Brian Hurtado
**UPDATE 2019/06/16**
As I suspected, the screen has now relaxed to the point that the magnets close without having to coax them. This material does stretch, so as long as the magnets to not separate during installation, making them initially tight is a good thing. It actually happened a little more quickly than I even anticipated.
*****
I purchased this to replace "Bug Off 72R by 80 Instant Screen" previously ordered. This screen, today, was just over 2/3 of what we previously paid, two years ago. That's current (TheFitLife) vs. two years ago (Bug Off). I have to say that the FitLife brand seems to be just as strong, but a bit more flexible. Moreover, The installation was quite a bit easier (but took a little longer), given what the manufacturer provided. I added more tacks than what was provided, but that's a negligible cost (about $1.00). This made for a much better fit, and tighter seal. I know I made it just a little too tight, but that will change in the near future... At first, we will have to make sure that the magnets come together, manually. As the fabric is "broken in," however, these magnets will form a seal without having to do that. This fabric stretches, over time, and that will allow the magnets to hang closer together, when in a relaxed state. It took a grand total of about twenty minutes for my wife and I (with a little contribution from my 6'2" grandson) to get this put up, including doorway cleaning time. If you don't intend to use the thumbtack quantity that I used (and your paint will not peel away from the wood, as mine does), I highly recommend that you THOROUGHLY clean the surface prior to attaching the screen. Here are a couple more suggestions:
1) Don't remove the adhesive backing from the velcro until you are ready to adhere the screen to your surface.
2) When attaching the rolled velcro to the sewn-on velcro, DON'T stretch either one. Lay the screen as flat as possible, and unroll the self-adhesing portion so that both are relaxed, but straight (a little tension is OK, but just enough to keep them both straight). This will prevent bunching, which will lessen your seal and your smooth application.
3) Buy yourself a small box of thumbtacks, and place them about 6" apart, along the top and sides. Given that there are TWO magnetic openings, this will keep the outer edges taut, and allow a much better "seal" around the perimeter. This may be a bit of "overkill," but it will insure that winds are less likely to separate the screen from the jamb (remember, my paint peels).
4) Avoid attempting installation on a windy/breezy day. You'll simply frustrate yourself, especially if you install this solo.
5) Begin your adhesion/tacking at the top, in the center, and work your way out to the edges. This will allow you to control for "sag," rather than starting at the outside. It will also make it far easier to work the sides, once your tension is being controlled all across the top.
Overall, this was slightly more time consuming than the Bug Off brand to get installed, but the advantage of having TWO magnetically sealed openings instead of one is a superior return over just one. Just one opening rather impedes being able to open both doors of a French door on "nice" days, when you'd like a breeze to roll through. Further, the fact that the magnets are all the way down the seam makes for a better seal than just the middle and bottom, as is the case with the Bug Off brand. Don't get me wrong... I loved the Bug Off screen, and it served us rather well for the three years we used it. I simply like the fact that, for two thirds the cost, this screen provides the means for a more effective all-around seal in the kit. No additional velcro was needed, whereas the Bug Off only provided "strategic points", for its edge seal. The Bug Off brand is designed to fit inside the doorway, whereas the FitLife brand allows for a seal all around the outside. This, to me, is a better concept. It keeps flying insect pests more outside than trying to seal inside edges, and the bar actually inhibits this, to a degree. I'll try to remember to update this, at a later time, when usage and wear can be reasonably compared.
| Brand | TheFitLife |
|---|---|
| Color | Black |
| Material | 涤纶混纺 |
| Product Dimensions | 81"L x 50"W |
| Opacity | Blackout |
| Special Feature | Durable |
| Room Type | Home Office |
| Style | French |
| Pattern | Solid |
| Top Style | Grommet |
| Size | Black Fits Doors up to 48''x80'' Max |
| Included Components | hook and loop tape, pins, instruction |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Indoor |
| Seasons | All Season |
| Hanging Method | Grommet |
| Item Weight | 0.5 Kilograms |
| Closure Type | Hook and Loop |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Package Weight | 1.05 Kilograms |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Model Name | 50''x81'' - Fits Doors up to 48''x80'' |
| Manufacturer | TheFitLife |
| Part Number | 1 |
| Item Weight | 1.1 pounds |
| Item model number | 2023-TFL-DoubleDoor-Black-48x80-AU |
| Number Of Pieces | 26 |
| Special Features | Durable |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
