How to Install Porch Screens to Keep Flying Insects Away

One of the most relaxing things to do on warm evenings is spend time on the porch in a favorite rocker or porch swing. Nothing ruins the tranquility of these moments more than flying, biting insects that also enjoy the warmer temperatures and want nothing more than to feast on their next victim. These annoying pests can be kept away by installing screens to an existing porch.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Tape Measure
• Screening Materials
• Cordless Drill
• Screening Tool
• Utility Knife or Tin Snips
• Rubber Mallet

Gather Materials

1. Decide if you want to do it yourself or have a professional do it for you. If you choose to have your porch professionally screened, generally your only step is to find a reputable installer in your area and they will do the rest. But, if you are the handyman type, you may need to learn more before tackling the project.

2. Choose between permanent or retractable screens. Permanent screens are easier to install, so if retractable is what you had in mind, hiring a professional is usually your best bet.

3. Determine if each opening being screened is square, has a flat surface surrounding it and isn't obstructed by any objects that may interfere with installation. Many do-it-yourself screening systems have limits on the size of these openings. For example, some only cover up to 40 square feet, so larger openings would require a frame to be built around them to bring them down to the maximum size.

4. Measure each opening top to bottom and side to side and add these two measurements together. Most screening systems have a base that is secured to the porch framing and contain spline that holds the screen in place on the base. They also have cap pieces, which snap into the base and serve as trim to cover the spline. Add all the individual measurements together to determine the total amount of base strips and cap pieces required.

5. Use these same measurements, but instead of adding them together, multiply the width by the height to determine the square footage of actual screening material needed.

6. Purchase the total required materials and whatever tools you don't already have that are needed to complete the project.

Install the Screen System

1. Cut the base strips to fit each vertical frame and attach with 1" screws. Each slot in the base holds one screw, but don't install the screws so tightly that the base becomes deformed.

2. Repeat step one for each horizontal frame. The horizontal base pieces should butt up to the edges of the vertical base pieces.

3. Have a helper stretch the screen taut over the opening. The screen needs to be tight enough to not sag, while making sure the screen isn't so tight as to become deformed.

4. Use the concave wheel of a screening tool (generally available anywhere that sells screens) to begin installing the spline into the channel on the base. Once you have 6 to 12 inches of the screen started, use the convex wheel of the screening tool to push the spline securely into the channel. Cut off the excess screen with a utility knife or tin snips and throw it away. Continue with steps three and four until all of the screening is installed.

5. Cut the cap pieces to fit the vertical base pieces and install them using a rubber mallet to snap them into place. Once the vertical pieces are done, use the same method to install the horizontal cap pieces.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure your measurements are accurate. You don't want to run out of materials in the middle of your project.

• Be sure you have the right tools available. If you don't have a required tool, see if you can borrow one, or if it's inexpensive, purchase one.

• Don't be afraid to ask for help, not everyone can be a do-it-yourselfer. Many home building centers and hardware stores offer various screen systems or screen building materials. Store associates can usually offer advice and assistance on what you will need or even offer step-by-step instructions to take with you.

• Remember all the hard work will pay off once you can enjoy being outdoors without the nuisance of flying pests.

• Avoid screening porches using the old-fashioned method of tacking or stapling loose screening directly to porch posts and railings instead of using a porch screen system. Although this method is cheaper, installing screens via this method usually results in sagging screens or screens that are blown out in heavy winds. Plus, replacing torn or missing screening tends to be more difficult.