Miscellaneous Installation Tips & Tricks
In case you were unable to join our most recent Webinar Wednesday on June 7th, we wanted to share some installation tips and tricks. Our internal team has several decades of joint experience with regards to the installation of SCREENEZE, so there are plenty of added tidbits able to be shared. Continue reading for our top 38 tips and tricks when it comes to installing our products.
Installation by Alabama Decks & Exteriors in AL.
ODD SHAPES & ARCHES
When installing a trapezoid or an arch, always put the bottom horizontal on first. By doing this, it will stop it from walking during installation.
Install the bottom first, then the top of the horizontal, then lastly the sides.
With a standard rectangular or square opening, you should always do top, bottom, and then sides.
CUTTING TIPS
Always check the saw blade for missing or crooked teeth before starting any cuts.
Cut the vinyl and metal together, or use the new multi-angle miter shears (available on our website) for the vinyl.
We recommend a 10” miter saw, specifically with the Lenox 10” 52 Tooth Continuous Carbide Circular Saw Blade.
Never cut over a rough textured surface, like concrete or brick. It’s not easy to clean up and makes for an unhappy home owner.
Use a jig or a 2x4 along the bottom of the miter saw.
Using painter’s tape while cutting helps to prevent bucking.
Hold and/or grip the base & cap firmly while cutting.
PRE-DRILLING & SCREWS
If you are using SCREENEZE regularly, you would benefit from using a drill press.
A drill press with premarked measurements at 2” and 10” makes for a clean install.
We strongly discourage the use of impact driver drills. The torque may damage and weaken the fasteners.
We highly recommend a standard drill to install the square drive fasteners.
Against metal, it’s best to use TEK screws instead of the included SCREENEZE screws.
TEMPERATURE
Take the outside temperature and porch location into consideration during installation.
When installing in temperatures below 60º, make sure that the vinyl caps are warmed or stored in a heated area.
Cool temperatures can make the vinyl brittle, causing it to split/crack during installation. This will occur at the ends, so be sure to hand press the caps at the corner and take the previous stated precautions. Also, tap the cap close to a previously expanded point.
Whether there is full sun, partial sun, or no sun: adjust your cuts for the day you are installing SCREENEZE. On a hot day, or a day with full sun, make snug fits.
FLUSH MOUNT TIPS
Place the Aluminum Base ¾” from the farthest outside point for an easier install.
Using the Flush Plinth kits will help hold the SCREENEZE aluminum base in place.
Use a wooden block with the rubber mallet when hands are unable to reach the cap.
SLIDING SCREEN DOOR
The adjacent glide side must be free of protruding obstructions, including but not limited to: Corner-mounted SCREENEZE installation and Face-mounted SNAPTRACK.
Flush-mounted SCREENEZE is the best installation method when panels align on the same side as the door. This allows for the door to glide smoothly past the installed SCREENEZE panels, avoiding obstructions.
Be aware of any existing floor sloping and take that into consideration so as not to impact the functionality of the door.
GENERAL TIPS
The bevel side of the vinyl cap will always point/face towards the screen fabric.
Use a 3” piece of vinyl cap as a “clip” for holding the screen.
Trisodium phosphate is a good cleaning product for screen fabric.
A washer can be used under SCREENEZE on concrete to let water express.
On rectangular openings, always start installing caps on TOP first .
A painter's tool (5-in-one) is best for removing vinyl and is available on our online store!
Keep the fabric attached to the roll, place vertically, and it will hold the screen up.
Measure openings during the quotes. Then, cut and pre-drill SCREENEZE before getting to the job site.
Always make sure to mark and/or label your pieces so you know what opening they correspond to.
For Bronze, a silver sharpie works best for marking.
Label caps: top, bottom, left & right.
Label openings: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, etc…
Measure TWICE and cut ONCE!
Do you have other tips and tricks when it comes to installing our products? Or perhaps you are curious about one of the ones we listed above?
Feel free to reach out over social media, email, or phone - we’re always happy to help and hear feedback!
