How to Measure & Install Solar Screens

using casement clips

Casement clips
In order to use casement clips, be sure you have at least ½” of flat window frame surrounding at least 2 opposite sides of the window.

using leaf springs

Leaf springs
In order to use leaf springs, be sure you have a track or channel at the top and bottom of the window casement (or the left and right side) for the solar screen frame to wedge into.

using brick clips

Brick Clips
Brick clips are perfect for most brick homes. Be sure you have a brick surround on the left and right sides of your window so the brick clips can grab the brick securely.

using 3m dual lock

3M Dual Lock
Be sure you have at least 5/8” of flat, smooth window frame surrounding all four sides of the window.

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DOWNLOAD PRINTABLE ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS HERE (PDF).

If you are using leaf or tension springs, insert them on one of the frame pieces (top side is recommended) by sliding a spring into each end of the frame piece.
Solar Screen Assembly

Assemble frame using the corners provided. Be sure the spline channel is on the inside edge of all 4 frame pieces.
Solar Screen Assembly

(Optional) Insert 2 pull tabs into the spline channel on the side of the frame opposite the springs.
Solar Screen Assembly with pull tabs

(Optional) Add center bar/clips by sliding one clip into each side of the center bar and clipping the center bar into the desired position.
Solar Screen Assembly with crossbar

With the frame fully assembled, check to make sure the frame fits in the window before proceeding. If you need to make any adjustments to the width or height, disassemble the frame and trim the frame down to size using a chop saw, hacksaw or grinder.
Solar Screen Assembly test fit

Find a large flat surface and lay the frame down, spline channel (back) side up. If desired, tape down the edges of the frame to keep it in place.
Solar Screen Assembly prep for screen

Lay the solar screen on top of the frame. It does not matter which side of the screen is up. Be sure the screen overlaps the spline channel by at least ½” on all four sides.
Solar Screen Assembly lay screen on frame

Smooth out the screen to remove wrinkles and waves and place a heavy object (such as a gallon of water) in the center of the screen. This will help keep the screen tight as you roll it into the spline channel.
Solar Screen Assembly smooth out screen

Roll the screen into the spline channel (without the spline) - start from the center of one side and finish that side, then move to the opposite side (use concave (non-grooved) side of the roller). Repeat this for all four sides. Do not roll screen/spline into the center bar.
Solar Screen Assembly roll screen into frame

Starting in one corner, roll the spline into the spline channel using the convex (grooved) side of the roller. Push spline into corners with flathead screwdriver; using the concave side of the roller, be sure all the spline is securely seated into the spline channel.
Solar Screen Assembly roll splineIMPORTANT TIPS: (1) It's easier to work with fabric if it's warmed up a bit and therefore more pliable. You can leave it out in the hot sun for a few hours or use a hot hair dryer to warm up the fabric. It will be easier to roll in. (2) Use the non-grooved side of the roller tool exclusively if you're having trouble getting the spline to roll in.

Trim excess spline using a utility knife.
Solar Screen Assembly trim spline

Be sure there are no waves or folds in the screen before moving on to the next step. If there are, remove spline and screen and start over.
Solar Screen Assembly inspect screen

Trim excess screen using a utility knife by cutting just above the spline at a 45 degree angle.
Solar Screen Assembly trim excess screen

In order to use casement clips, be sure you have at least ½” of flat window casement surrounding at least 2 opposite sides of the window (typically the top and bottom, but clips can also be placed on the left and right side).
How to Install and Measure Solar Screens with Casement Clips

Measure where you want to place the turn clips - about 6"-8” from top and bottom on each side.
install solar screen with casement clips

Draw a circle where each casement clip will go - use a pencil eraser as a template.
install solar screen with casement clips

Width - measure from the inside edge of circle on the left to the inside edge of the circle on the right. Subtract ⅛” inch for clearance. Record this number as the width.
install solar screen with casement clips

Height - measure the entire height of the window frame and subtract ⅛” for clearance. Record this number as the height.
install solar screen with casement clips

Go to SolarScreenOutlet.com and order the size and quantity of screens you need.

Assemble the screen according to the instructions above.

Set the screen in place to be sure it will fit.

Mount screen by screwing in turn clips using hex-head driver and self-tapping screws (included).
install solar screen with casement clips

In order to use leaf springs, be sure you have a track or channel at the top and bottom of the window frame (or the left and right side) for the solar screen frame to wedge into.

How to Install and Measure Solar Screens with Leaf Springs

The following instructions assume your channel/tracks are at the top and bottom of your window.

Width - Measure from the inside edge of the recessed area on the left to the inside edge of the recessed area on the right - be sure to keep the tape measure level and straight. Measure in multiple locations and note the smallest measurement. Subtract ⅛” for clearance. Record this number as the width.
install solar screens with leaf springs

Height - measure from the top of the recessed channel on top down to the top of the bottom lip on the bottom channel/track. Subtract 1/8” for clearance. Record this number as the height.
install solar screens with leaf springs

Go to SolarScreenOutlet.com and order the size and quantity of screens you need.

Assemble the screen according to the instructions above.

Insert the solar screen with the springs end in first and pop the opposite side in place.
install solar screens with leaf springs

install solar screens with leaf springs

Brick clips are perfect for most brick homes. Be sure you have a brick surround on the left and right sides (or top and bottom) of your window so the brick clips can grab the brick securely.

solar screen brick clips installation

Width - measure from the inside edge of the brick frame on the left side to the inside edge of the brick frame on the right side. Measure in multiple places and note the smallest width. Subtract 1” to allow for clearance on each side for the brick clips. Record this number as the width.
solar screen brick clips installation

Height - measure from the bottom of the brick frame to the top of the window frame. Subtract 1/8” for clearance. Record this number as the height.
solar screen brick clips installation

Go to SolarScreenOutlet.com and order the size and quantity of screens you need.

Assemble the screen according to the instructions above.

Attach two brick clips on each side of the screen frame with the 2 holes on the back side of the frame, about 8” from the top and 8” from the bottom. Use clear tape to hold the clips in place if needed. Push screen in place so that the brick clips grip the bricks and hold the screen securely in place.
solar screen brick clips installation

Be sure you have at least 5/8” of flat, smooth window frame surrounding all four sides of the window.

How to Install and Measure Solar Screens with 3M Dual Lock

Width - Measure the window frame from the left outside edge to the right outside edge. Subtract ⅛” for clearance. Record this number as the width.

How to Install and Measure Solar Screens with 3M Dual Lock

Height - Measure the window frame from the top outside edge to the bottom outside edge. Subtract ⅛” for clearance. Record this number as the height.
How to Install and Measure Solar Screens with 3M Dual Lock

Go to SolarScreenOutlet.com and order the size and quantity of screens you need.

Assemble the screen according to the instructions above.

Thoroughly clean and dry the window frame to ensure proper adhesion of the 3M Dual Lock Pads.
How to Install and Measure Solar Screens with 3M Dual Lock

Remove backing from one side of the 3M Dual Lock pair and attach to one corner of the back side of the solar screen frame.
How to Install and Measure Solar Screens with 3M Dual Lock

Repeat for all 4 corners and for any additional locations you want to add the 3M Dual Lock.

Remove the backing from the 3M Dual Lock pairs that are now attached to the solar screen frame.
How to Install and Measure Solar Screens with 3M Dual Lock

Attach the screen to the window frame and be sure to push and hold for 15 seconds on each location where the 3M Dual Lock pads are attached.
How to Install and Measure Solar Screens with 3M Dual Lock