AIA/CES Registered Provider | LU/HSW Credit Hours Available

Earn the Credit. Build the Foundation.

Specify with Authority.

One course. The engineering knowledge to evaluate, specify, and defend a motorized screen system on any project.

The Motorized Screen Category Is Growing. The Education Has Not Kept Up.

Retractable motorized screens appear on more project types every year — high-end residential lanais, hospitality terraces, multifamily amenity decks, commercial facades. Architects and designers are responsible for specifying them. But the professional education around this category — engineering principles, code requirements, system differentiation, specification best practices — has been almost nonexistent.

The manufacturer who offers a lunch-and-learn usually delivers a product presentation thinly disguised as education. AIA course numbers get attached to content that teaches the architect very little they can actually use.

NextGenScreens built these courses differently. The content is organized around the questions professionals actually face when a motorized screen system appears on a project: How do I evaluate it? What engineering data do I require? How do I write a specification that holds through value engineering? What does the code require in this jurisdiction?

Earn the credit. Get the knowledge. Both at the same time.

Professional Education Built for Specifiers — Not for Sales.

Every course is written for professionals with a license on the line and a project deadline behind them. Technical. Applicable. Immediately useful.

Specifying Motorized Screen Systems: Engineering Principles, Wind-Load Design, and Code Compliance

AIA Course Number:

Credit Hours: 1 LU/HSW

This course examines the engineering principles behind motorized retractable screen systems, with direct application to the professional specification process. Topics include wind-load design for retractable enclosures, patented vs. non-patented track technology, code compliance requirements by jurisdiction, material selection for UV resistance and structural performance, and motor specification for residential and commercial applications.

Participants will understand how to evaluate motorized screen systems on engineering merit — not manufacturer reputation — identify the documentation required to defend a specification in value-engineering review, and access the resources needed for direct construction document integration.

Every Document You Need. Already Built

CSI specs. BIM objects. Engineering data. Ready now.

What This Course Covers

Five learning objectives. Each maps to a real specification decision professionals face on active projects.

Evaluate Motorized Screen Systems on Engineering Merit section — understanding specification criteria that separate performance-grade retractable screen systems from commodity products, including wind-load ratings, track technology, test certifications, and structural documentation required before a product enters your specification and how to document that evaluation for a review board

Evaluate Motorized Screen Systems on Engineering Merit

Understand the specification criteria that separate performance-grade systems from commodity products — wind-load ratings, track technology, test certifications, and structural documentation. Learn what data to require before a product enters your specification, and how to document that evaluation for a review board.

Apply Wind-Load Design Principles to Retractable Enclosures icon featuring a wind pressure gauge symbol — wind exposure categories, design pressures, and product performance requirements across geographic zones, understanding 100 MPH and 185 MPH structural ratings and matching system selection to the wind exposure zone of a specific project site

Apply Wind-Load Design Principles to Retractable Enclosures

Wind exposure categories, design pressures, and how they translate to product performance requirements across different geographic zones. Understand what 100 MPH and 185 MPH ratings mean structurally — and how to match system selection to the wind exposure zone of a specific project site.

Understand Patented vs Non-Patented Track Technology section — architectural and performance implications of patented track systems including legal differentiation, independent testing obligations, and liability protection, explaining why patent status is a specification criterion not a marketing claim and how it affects professional exposure in a value-engineering review

Understand Patented vs. Non-Patented Track Technology

The architectural and performance implications of patented track systems — legal differentiation, independent testing obligations, and liability protection. Understand why patent status is a specification criterion, not a marketing claim, and how it affects the professional's exposure in a value-engineering review.

Navigate Code Compliance for Motorized Screen Enclosures section — Florida Building Code, Miami-Dade HVHZ, TAS standards, and ASTM test protocols explaining how certification standards translate to jurisdiction-specific specification requirements and how to document compliance in construction drawings for Florida and coastal jurisdictions nationally

Navigate Code Compliance for Motorized Screen Enclosures

Florida Building Code. Miami-Dade HVHZ. TAS standards. ASTM test protocols. How certification standards translate to jurisdiction-specific specification requirements — and how to document compliance in construction drawings. Applicable to Florida and coastal jurisdictions nationally.

