When repairing or replacing screens on doors or windows, it’s important to have the proper materials at hand. These materials typically include a mesh screen, screen spline or vinyl that are flexible, yet strong.
Tools can include measuring tape and a pair of scissors to assist with cutting and aligning the screen. Doing your research and material purchasing in advance ensures that you will have an efficient process in executing some relatively simple home or commercial repairs.
Common Screen Frame Materials
Begin by knowing the basic procedure to replacing a screen in a door or window. Know that the most common frame for screens is one made of aluminum.
Aluminum is a lightweight, yet durable material, and thus it is one that is often chosen for screen holders of a variety of sizes and for a variety of uses.
How to Install the Screen
- For this type of frame, you will first cut the replacement screen to slightly overlap the aluminum frame.
- The screen is then laid flat over the frame, and a vinyl-based cord, known as a spline, is then laid on top of the screen, with each “strand” of spline being positioned directly over the screen so that it aligns over the groove of the aluminum frame itself.
- Once positioned correctly, ensuring that the screen is in the desired place, the screen spline is then pressed downward.
Once you have repaired a few screens, you will have a basic understanding of the process and these detailed instructions won’t seem nearly as comprehensive or intimidating.
Tips for Working with Screen Spline
A few tips to keep in mind when working with screen and spline:
- Spline sizes are determined by matching spline to the width of the groove in screen frames, regardless of screen frame material.
- Spline is gently pressed and rolled into the grooves using either a specialty roller or a screen mouse. While you can manipulate splines into place by hand, it can be tricky and tedious to do so.
- When working with new screens, or repairing metal-based frame screens or doors, you will need to utilize a spline installation tool, such as a roller, in order to install the spline in a fluid motion.
- Serrated screen spline is specialty spline with a hollow core that works well for all sorts of screens.
- Outdoor screening, including insect screening, is often fastened into place using elongated spline material. This type of spline will pull the screen flush against the frame as it is being installed.
To choose screen spline for your DIY project, visit our online shop.
