Solar Screen Kits
Solar Screens are a cost-effective and visually appealing solution to help reduce the heat and UV rays from entering your home while providing daytime privacy. Unlike the insect screens that come standard with your windows, the solar screens are designed to cover the entire window.
There are 4 common methods to measure and install solar screens – diecast barrel clips with self-tapping screws, brick clips, 3m dual lock, and leaf springs & pull tabs.
- Diecast barrel clips with self-tapping screws: This method is most commonly used for surface mounted installs where the window is sitting flush with the exterior of the home or if there is a trim surrounding the window. The clips are positioned adjacent to the screen frame with the swivel arm securing the frame to the exterior of your home. We provide 6 total sets of clips & screws per screen – (2) for each side and (1) each for top and bottom.
This method has the most tolerance in terms of measurement range. This is a general guideline, use at your discretion.
Keep this in mind while measuring, the self-tapping screw needs to be driven into something solid such as the wood frame or brick surrounding the window.
Locate where the window frame ends and meets the trim/stucco/brick. Measure from window frame end to window frame end and add 3/8”. You would apply this to both the width and the height. The size provided is the finished size of the screen when assembled and screened, we do not add or deduct from the size ordered.
- Brick Clip Installation (only applies to 5/16x1” frame profile – WILL NOT work for 7/16x1” frame profile): This method is designed for an inset mount and is best suited for windows that are recessed within a brick wall. Each screen will include 4 brick clips, 2 on each side (left/right). Alternatively, if the sides of the window are flush to the brick with only the top and bottom having a brick trim, you can use the brick clips at the top only and have the screen sit on the bottom ledge/trim.
For fully recessed windows with brick clips on the sides only (left/right)
Measure the opening width at 3 points, at the top, middle, and bottom. Use the smallest measurement and deduct 1”. This is to provide space for the brick clips.
Measure the opening height at 3 points, left, middle, and right. Use the smallest measurement and deduct 1/16”. With 2 brick clips on the left and right, there is no need to use brick clips on the top.
For windows with a top brick trim and bottom brick ledge only. The window frame sides (left/right) are either flush to the brick or a very slight recess (1” or less)
Measure the opening width at 3 points, at the top, middle, and bottom. Use the smallest measurement.
Measure the opening height at 3 points, left, middle, and right. Use the smallest measurement and deduct 1/2”. The brick clip will only be used at the top of the screen. The bottom of the screen will sit on the ledge/trim.
The size provided is the finished size of the screen when assembled and screened, we do not add or deduct from the size ordered.
- 3M Dual Lock: This application uses an industrial strength locking strip that functions very similar to Velcro but significantly stronger. Each screen will be provided with (8) ½” x 1” mated strips of Dual Lock. This application is best used for vinyl windows that protrude past the surrounding trim. There is no drilling or screwing of any kind with this installation method.
Each strip has an adhesive backing, one will be adhered to the screen frame and the other to the window frame. The window frame must be cleaned and is smooth or the adhesive will not function properly.
For the width, measure from left to right, window frame end to window frame end. And for the height, measure from bottom up, window frame end to window frame end.
- Leaf Spring and Pull Tab: This set of hardware can be used for double hung windows with existing channels for a full screen. For this application to work, verify there is a hollow channel at the top and a small bead at the bottom. The screen is designed to fit into the top channel and behind the small bead at the bottom.
The leaf spring will be located at the top of the screen and the pull tab will be at the bottom.
For the width, measure from left to right, the opening of where the screen will sit, deduct 1/16”. For the height, measure from the bottom of where the screen will sit and up into the top of the channel, deduct ¼”.