Hi All,
I am replacing some screening for a customer on their outside porch. Upon removing the screen cap trim, I see the existing screen stapled, not splined in to a groove. I’m wondering how the previous carpenter tensioned the screen. The screens are attached essentially to the framing, not to separate frames which could be flexed in order to achieve decent screen tension.
Any ideas here?
Thanks, Dave
ny ideas here
Edited 4/18/2006 3:09 pm ET by Espo
Replies
Start in the middle of the top edge, put a few staples over a 3-4" span, pull it taut and staple the middle of the bottom part of the frame. Work your way out to the corners, periodically switching to tightening the left and right sides. You'll know you're getting it right when the wire grid is running pretty straight both ways. And I usually run my palm over the wire to feel any ripples that I can't see because of the angle of the light.
It works pretty well up to about 4' x 6', when they get bigger than that it's tough to keep it straight and tight. ANd you'll probably have to pull a few staples to retension occasionally, especially as you approach the corners.
Another trick is to use something to draw the frame sides slightly together (no more than maybe 1/4") while installing the screen.