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How to Measure & Install Solar Screens
We have created an interactive question-and-answer style mounting guide to help you figure out the best way to mount solar screens to your window. Click the button below to view it.
START HERE: How to Determine the Best Mounting Option for Your Window
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.
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.
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.
3M Dual Lock
Be sure you have at least 5/8” of flat, smooth window frame surrounding all four sides of the window.
CONFUSED? HERE ARE A FEW MORE RESOURCES TO HELP:
- This article on our website shows examples of common windows and how to mount solar screens.
- Here's another article that explains the pros and cons of each mounting method.
CLICK ON A TOPIC BELOW TO EXPAND IT SO YOU CAN SEE VIDEO, PHOTO AND TEXT TUTORIALS.
Solar Screen Assembly
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.
Assemble frame using the corners provided. Be sure the spline channel is on the inside edge of all 4 frame pieces.
(Optional) Insert 2 pull tabs into the spline channel on the side of the frame opposite the springs.
(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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
IMPORTANT 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.
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.
Trim excess screen using a utility knife by cutting just above the spline at a 45 degree angle.
How to Measure and Install Using Casement Clips
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).
Measure where you want to place the turn clips - about 6"-8” from top and bottom on each side.
Draw a circle where each casement clip will go - use a pencil eraser as a template.
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.
Height - measure the entire height of the window frame and subtract ⅛” for clearance. Record this number as the height.
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).
90 Gray/Champagne/Casement Clips
80% Stucco/Tan/Casement Clips
How to Measure & Install Using Leaf Springs
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.
If you have tracks/channels on BOTH the left/right sides and top/bottom, then pick one set of tracks to use and ignore the other. You cannot fit a rigid screen in the top/bottom and left/right sides at the same time.
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.
Height - measure from the INSIDE TOP of the recessed channel (yes all the way up inside the channel) down to the top of the bottom lip (NOT INSIDE the bottom channel) on the bottom channel/track. Subtract 1/8” for clearance (ignore the video that says 1/16"). Record this number as the height.
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.
80 Black/Bronze/Leaf Springs
80 Stucco/White/Leaf Springs
How to Measure & Install Using Brick Clips
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.
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.
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.
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.
How to Measure & Install Using 3M Dual Lock
Be sure you have at least 1/2” of flat, smooth window frame surrounding all four sides of the window.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
90% Black/White/Dual Lock
90% Black/Tan/Dual Lock
Roll Up Solar Shades Measuring and Installation
To install, simply mount the left and right brackets to your window casement using the screws included. Insert the clutch end first into the clutch bracket. Then, insert the other end so the lug goes into the V-shape on the end plug bracket. Then, rotate the retainer arm over the top of the lug. If purchased, snap on the valance, top end first, then the bottom end.
CLICK HERE MEASURING AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS (PDF)
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