How to Make an Insect Screen

Every door and window of a home or building in mosquito-infested areas should be equipped with an insect screen. Installing an insect screen will allow you to enjoy the fresh air while prohibiting the entry of insects such as bees, flies, and mosquitoes. Insect screens are often made up of metal wire, fiberglass or synthetic fiber mesh that is stretched between a frame made of wood or metal. Although there are a number of available ready-made insect screens to choose from, you can also create your own. An insect screen is quite easy to assemble, and the materials needed are relatively cheap.

Step 1 – Get the Necessary Measurements

Once you have decided where to place your insect screen, measure the length and width of the opening, where the screen will be placed. The measurements should be taken from the interior edge of the opening. The length and the width of the insect screen will be dependent on how you plan to mount it. If it is to be stationed on the windowsill, add one inch to the width and half-inch to the height of the measurements of the opening. If the screen is to be placed fronting the window, allow overlapping by adding 1½ inches to the measurements of each side of the opening. If you will station it inside the window or door, slash 1 centimeter off from the measurements.

Step 2 – Preparing the Frame Pieces

The screen frame and the corner stakes will hold the wire mesh in place. It is then important to get the right measurement to ensure that the screen frame will not appear too large for the opening. To prevent this, subtract the measurements of the corner stakes from those of the whole frame. Cut the aluminum pieces according to the measurements required. Each piece should be measured from its exterior edge and the ends must be at a 45-degree angle. Smooth the rough edges when necessary using a file or sandpaper.

Step 3 – Assembling the Frame

On a flat surface, fit in the pieces of the screen frame together so that you form a rectangular structure. Attach on the corners of the frame the corner stakes in order to keep the frame in place. Tighten the corner stakes using a hammer.

Step 4 – Insertion of Wire Mesh Screen

Lay the wire-mesh screen over the frame. The size of the sides should be two centimeters wider than the screen frame. Cut the screen and insert the edges into the grooves of the frame. Start at the corners to ensure a tight fit. Secure the screen on one side of the frame using staples before you pull the other side to tighten. Secure the rest of the corners it is adequately taut. Trim extra screen for a clean appearance.