Question 1

What brand of screens do you install?

Accepted Answer

Talius. They've been making retractable screens out of Vancouver since 1985, with 20,000+ installs across North America. Their Habitat Screens (solar mesh) are wind-rated to 100 mph thanks to a zip-lock edge retention track that keeps the mesh in the rails. Frame comes in 5 stock colours plus 1,800 custom options. Talius Fly Screens cover the bug-protection side. We pick Talius because it holds up — Canadian-made, built for Canadian weather.

Question 2

What's the difference between retractable patio screens and outdoor sun shades?

Accepted Answer

Different mesh, different problem. Retractable patio screens (Talius Fly Screens) use insect mesh — keeps mosquitoes and wasps out without blocking your view. Outdoor sun shades (Talius Habitat Screens) use solar mesh in 4 weave densities (55%, 90%, 95%, or 99% blockage) — blocks heat and UV without going dark. Both retract fully into a slim cassette when you don't need them. Pick the system that solves your patio's actual problem, or run both side by side.

Question 3

How much does a retractable patio screen cost in Ontario?

Accepted Answer

Most installs land between $3,500 and $15,000 depending on opening size, mesh weave, and whether you go motorized or manual. A standard 12-foot patio with motorized insect mesh runs around $5,000–$7,000 installed. A 30-foot covered patio with smart-home integration can run $12,000–$18,000. We give honest ranges on the consult before any commitment.

Question 4

How long does the install take?

Accepted Answer

Most installs are a half-day on-site. The longer part is the build. Once measurements are taken, Talius custom-builds the system to your opening and ships it 3–4 weeks later. After that, the install itself is usually a few hours and you're using the patio that evening.

Question 5

Will retractable screens hold up in Ontario winters?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Talius Habitat system retracts fully into a slim aluminum cassette so winter snow and ice never touch the working parts. Frame and motor are rated for Canadian climates — Talius is in Vancouver, so the engineering accounts for real weather. Most installs see 15+ years of seasonal use with no service required.

Question 6

Do they work on large patios, 20 or 30 feet wide?

Accepted Answer

Yes — that's the whole point. Talius Habitat Screens handle a single opening up to 19'2" wide × 14' tall (about 268 sq ft of coverage). For wider patios or wraparound corners, we install multiple synchronized units that operate as one — common on 24–40 foot openings. Most Ontario covered patios fall well within standard.

Question 7

Can I control them from my phone, or with Alexa or Google Home?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Motorized Talius screens accept smart-home control through standard motor protocols — wall switch, remote, app, or voice. Most setups integrate with Somfy TaHoma, which bridges Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit. We also recommend a wind sensor: it auto-retracts the screen above your set wind speed so the system protects itself if a storm rolls in.

Outdoor sun shades that block heat without going dark.

One product. A track, a cassette, a mesh.

The four problems sun shades actually solve.

West-facing sun and heat

UV fading on furniture

Sun glare during meals

Energy efficiency

From first call to final install.

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Real Talius Habitat shades installed across Ontario.

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