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I'll start out with the fact that this is my second magnetic screen door. I had previously purchased **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.So far its all like. Installing it is detailed but not bad. I can't comment on tape as I didn't use it just the pins along with a few extras. I got the large one for french doors and it lined up pretty much perfectly and once tweaked the magnetic opening opens and closes perfectly. It looks like someone is zipping it up at high speed as it closes. I'm going to say durability is going to be pretty good based on we have a 50lb dog that uses it all the time and will hit it and the door with his paw and barks when he wants in. So far after months of use it hasn't frayed or worn that I can tell where he hits it. Its dirty but not damaged. So im impressed with that. Function is as good as claimed in my case so far. We and dog have learned to hit it just right going in and out to pop the magnets and slide through and it closes up behind us on its own perfectly 99% of the time. once in a while the bottom 4 inches will not close as it hangs up on the sill when someone comes in. Going out that never happens.When this wears out we will purchase a new one.It took me several tries to get it lined up in a way the magnets would attract to each other; however the adhesion held up to my changes and it’s working great for my dogs and kid to come and go!After reading the recent reviews I decided on this screen. Was pleasantly surprised how easy it was to install and how strong the magnets are! My pup and kitty figured it out quickly and can safely go in and out. I'm only on day 3 but so happy with this purchase. If it does go downhill, I will update. Recommend!Beware, even though this listing does not mention the lace at the top of the curtain it is there. When ordering via mobile phone the photo isn't very big so you might not notice it.I also didn't give this curtain a great rating because the 'velcro' which comes with this curtain is pathetic. For a start it is black and who wants black velcro around the window frame when the curtain isn't up in the winter months? Then it's the weirdest velcro in the world. It is not real velcro & has very few 'teeth' to it so there is no way the curtain would stay up if you used it. I had to use my own velcro to get a secure hold on the curtain.Top notch product even though its about 4 inches too wide meaning the left side is not attached to anything it still works really well and creates a better seal than the jml one I used to have, seems more durable to. Personally I don't mind the overhang as its hidden by the blinds, doesn't dramatically affect performance plus I rarely open the second door. All you need is a pair of scissors or sharpish knife to cut the velcro strips to length and Bob's your uncle. Regular foot traffic and a cat and dog running through it as fast as they can have not bugded it, there is no way this thing is pulling away from the upvc unless you fall and grab it or something even then you would have to put some weight on it before it goes I'd bet it might even break your fall as long as you are not too far gone. I paid just over £30 which I thought expensive at the time but now think its worth every penny as it will definitely last more than a few seasons.Summer has always been a nightmare for me, especially in the conservatory: with windowsills full of dead flies and the need to keep food covered up. Having used sprays and sticky fittings in the past, I decided to try a flyscreen. Why had I never though of this before?! Total success!! Never a fly in the house since I installed these nets at front and back doors. Much easier to install than I imagined and even the cat quickly got used to it. A cheap and easy solution, totally recommended.Looks really nice with a lovely lacy top. Very easy to install. Slightly too large for my doors but easily folded, I don’t think you could cut it, and it looks brilliant. Magnets close screen amazingly well. I have tried to take a photo of folded part below.UpdateSo pleased with the first one I bought another for a new set of doors.Absolutely brilliant! I have a wasp phobia (I know it’s stupid but give me mice or spiders any day!) so I’m always nervous about leaving the patio doors open when I’m working in my office at home. These screens are a godsend. I can relax and work with a lovely cool breeze coming through, sure that no pests are going to disturb me. The screen was very easily fitted to the outside of my PVC patio doors. I just made sure I followed the instructions carefully and they worked perfectly. The Velcro strips are very strong and sticky enough to last a long time I’m sure, as they’re pretty much impossible to move once attached (hence follow instructions carefully!). The magnetic strips work well too as they close effectively after someone goes through. Highly recommended.