Write a Specification That Survives Value Engineering section — practical application of inserting a named motorized screen system into construction documents in a technically defensible, code-referenced structure to withstand substitution requests, with CSI Division 10 73 00 applied directly to OneTrack and MaxForce retractable screen systems

Write a Specification That Survives Value Engineering

The practical application of everything above: how to insert a named motorized screen system into a construction document in a way that is technically defensible, code-referenced, and structured to withstand substitution requests. CSI Division 10 73 00 applied directly to OneTrack™ and MaxForce™.

Bring the Course to Your Firm.

NextGenScreens offers AIA-registered lunch-and-learn presentations delivered at your office, on your schedule. One hour. Your full team. The same technically grounded content available in the online course — adapted for live Q&A and project-specific discussion.

Lunch-and-learns are available at no cost to the firm. We bring the presentation, the credentials, and the technical data. You get the CEU credit, the knowledge, and a direct line to engineering support for any project your team is currently specifying.

Your Specification. Fully Protected.

Backed by patents, independent testing, and engineering data built to survive any review.

Education Doesn't End With the Course

Every learning objective in this course connects directly to a specification resource available on NextGenScreens. The education and the documentation live in the same place — because knowing how to specify and having the tools to specify are two different things.

CSI 3-Part Specifications section — Division 10 73 00 formatted specification ready to download and insert directly into your project manual for motorized retractable screen systems

CSI 3-Part Specifications

Division 10 73 00. Download and insert directly

BIM Objects section — Revit families for both OneTrack and MaxForce retractable screen systems with accurate geometry ready to drop directly into your BIM model

BIM Objects

Revit families for both systems. Accurate geometry, ready for your model.

Engineering Data section — PE-stamped wind-load calculations and independent test reports for defensible retractable screen system specification and structural performance documentation

Engineering Data

PE-stamped wind-load calculations and test reports

Code Compliance Guides section — jurisdiction-specific compliance documentation for motorized screen systems covering building codes, certification standards, and permitting requirements for architects, engineers, and specifiers

Code Compliance Guides

Jurisdiction-specific compliance documentation for motorized screen systems.

Next Gen Screens

A Resource for Every Situation

Welcome to NextGenScreens.com – your definitive resource for motorized retractable screens, automated outdoor screening solutions, and innovative sun and hurricane protection systems.

Whether you're a homeowner seeking hurricane-rated storm protection, a builder specifying commercial-grade motorized patio screens, or an architect designing with cutting-edge retractable insect screens, our comprehensive guides deliver the technical expertise and product knowledge you need.

Explore in-depth comparisons of motorized screen systems, installation specifications, fabric options, and smart home integration capabilities from industry leader Fenetex. From energy-efficient solar screens to wind-resistant privacy solutions, discover how automated screening technology transforms outdoor living spaces while providing superior protection, comfort, and value.

We are here to help you make informed decisions with our unbiased resources, cost calculators, and expert insights into the latest motorized screen innovations.

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Builders

Specifications, installation guides,

and project planning resources

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Architects

CAD files, technical specs, and innovative design app examples

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Designers

Design aesthetics, fabric choices, and inspirational applications

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Engineers

Exploring the science & tech behind motorized screen systems

Your Next Project Will Have a Motorized Screen on It. Specify It Right.

The outdoor living category is not slowing down. The architects who build a technical foundation now — who know how to evaluate, specify, and defend these systems — are the ones whose design intent survives through construction. Enroll in the course. Earn the credit. Bring the knowledge to the next project.

BE IN THE KNOW....

Don't let costly mistakes, wrong designs, wrong applications, or warranty-voiding your motorized screen investment. Manufacture are in the business of selling screens, contractors can cut corners, and many products often under perform promises. Don't be a victum. BE IN THE KNOW before you commit: understanding proper wind-load ratings, motor specifications, and installation requirements is the difference between screens that protect your home for decades and those that fail when you need them most is a simple choice, a choice of being an informed consumer.

