Hands-free mesh doors are a great substitute for traditional screen doors. Mesh doors are made from two fiberglass screen panels sewn together at the top. The center is held closed by a series of magnets. The screens are easy to install and can be used with standard and sliding doors. Once installed the panels break apart when a person or pet walks through them and quickly seal back up to prevent unwanted pests from entering.

Step 1: Magic Mesh screens are typically mounted on the outside trim of a door frame. If the door swings outward the screen will need to be installed on the inside of the door frame instead. Begin by wiping the trim clean with isopropyl alcohol.

Step 2: Measure the top opening of the door and mark the center point of the door frame.

Step 3: Lay the Magic Mesh screen out on a clean flat surface.

Step 4: Peel the protective paper from one side of two adhesive-backed hook-and-loop strips. Press the strips end-to-end, parallel with the top of the screen where the two panels are joined together.

Step 5: Press two more pieces on either corner of the screen top, parallel to the top of the screen.

Step 6: Locate the center of each panel top and install one more piece parallel along the top at each center point.

Step 7: Install three more hook-and-loop strips on the outer edges of the two panels, one at the lower corner and the other two at equal distances along the outer seams.

Step 8: Once all 12 hook-and-loop strips are firmly secured to the top and sides of the Magic Mesh panels, peel the second piece of paper from the two top center strips.

Step 9: Locate the center point marked at the top of the door frame and position the center seam of the Magic Mesh screen down the center of the door opening. Be sure the screen is mounted high enough to avoid dragging along the ground. Press the two adhesive-backed strips into place over the center point mark for at least 30 seconds to ensure they are properly secured before moving on.

Step 10: Continue to apply the rest of the hook-and-loop strips in the same manner, alternating from side to side, along the top and then down each side.

— Questions? Linda Cottin can be reached at
hardware@sunflower.com