install screens on french doors. Whether they lead to the exterior or a room where your pets are not allowed, installing screens is a synch, especially retractable screens. 

Windows 

You’ll never know which nook or cranny your pet will find himself in, windows included. Don’t risk leaving an open window unprotected.

How to maintain pet screens?

Pet screens have similar screen maintenance guidelines to regular screens, except they require more frequent care. 

1. Pop out the screen from its frame (gently)
2. Use warm soapy water and a light brush (no chemicals)
3. Run the brush over the screen in circular motions
4. Leave screen to dry before reinstalling

You can use a damp cloth twice a week to clean off any residue or build-up, but consider a deep clean every six weeks.

How to remove a pet-safe window screen

Here’s the thing: you don’t want to remove just the screen. You need to remove the frame and the screen. Feel around the edges for clips and gently remove them from the window. When your screen is clean, you can simply clip it back in. Only remove the screen if it’s damaged and aim to replace it.

If you’re having issues, or are worried about doing more damage than harm. You can reach out to your local Screenmobile expert for a hand.

Pet resistant screening

Pet screens tend to get dirty real quick. You have muddy streaks and animal hair caught in the mesh. There’s nothing weird or strange about vacuuming your pet screens once a week!

Screen replacement

First of all, do you need to replace your screen?

Liz from Screenmobile has outlined three things to consider before replacing your screen. With a quick explanation on how to change them. Like the guy in the video, maybe DIY is not your thing. Our fully trained Screenmobile technicians can expertly remove, measure, and replace your old, broken screens and frames.

Upgrading your window screen to resist pets

Now, you can see the benefits of pet-resistant window screens and how they can slide in nicely with any home decor or design. We hope you can make the right choices for yourself, your family, and your furbabies. 

Contact your local Screenmobile today to discuss your needs and book an appointment.

You spend the whole summer by the pool, as do your kids, their friends, relatives, and every bug and insect in your district. Yet, only you fully understand the work hours put into pool maintenance; skimming, brushing, vacuuming, filter cleaning, and PH balance maintenance. 

Your pool becomes the focal point of the summer, your salon, your refreshing oasis to dip into while the sun beats down. So, to make your pool more enjoyable with less maintenance, you consider a pool enclosure.

You’re here to learn more about these screened enclosures, what they are exactly, how you install one, and whether it’s worth your while (and wallet) to install one.

The short answer is yes; they are worth it. But if you need more convincing, then read on!

What are screened-in pool enclosures?

A pool enclosure is a structure built around your pool. It’s an extension to your home with your back door opening directly into your enclosed pool area. It’s like a three-season room but with a pool in the middle! 

Better yet, your pool is now accessible year-round. Rather than open it up for the summer months, you can enjoy a few laps every morning – rain, snow, or sunshine.

Some families like inflatable bubbles over their pools, but at Screenmobile, we prefer the simplicity and elegance of traditional screens. 

Advantages of a Screen-Enclosed Pool

There are more advantages than not to installing screen enclosures—primarily maintenance and livelihood. 

1. Prevents bugs
2. Deters fallen leaves and other natural debris
3. Blocks harmful UV rays
4. Accessible year-round
5. Prohibits uninvited swimmers
6. Boosts home value

Prevents bugs

The mesh used on the screens is top of the range and designed specifically to block pests and insects. Wasps, mosquitos, and crane flies are the main guys who like to crash your pool parties. You spend your time lying next to your pool, swatting away these uninvited guests, and the evenings/mornings skimming them out of your pool. 

Deters fallen leaves and other natural debris

We all like nature, but we’re not fans of leaves and other debris being swished around by the wind. Especially when it lands in your pool, it dirties the water, and you find yourself pouring in more chlorine than you would prefer. Another huge maintenance factor that screened pool enclosures helps with.

Blocks harmful UV rays

Depending on the type of screen you choose, you can have adequate protection from the sun. Install your solar shades into any custom design. A one-percent opacity in a high sun area can help block up to 99% of harmful UV rays. Perfect for looking after your family’s health. They provide privacy from passers-by. 

Accessible year-round

A screened-in pool can now be considered an indoor pool! Ever wanted to swim under the rain and not get wet? The music of the drops drumming against your screened ceiling can be pretty meditative while you swim a few laps. It’s a nice feature for when you have guests staying. It’s also convenient for Spring when the sun starts to peak out but days are still cold – traditionally, you’d keep your pool closed until summer, but now, no need to.

Prohibits uninvited swimmers

Ever worry about your home security while you’re away on vacation? Sure, everyone worries. Opened pools are often the target for local kids to come and mess about. Aside from the danger, you don’t like the idea of other people using your pool. 

Boosts the value of your home

You can boast an indoor swimming pool that adds massive value to your home. You will bring up the value of your neighborhood, attract better neighbors, and have a better selling price if you do choose to sell. Realtors highly regard extra rooms and floor space, so do it right and profit in the long run. 

What to Consider When Screening in Your Pool

There are a couple of factors to consider when assessing your new project. 

• Cost – how much budget do you have? Screens are cheaper than inflatable bubbles, with retractable screens asking for that bit more. However, consider this cost as an investment— for your family’s comfort, health, and overall house value.

• Space – if you don’t have a lot of space around your pool, a screened enclosure can become complicated. You might not be able to access certain sides of your pool, you’ll lose lounging space, and it will look cramped.

• Orientation – depending on where exactly your pool is in regards to the direction of your home, you can discover better installing solar shades on one side, for example, and retractable shades on the other side.

• Frequent users – is the pool used by everyone, friends, and relatives included or just your family? This is important because you will reconsider direct access from the house if everyone is to be using it. It might be easier to have an access door away from the house to reduce noise and traffic through your home. 

Together these points will determine what type of enclosure to use, which materials and fabrics will be best, and how big it will be. 

Your Screenmobile technician can help you with all these points, so don’t hesitate to reach out. 

Advantages of an Open Air pool

So there we have it, an outdoor screened pool where you can reap summer’s advantages without the bugs and leaves (and harmful UV rays). Indoor pools are ridiculously expensive to install and costly to run. Indoor pools are also more likely to build up condensation and mold. 

With your new outdoor enclosed pool, you can:

• Enjoy a summer breeze
• Cool off in your pool
• Tan yourself 
• Lounge with a book
• Do aqua-sport

All of this without the hassle of bugs, insects, debris (leaves, etc.), harmful UV rays, and too-regular pool maintenance. 

Contact your local Screenmobile franchise today and have your pool ready for this summer. 

NOTE: Pool screen enclosures aren’t designed to keep children or pets out of pool areas. Please take the same safety precautions you would around a pool that hasn’t been enclosed and never leave children unattended near water.