How to Install a Screen for a Sliding Window

A sliding window opens and closes horizontally with a track at the window’s top or bottom sections. Usually, installing this kind of window is done whenever an older window necessitates an upgrading or replacing in a home. Also, remember that most window screens are relatively straightforward to remove. These screen frames hardly ever need replacement; however window screens themselves may require replacement every after few years. Thus, installing window screens seem like a deterring job, but with some patience and the right tools, it can be done in no time.

Step 1 – Measure the Bottom Part of the Sliding Window

After gathering the materials needed, lay them out then use the tape measure to measure the bottom part of the sliding window. It is the location where the screen will lay. See a little lip which will keep the screen from falling off. Next, get the frame corner and frame piece from your materials place or storage.

Step 2 – Insert and Snap in the Frame Corner

Place in one edge of the frame corner into the frame piece’s end. Press on the frame corner towards the frame piece till it cannot move in any directions further. This will turn into your sliding window’s corner screen. Now, measure and mark the frame piece bottom edges. Line up the end of the tape measure, along with the inserted corner’s tip. Put the other frame corner above the frame piece just like the process when you inserted it. Mark also the piece at 34 ½" utilizing the frame corner's border as your guide.

Cut down the base frame piece. This places a groove, or channel for its blades, and it will also maintain your saw from misleading the mark. Continue incising the frame piece to desired size, for the window screen base. Next, you need to cut off the other frame pieces in the same manner previously done. You now have two pieces of 33 ¼" frames, along with corner clips placed into the frames’ ends.

Step 3 – Measure the Sliding Windows’ Height

Determine the height measurement from the window edge’s bottom towards the top section of the window edge. The top portion includes a lip similar to the bottom, only a bit deeper. You also have now your complete screen frame, which are all connected with its four corner clips. Ensure that the screen you use can extend at least one inch and a half above all the edges of the sliding window.

Step 4 – Install Screen

Get the spline or the rubbery rope kind material. Using the spline roller, roll the spline to the frame’s groove, ensuring to pull the screen firm. Carry on until the entire frame sides have been protected with spline. Use the utility knife to cut off any excess fiberglass or screen materials. At an angle, put in the finished screen’s top into the top edge of the sliding window. Push it up far enough, but not so harsh as to curve bend the aluminum. At this point, you already have the screen installed in your sliding windows.