How To:

Install a Double Hung Wood Window Screen

Before You Begin﻿
Determine the type of window you have. The required steps for replacing your window screen will change depending on the type you have. This is also true for the type of screen you have. 
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These are the materials and tools that will be required to install your window.
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Materials
﻿Screen Frame﻿
Screen cloth (aluminum or fiberglass)
﻿Screen retainer spline﻿
﻿Plastic Corners﻿
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Tools
Hacksaw
Box Cutter
Tape Measure
Screening Tool

Before you begin cutting the screens to size, take a quick look at your window and see if they match any of the images below. If your window matches the image for a double hung wood window, continue reading; however, if it's a casement window or a sliding window:
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Click on the button below the image of the window that looks like yours. You will be taken to the corresponding instruction manual page.

Sliding Window

Casement Window

Double Hung Wood Window

Double Hung Wood Window Screen Installation

Step 1: Measure the Screen

1. Measure the height and width of your window, just outside the screen stop.
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2. Deduct 1/8" from the height and width for the top hangers and bottom latch.
If the screen stop/molding isn't installed, we recommend installing a stop prior to the screen installation (use 1/2" x 1/2" molding).
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3. When the screens are wider than 36" or taller than 42", a crossbar is recommended to prevent screen frame from bowing in when screen cloth is inserted into the retainer spline channel.

Step 2: Cut the Frame

Measure the existing screen or screen location. Deduct 1-1/2" from each measurement, then square cut the frame with a hacksaw (we recommend a fine-tooth hacksaw). When the corners are installed (Step 3), they will fill the overall dimension requirements.

Step 3: Assemble the Frame

Insert the corners into the short lengths first, then insert the exposed corner leg into the long lengths. Lightly tap the corners into place. Check the assembled frame for squareness.

Step 4: Screen Installation

How you install your screen will depend on the type of screen you have. We will go over the installation of a fiberglass screen and an aluminum screen. The images above are a general representation.

Fiberglass Screen﻿
1. Lay the assembled frame on the flat surface with a retainer spline channel facing up.
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2. Place the screen cloth over the frame, overlapping the retainer spline channel at least 1" on all sides.
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3. Begin at one corner and insert screening (use convex or concave wheel) into the channel with retainer spline (press down and roll with short back and forth strokes). Cut off excess retainer spline.
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4. With a sharp knife, cut off the excess screen cloth by angling the knife blade on the outer edge of the spline, being careful not to cut the screen. 

Aluminum Screen﻿
1. Place the screen wire over the frame overlapping the retainer spline channel 3/8" on all four sides. Cut the screen wire across the outside corner of the spline channel at a 45 degree angle. 
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2. Hold the screen wire firmly in place and, using short light strokes, insert the screening (use a convex wheel) into the retainer spline channel of the bottom frame section. Use a free hand to press down firmly on the screen in the center of the assembled screen frame. This will assist in eliminating the screening from being pulled too tight. Duplicate this procedure at the top of the frame, followed by the two sides. Be sure the screening is completely compressed into the channel (use a concave wheel), before inserting a retainer spline.
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3. After rolling in all sides, begin at one corner and insert the retainer spline (use a concave wheel) into the channel (press down and roll with short, back-and-forth strokes). Trim the loose wire strands and excess retainer.

Step 5: Install the Finished Screen

1. Using screws or a top hanger nail set, mount the hangers 1/4" below the top of the window frame and flush with the screen stop.
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2. Insert the screen into the top hangers until flush with the top of the window frame.
 
3. Slip on the bottom latch in the center of the screen.
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4. Mark the outside edge of the screen frame on the sill. Remove the screen, install the ball head screw into the window sill 1-1/12" in from the mark (centered in the window opening).
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5. Re-install the screen and latch into place.
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Your screen is now installed, and your window is ready to be used!