Staples and Trim. By far the most common way
to screen a porch is to stretch the screen fabric over the framing
of the porch openings and staple it. After trimming off the excess,
1 x 4 or lattice is nailed over the stapled edges. This method works
and can be learned with a little practice. The trick in all screen
installation is to stretch the screen enough to make it tight, but
not so much as to cause it to deform.
The advantage to this approach
is low cost and relative ease of installation. The main disadvantage
is that once it is in place it is difficult to remove for
replacement or for maintenance without damaging the trim that covers
the edges. It is also difficult to paint or stain the railings when
the screen is in place.
Screen Frames. Screen fabric can be stretched
over frames formed from aluminum or wood. The screen can be held in
place by a rubber spline that is forced into a groove that runs the
full length of each side. Screen frames allow for the easy removal
of the screening for maintenance, replacement, or to be temporarily
replaced with an acrylic or glass panel in the cooler months. The
frames can be held in place with screws or you may want to use twist
locks if the screens are expected to be taken in and out frequently.
Wood frames can be made using 1 x 2 or 2 x 2’s. The
spline groove can be cut using a router with an appropriate bit. The
most difficult part of making the wood frames is joining the corners
in a way that is secure and attractive. Using a lap joint is usually
easier to make secure than a miter. You may also consider joining
the corners using metal connectors.
There are several profiles available in aluminum
stock with various widths and thicknesses. Usually sold in 12’
lengths, the pieces can be cut with a chop saw with a fine tooth
metal cutting blade. The frame is held together with steel corner
inserts and set screws. Screen frames cost more than simply stapling
the screen to the porch framing; however they offer significant
advantages in increased convenience and versatility.
Frameless Screens. There are at least two
frameless screening systems currently on the market. The basic
principle for both is to use strips of Velcro™ to hold the screen
fabric in place. The screen panels can be rolled up or even
completely removed to allow for an open porch. Very easy to
install, frameless systems also are available with clear plastic
material to keep out wind and rain and extend the useful season of
the porch. Panels are made to order to the customer’s exact
measurements.
Custom Screen Inserts. Custom built screen
panels are easy to install and provide a professional, custom look
and finish. Frames are built to order using cedar or other stable
wood. The screens are installed using a spline for easy maintenance
and replacement. The homeowner has several options for the panel
below rail height: screens, acrylic, or wood knee wall. Another
popular option is acrylic storm panels which allow that the room to
be converted into a three
season room. Relatively expensive compared to the other systems
listed here, screen inserts are an economical way to get a
professional finished wood enclosure quickly and with minimum
skills.
Screen Tight™. This vinyl system has been
around for several years. It consists of a base that is 1 ½” wide for
2 x 4 posts or 3 ½” wide for or 4 x 4 posts. The base has grooves
that allow you to attach the screen fabric with a continuous rubber
spline. After stretching and attaching the screen a vinyl cap is
snapped over the base to give a finished look. There are several
colors available including white and the pieces are 8’ long.
For more information CLICK HERE.
Screen Room Framing. Aluminum framing materials used
to build screen rooms can be a good choice to screen an existing
open porch. Typically 2” square aluminum stock with spline grooves
is used to construct a complete frame. Frames are available in
inexpensive rolled formed profiles or heavier extruded material.
Most systems allow for an aluminum sheet knee wall although this is
not required. The screen, usually fiberglass, is splined onto the
frame and left exposed. This makes installation and replacement an
easy DIY project. The advantages of this approach are relative low
cost compared to wood framing and low maintenance. The color is
baked on and should last for many years. Screen framing is available
from specialty companies and some glass companies.
Screen Doors. Retractable screen doors are
another choice for porches that are low to grade. Made to open
vertically or horizontally, this option allows the screened porch to
be easily converted to an open porch in a matter of minutes. This
works particularly well when the porch is located next to a pool or
other outdoor activity. Increased availability has resulted in lower
prices for retractable screens making them a practical choice for
the homeowner. In addition, they are relatively easy to install.
Doors are available up to 16’ wide.
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WHERE TO BUY
Home centers are offering more of the screened porch
specialty products, but you may have better luck with
getting these products at glass companies. They
typically have a choice of screen frames, different
types of screening material, and even retractable screen
doors. Also check the Internet. There are several
companies that sell these products online. Some links
can be found elsewhere on this page. |
CLICK HERE FOR
INFO ON SCREEN WIRE
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