Measure First
Prior to purchasing your materials, measure your vertical
and horizontal support rails. Most are constructed with
either 2 x 4 or 4 x 4 boards. Base strips are available
in two corresponding widths: 1½ inches and 3½
inches. Also be sure to measure the distance between the
vertical supports. Screens are available in widths ranging
from 36 to 72 inches. Plan to allow for an excess of at
least 6 inches on all four sides, which will be trimmed
after the screen is secured into the base strips. For example,
if your |
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average width is 60 inches, you will need to purchase
72-inch-wide screen material.
Getting Started
Before you begin, remove all the old screens. Next, pressure
wash, scrape, sand, prime, and paint the existing railing,
supports, and flooring as needed. Remember to remove all
hardware from doors prior to priming and painting. Allow
paint to dry completely before starting the installation
process. (Tip: Remove
any light fixtures that may get in the way when installing
the base strips and screens.)
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How
to Install the Screens
Step 1: Measure the
top and bottom horizontal framing supports, and cut the
base strips so there dimensions using exterior screws in
the existing holes.
Step 2: Measure and
cut the base strips for the vertical supports and attach
using exterior screws.
Step 3: Measure the
height and width of each frame you've created with the base
strips. Cut screen panels to these dimensions, allowing
at least 6 extra inches on all four sides (Tip:
Use the floor or decking boards as a guide for cutting straight
lines.) |
