Screen Replacement

How to instructions:

Remove the old screen materials by removing the spline from the track keeping in mind with the Florida sun the spline could be baked into the track and require additional efforts as all of the spline material must be removed. Next you want to make sure that all of the channels where you removed the splines are free of dirt and debris. Panels tend to get brittle when they get old, so in addition to dirt you will also want to remove small broken pieces from the old screen. You can use a stiff-bristled brush to clean the channel and prepare it for the new screen and spline.

  Once the spline channels are clean, you are going to want to measure the panel opening on your enclosure. To do this, you want to measure from the outside edge of one channel to the outside edge of the opposite channel. Do this for both the length and width of the opening and then add two inches to each measurement when cutting the new screen panel. Find a flat surface and then roll your screen out onto that surface. The flatter the surface the more accurate your cuts will be. Now, measure and mark your new panel and then place a piece of scrap lumber underneath where your cuts need to be to prevent damage to any surfaces underneath and it preserves the life of the knife blade.

After making  your cuts place the screen over the opening and make sure there is at least one inch of overlap on all four sides. It will help to have someone assisting you as they can hold the opposite side of the screen tight while you do your work. Unroll enough spline so that you have enough for at least two of the edges. If you are working on wall panels or slanted panels, make sure you start with the top edge. 

 Starting with the channel nearest to you, press the end of the spline into the corner of the channel with your finger. Keep the screen under moderate to light tension in the direction you are going to roll. Then insert the end of the roller into the channel and apply plenty of pressure as your roll to the other end of the channel. This part takes some practice and a little skill. If you slip there is a good chance you will poke a hole in the screen so be very careful when installing the spline. Cut the end of the spline with a utility knife as close as possible to the end of the channel. Make sure to do so carefully so you don’t damage your new screen.

To start the next piece of spline in the corner that you just finished.  After laying the second spline, move to the corner diagonal from the corner that has two secured edges. Then, pull the screen flat and make sure there isn’t any warping or folds in it. If you run into any of these issues, remove the second spline and try it again remember to use light tension as you are replacing the spline. Start your third spline where your second one ended remember to keep light tension as you install it into the channel. Once the third spline is complete, hold light tension on the fourth edge of the screen panel as you follow the previous instruction on installing spline. Using your utility knife, trim off any excess screen on the outside of all four splines. Make sure not to nick or cut the spline itself or the screen. It is very easy to mess up your entire project with one small slip of your knife. 

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