Help with window screens

parlayinn

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I just moved into a new apartment in SF, and the windows have no screens, so I need to get some. These windows have no tracks though, so how do I attach em? Also, where is the best place to buy? Should I just go to Home Depot and make my own? Is this easy? I saw a website that does custom screens and they charge like $30/each for the size i put in and i have 3 of those windows for just my bedroom. I only plan on staying in this apartment for 1-2 years though. Any advice appreciated! :clap:
 

Franky Wright

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Heaven, oh!!, this isn't it?!
Par,
Why doesn't the landlord provide screens? :scared
Things must be different in that part of the country?
Being a landlord and a builder, if you have to do it, ask for a discount on the rent, they pay half, etc.
Go to a glass company first, get some prices from them. Then go to your home depot/hardware store and put in one screen yourself, and see how you do :) . That way you can decide what is worth it to you.

Screens are not the easiest thing in the world, trust me I know :cursin:

GL
Franky :)
 

buddy

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Making the screens is simple enough. You can buy the materials at any hardware store or find some used screens and reuse the frames and spline. You will merely need to buy the screen (vinyl is much easier to work with than wire mesh).

A quick way to secure the screens so they do not fall out is to put 3 screws on side of the vertical jamb (right) and 3 screws on the other vertical jamb (left). In effect, you will have 3 screws on each side...bottom, middle and top. Just put the screws in about 3/4 of the way. After you have the screen made, place the screen in the window against the screws you just screwed in. This will prevent the screen from falling out. Then put additional screws on the other side of the newly made screen. This will prevent the screen from falling in.

I know it sounds like something Mr. Haney would do on Green Acres, but it'll work.

Good luck.
 

parlayinn

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Franky Wright said:
Par,
Why doesn't the landlord provide screens? :scared
Things must be different in that part of the country?

Oh, i did'nt know the landlord was supposed to provide screens. I thought it was like an added bonus that if i wanted, i'd have to get myself. I should ask her if she'll pay for screens. Doubt she'll say yes though :cursin:
 

buddy

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The biggest problem with making a screen has to do with the material the screen frame is made of.

There are basically two types:

1) Metal extrusion frame (very sturdy / expensive / not sold in retail stores)

2) Rolled frame (flimsy / not worth a plug nickel / it's the only thing that's available in retail stores

Once you cut the framing material to size and assemble the frame, the frustration begins when you try to apply the screening material to the frame.

Because rolled framing material is so flimsy, it will bend and will not hold its shape so you end up with a screen that has four concave sides (the longer sides will be more obvious than the other two, but it will still frustrate the heck out of you).

Good luck
 

Franky Wright

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May 28, 2002
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Heaven, oh!!, this isn't it?!
parlayinn said:
Oh, i did'nt know the landlord was supposed to provide screens. I thought it was like an added bonus that if i wanted, i'd have to get myself. I should ask her if she'll pay for screens. Doubt she'll say yes though :cursin:

Just say to her;
" Where are the screens for the windows" Act like they should be there..........if she says we dont have them, say"what about the insects coming in at night or if a bird flew in?, the last/ every place I ever lived had screens, then pause, let me know how this turns out :) "
Franky
 
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