From Summer Screen to Winter Thermal Curtain: Keep the Tape, Change the Curtain

Your summer magnetic screen has done its job: fresh air in, bugs out, and easy passage for the family dog. But when cooler weather arrives, lightweight mesh does little to stop a cold draft.

Changing your doorway setup for winter doesn’t have to mean pulling adhesive tape off the frame and starting again.

Fillis summer mesh screens and winter thermal curtains in matching sizes can use the same doorframe fastening tape. Remove the summer mesh, check that the existing tape is secure, and attach the matching winter curtain.

You change the curtain—not the entire installation.

A Practical Answer to a Real Seasonal Problem

The idea of switching between summer and winter door coverings comes up among homeowners. In one Reddit discussion about magnetic screen doors, a homeowner wanted a mesh screen for warmer weather and an insulating alternative for colder days.

That seasonal need makes sense. Summer mesh prioritizes airflow. A winter thermal curtain helps reduce drafts while keeping a convenient walk-through opening.

With matching-size Fillis curtains, you can make that change without routinely removing the mounting tape from your doorframe.

Why Keep the Existing Doorframe Tape?

Removing firmly attached adhesive tape can be an awkward part of changing door coverings. Depending on the surface and the tape’s condition, it may leave residue or disturb an existing paint finish.

Reusing secure mounting tape avoids that repeated removal step. It also means less time spent cleaning the frame, positioning new tape, and waiting for a fresh adhesive bond to set.

The important condition is that the existing tape must still be firmly attached. A seasonal swap is also a good opportunity to check the installation—not simply cover up loose or worn mounting tape.

Before You Swap: Check These Three Things

1. Match the Fillis size

Choose the winter thermal curtain that matches the size of your Fillis summer screen.

Check your original order or product label rather than estimating from appearance. If you are unsure which size you own, measure the doorway again and contact us before ordering.

The compatibility described here applies to matching-size Fillis summer and winter curtains. It should not be assumed for other brands.

2. Inspect the mounting tape

Check the top corners and both sides of the frame for:

• Adhesive lifting away from the surface.
• Loose sections or gaps.
• Dirt, lint, or worn fastening surfaces.
• Areas that move when you gently pull on the tape.

Repair or replace any insecure sections before hanging the winter curtain. Follow the installation instructions supplied with your curtain, including any recommended reinforcement.

3. Check the curtain’s position

Make sure the winter curtain will hang flat, clear the main door’s movement, and close naturally along its magnetic center seam.

The main exterior door should still open, close, and lock normally.

How to Switch from Summer Mesh to a Winter Thermal Curtain

Step 1: Detach the summer screen

Start at a top corner and gently separate the summer screen’s fastening edge from the tape on the frame.

Support the screen as you work. Hold the frame-mounted tape in place where needed so that you separate the fastening surfaces instead of pulling the adhesive backing off the doorframe.

Continue across the top and down both sides.

Step 2: Clean and store the summer mesh

Remove loose dust and debris. If cleaning is needed, follow the care instructions for your particular screen and let it dry completely before storage.

Fold or roll it gently and keep it in a dry place, ready for warmer weather.

Step 3: Attach the matching winter curtain

Position the winter curtain against the existing mounting tape. Align the top edge first, then press the fastening surfaces together across the top and down both sides.

Keep the curtain evenly positioned. Avoid stretching one side tighter than the other, which can interfere with the magnetic closure.

Step 4: Test the fit and closure

Walk through the opening several times and let the curtain close behind you.

Check that:

• The center magnets meet along the seam.
• The sides remain securely attached.
• The curtain hangs evenly without bunching.
• The main door operates freely.

Adjust the position if needed. If the original tape begins lifting under the curtain’s weight, reinforce or replace it before continuing to use the curtain.

What Changes When You Install the Winter Curtain?

Summer mesh allows air to pass through. A thermal curtain provides a more substantial barrier across the doorway, helping reduce the movement of cold air.

The difference you feel will depend on the doorway, surrounding gaps, weather, and how well the curtain fits. Secure edges and a properly closing center seam matter as much as choosing the correct size.

A thermal curtain is an additional draft barrier, not a replacement for a closed exterior door, sound weatherstripping, or home heating. Keep the main exterior door closed when the opening is not being used.

A Convenient Opening for Pet Households

A magnetic thermal curtain gives people and pets a flexible center opening to pass through when the main door is open.

Your dog can push through the curtain rather than waiting for someone to move a solid panel aside. After passage, check that the magnets reconnect fully.

Introduce pets gradually and supervise them until they are comfortable using it. A curtain does not allow a pet to pass through a closed exterior door.

When Spring Returns, Swap Back

Once warmer weather arrives, detach the winter curtain and inspect the mounting tape again.

If it remains secure and in good condition, attach your matching Fillis summer mesh screen to the same fastening tape. Store the winter curtain according to its care instructions until it is needed again.

One doorway can serve different seasonal needs without a complete installation each time.

Choose Your Matching Fillis Winter Curtain

Already using a Fillis summer screen? Start by checking its size, then choose the matching winter option:

• Solid thermal curtains for standard doorways.
• Thermal curtains with a clear window.
• Browse the thermal door curtain collection.

If you are unsure which winter curtain matches your existing screen, contact Fillis with your original order number and doorway measurements.

Keep secure mounting tape in place, choose the matching size, and get your doorway ready for the next season.