- The frame needs to be the correct size, so measure your windows with a tape measure before beginning on the frame. Measure the inside bottom track on the window where the screen will sit as well as the inside of the left and right sides. Mark on the frame stock where it needs to be cut. DIYNetwork.com suggests using a hack saw and miter box to cut the metal frame stock. The edges can be straight since an L-shaped corner clip will join them together.
- Decide what type of screen to use. Many are on the market now. Solar fiberglass screen is popular, though more expensive, since it cuts down on UV rays, and some brands claim they can reduce your power bills. Measure the length and width of your window openings so that you can buy enough screen material.
Lay the screen mesh over the finished frame and clamp it down (make sure you don't bend the frame when you do this) on all sides to secure it. Lay a length of spline tubing material along the edge you are working on. Hold the spline material taut and with the spline tool carefully press the material into the channel on the frame. Don't go over the spline material again or allow it to pop out of the groove because it can damage the screen. Once you reach the corners, the spline tool won't work, so take a flat head screwdriver and push the spline material into place. The entire screen will use one continuous piece of the spline material. - When you are finished splining the window, trim the spline material with a box cutter so that it all fits into the channel on the screen. Once you finish with that, trim the excess screen material with the box cutter. To get a straight edge on the screen, you can lightly run the box cutter along the edge of the frame's inside groove or cut along a light weight straight edge.
previous post