|
 Up until several years
ago, we were like every other contractor when we screened a porch. The
common practice then, as it is now with some contractors, was to stretch
the screen wire over the framing and staple it. The installer covered the stapled
edges with wood trim. It was simple, fast, and inexpensive. But there
were problems.
First, if a repair to the screen was needed, it meant
pulling off the trim to remove the screen. Often the trim was damaged
and had to be replaced. Also if the homeowner wanted to stain or paint
the porch it was next to impossible to do a good job on the railing
without getting the paint or stain on the screen wire.
Also there was a growing demand for ways to extend
the usable season for the porch by making them more weather tight. In
response we started offering acrylic panels that could be put in place
of the screen panels or simply installed with the screen panels.
 We found that the aluminum screen frame
was the solution to our problem. We use a heavy duty frame that was designed for porches
not windows. After building hundreds of porches with this material we are
very pleased with the results.
Frames
are typically offered in bronze or white. They are
sold in 12' lengths but there are suppliers that will cut it for you so
that it is shippable by UPS if you cannot find it locally. Make sure
that you get all of the necessary hardware to assemble the frames and screen them.
It is especially important to get the right size spline for the frame.
Want to know how to install screen on a frame? Check out our
Screen Installation Guide
|
WHERE TO BUY
Home centers are offering more of the screened porch
specialty products, but you may have better luck with
getting these products at glass companies. They typically
have a choice of screen frames, different types of screening
material, and even retractable screen doors. Also check the
Internet. There are several companies that sell these
products online. Some links can be found elsewhere on this
page. |
|
