As anyone who has the ability to spruce up their homes will tell you, a screen door is one of the best improvements you can make as it is chock-full of benefits you are unlikely to receive anywhere else.  And once you have that screen door in use, getting the perfect screen door latch will be an important purchase as well, as they help with the security of the screen doors. These doors are lightweight, convenient, and great for any porch or patio. They will let the breeze in to keep you cool while the summer days are beating down on you, while simultaneously keeping insects out, allowing you to work or hang out uninterrupted by the annoyance of flying insects. And one of the most important components to any type of model of screen door is the screen door latch.

A screen door latch is a device which will keep your screen door shut and free from swinging open in slamming shut due to wild winds.  This is important for a number of reasons and each door should definitely be equipped with the proper latches. The latch will reduce banging, which can not only be a nuisance but also wear down the screen door and its surroundings, cutting its overall shelf life in half. It is also important as a safety device – by securing the door, it can prevent children or pets from wandering out and getting into trouble. Children who might be able to manipulate the handle of the door will not be able to reach the latch, making your home more secure and allowing you to get things done without fear of your children running outside without you noticing.

The simplest type of latch is the classic hook and eye design, in which a metal hook is placed through a metal circle so that the door holds fast. This is a simple, manually operated design, but it is absolutely effective, evidenced by the fact that they’ve been around and in operation for so many years. There are also screen door latches which are built into the handle of the door.  These can be push-button latches, in which a button is pressed down in order to open the handle. The latch resets itself after the door closes, allowing you to use the door effortlessly and not have to worry about resetting it manually.

There are “switch” door handle latches, in which a toggle switch on the side of the handle is pushed up or down, either locking the door or letting it open. A very convenient kind of screen door latch is the magnetic latch – this consists of magnetic strips which hold the door in place when it is closed. While these magnetic latches are not as strong, they are effective in keeping the door shut and in place, ideal for someone who only wants the door to remain shut against natural winds, or to make sure small animals like cats and ferrets don’t escape. You will not have to worry about leaving the screen door slightly open with these latches as the magnets will pull it closed for you. And because they work automatically, they are the most convenient type available. It is advisable that if you’re looking for a stronger latch that won’t allow your small child to open the door, a baby proof screen door is the best answer.

Screen door latches are generally very reliable. However, if your latch breaks down, the best bet is to go to the hardware store and explain to the personnel in the shop about what your problem is. There, they will match it to appropriate replacement parts or help you buy a new latch if necessary. Because screen door latches are not expensive – typically $5 to $20 – this won’t be much trouble. The price of screen door latches is such a small cost that in the unlikely event that yours breaks down, latch replacement isn’t a difficult or costly process.

With all of the above factors taken into consideration, in order to get the best experience possible, every screen door should be fastened with a solid screen door latch.