Vinyl-Spline Porch Screening

By +Don Vandervort, HomeTips

For screening that's particularly easy to install and replace, check out vinyl-spline screen-attachment systems (sold under the trade name Screen Tight®). These systems use base-attachment tracks and vinyl splines to lock screening into place. The vinyl components, which can be cut with pruning shears, allow for quick, professional-looking installation at relatively low cost. To install this system:

1. Use 1-inch screws to attach the system's vinyl channels along each edge of the frame. Drive the screws through the screw slots along the entire length of each mounting strip.

2. Stretch screening over each opening, making sure the mesh is at right angles to the frame.

3. Tape the screening in place, beginning at the top and working your way down the sides.

4. Feed the top-edge spline into the track and, using the concave end of a screening tool, roll it securely into place.

5. Remove the tape and roll in the bottom edge, followed by the sides and mid-rail, if the screen has one. Make sure you keep the screening as taut as possible during this process.

6. Use a utility knife to trim off the excess screening and snap trim caps onto the splines. If a trim cap is too long, cut it to size with pruning shears.

7. Make sure each butt joint aligns with that of the frame. Gently hammer the trim caps over the channels with a mallet to lock the screens in place.

Copyright Sunset Publishing Corporation
Copyright © 1997-2012, Don Vandervort, HomeTips, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is prohibited.




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