A Motorized Screen Resources

Essential Knowledge Center

Motorized retractable screens for commercial patio and pool outdoor living space with custom screen installation

2025 Outdoor Living Trends

Comprehensive overview of all motorized screen types, features, and specifications.

Professional motorized screen installation service for residential patio with retractable screens by certified installer technician

Install Guide & More

Step-by-step guides, videos, and best practices for Maintenance of motorized and retractable screens.

Expert technician maintaining motorized retractable screens with step-by-step maintenance guide for residential and commercial systems

Motorized Screens Maintencance

Step-by-step guides, videos, and best practices for Maintenance of motorized and retractable screens.

Energy efficiency benefits of motorized screens showing cost savings calculation chart for smart retractable screen solutions and ROI

Energy Efficiency Benefits

Calculate your energy savings with smart motorized screen solutions...

Motorized and Retractable Screens

Latest insights, Tips, and Trends

Stay ahead of the curve with real-world applications and emerging innovations shaping the motorized screen industry today. From luxury resorts implementing climate-responsive screening systems to homeowners creating year-round outdoor living rooms with hurricane-rated protection, discover how cutting-edge motorized screen technology is revolutionizing spaces across the country. Our latest insights explore breakthrough trends like voice-activated smart home integration, sustainable solar-powered motors, and architectural designs that seamlessly blend indoor-outdoor living – because the difference between dated solutions and transformative installations lies in understanding what's next. Explore case studies, design inspiration, and forward-thinking applications that position you at the forefront of motorized screen innovation.

The Complete Motorized Screen Specification Reference for Industry Professionals

The Complete Motorized Screen Specification Reference for Industry Professionals

Twelve blogs. Every dimension of motorized screen specification: wind load calculations, Florida Building Code compliance, fabric performance data, motor torque requirements, structural attachment sta... ...more

Motorized Hurricane Screens ,Best Of Series &The Motorized Screen Specification Series

June 10, 202613 min read

Motorized Screen Specifications for Coastal and High-Wind Regions: HVHZ, Miami-Dade, and ASCE 7 Compliance

Motorized Screen Specifications for Coastal and High-Wind Regions: HVHZ, Miami-Dade, and ASCE 7 Compliance

Coastal and high-wind-zone projects impose specification demands that inland construction does not: Exposure D wind loads that can exceed 80 psf negative on building corners, HVHZ certification requir... ...more

Motorized Hurricane Screens ,The Motorized Screen Specification Series

June 03, 202616 min read

Structural Attachment Standards for Motorized Screen Systems: Masonry, Wood Frame, and Steel Construction

Structural Attachment Standards for Motorized Screen Systems: Masonry, Wood Frame, and Steel Construction

Motorized screen structural attachment requires anchor selection, load calculation, and substrate classification that go beyond the product approval anchor schedule for large-span and high-wind-zone i... ...more

Motorized Hurricane Screens ,The Motorized Screen Specification Series

May 27, 202618 min read

Motorized Screens

Transform Outdoor Spaces.....

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Professional Resources

Commercial motorized retractable screens installed at restaurant outdoor patio space for professional building code compliant screen solution

Next Gen Professional Resources delivers the comprehensive technical documentation and expert guidance essential for successful motorized screen projects

It does not matter if you're an architect specifying wind load calculations, a builder navigating local building code compliance, an engineer selecting motor specifications, or a homeowner comparing fabric options and smart home automation capabilities.

Our extensive resource library eliminates guesswork and ensures project success. Access detailed product selection guides, hurricane-rated wind load specifications, state-by-state building code requirements, motor torque calculations, fabric performance data including openness factors and UV protection ratings, plus complete home automation integration protocols for today's leading control systems.


From concept to completion, we're the definitive technical resource that architects, designers, engineers, builders, and informed homeowners trust to transform vision into reality.

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