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Here in the Valley of the Sun,
windows are the single largest source
of heat gain in your home.
Close to 50% of the heat
in your home travels right through the glass.
So come summertime, it makes sense
to make sure your windows are
keeping out as much heat as possible.
Your house may already have energy-efficient windows.
But no matter what type of glass you have,
solar shade screens are an excellent way to make
sure you're doing your part to keep cool and save money.
There are many reputable companies
that can install solar shade screens on your home.
But with the right tools and with the know-how,
you can make your own solar shade screens for a
fraction of the cost.
Many local hardware or home improvement
stores have kits that contain everything you
need to make solar shade screens.
But here's a list of some extras.
Safety glasses, a tape measure and a pencil, a hacksaw and
miter box, aluminum screen frame material,
there are many different styles and colors to choose from,
some screen mesh material.
This also comes in different types,
so be sure to read the properties of each to
decide which would best fit your needs.
You want to make sure you're getting
sun screen and not insect screen.
And be sure to get the right size screen for your windows.
Some screen spline, a screen spline roller
tool, plenty of corner connectors.
Here you can purchase mitered or non-mitered,
which basically means a corner
with or without a 45-degree angle.
A utility knife, metal screen springs,
and possibly some frame clips.
Many kits come with only one type of connector
-- the 90-degree type.
If you want a more seamless corner connection,
such as a miter connection,
you'll want to buy the materials
separately instead of a kit.
However, since the easiest way is to buy a kit,
I'll go with the 90-degree angles.
The most important part of making your
custom window screens is taking good, accurate measurements.
All newer vinyl windows have a
channel that runs the perimeter
of the window to accept a screen.
So, your measurements should be
from the inside of this channel.
Take a measurement for both height and width.
Remember the golden rule of measuring:
Measure twice and cut once.
If you don't have a channel that runs
around the entire window frame,
you'll have to install clips to hold the screen in place.
Be sure to measure from the
inside of where the clips will be installed.
You may want to install the clips first,
the ensure proper measurement.
Once you have your measurements,
you are ready to cut the frame to the appropriate size.
Be sure to subtract the length that the corner
connectors will add, from the
length of the material to be cut.
So, if the corner connectors are half an inch
wide, subtract one inch from your measurement.
Set up your miter saw to cut the desired length.
Be sure to measure first to check that
your calculations were correct.
And then cut away.
After you have your screen frame pieces cut, connect the 4 pieces
together with the corner connectors.
Now let's go ahead and install the screen.
Start with a flat, sturdy work surface that's
larger than the screen. If the frame is not laid flat,
the screen will be uneven. First, you need to place your
pull tabs in the spline channel in the frame material on the
opposite side of the springs. If you don't have pull tabs,
you'll get the screen in but then
it'll be tough to get it out.
Make sure your screen mesh is a little wider than your
frame in order to make it easier to work with.
If you're working with a large screen and
plan to add a center support bar, now's a
good time to do that. Roll enough screen mesh to
cover the entire frame, with a little excess on all sides.
Next, take the rubber spline and using your roller tool, roll the
spline firmly into the spline channel. Your spline should be a
little bigger than the channel to ensure a nice, tight fit.
Repeat the step on all 4 sides. There will be some practice
involved, so don't get discouraged if you end up with
something that looks too loose or too tight. You can always
pull the spline out and try again.
Once you're satisfied with your
final product, a utility knife to trim away any
excess screen material. Then use a screwdriver to push the
screening into the corners if necessary.
Congratulations! Your solar shade screen is now complete,
and it will help you save money this
summer and for years to come.