How to Install Porch Screens Faster with Screen Tight

Faster Way to Install Porch Screens: A Modern Approach to Porch Screening

Adding a screen to your porch is a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors while keeping pesky insects at bay. However, the traditional porch screen installation method hasn’t changed much in the last few decades, often resulting in sagging screens and difficult repairs. The good news is that there’s a more efficient and user-friendly approach to porch screening that doesn’t require extensive experience or professional assistance.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of rescreening an existing porch using the Screen Tight installation system. This innovative method can be applied to new and remodeled porches, deck enclosures, breezeways, and gazebos. Unlike conventional installation techniques that rely on wood battens and staples, the Screen Tight system utilizes specially designed base strips and spline technology to create professional-quality results with minimal frustration.

Understanding the Screen Tight System

The Screen Tight system represents a significant advancement in porch screening technology. This system uses specially molded base strips that feature two grooves designed to accept rubber spline material, which secures the screen fabric in place. Once the screens are properly installed, decorative cap trim snaps onto the base strips, concealing both the hardware and spline for a clean, professional appearance.

One of the primary advantages of the Screen Tight system is its compatibility with different screening materials. You have the option to use either fiberglass or aluminum screening. However, fiberglass is generally the better choice for most homeowners because it’s easier to handle, stretches tighter during installation, and is significantly less expensive. Fiberglass screening typically costs around 15 cents per square foot, while aluminum screening costs approximately 25 cents per square foot.

The beauty of this system lies in its efficiency. Rescreening your porch using the Screen Tight system typically takes about a day for an average-sized porch, making it an ideal weekend project for the dedicated DIY enthusiast.

Step-by-Step Installation Process

Step 1: Remove the Wood Battens

The first phase of the rescreening process involves carefully removing the existing wood battens that cover the edges of the old screens. These battens are usually nailed or stapled firmly in place, so they require careful removal to avoid damaging the surrounding wood structure.

Start by using a pry bar or flathead screwdriver to gently lift the battens. Work slowly and deliberately, checking periodically to ensure you’re not causing damage to the porch framing. On many porches, you may find both horizontal 1×2 battens and vertical 1×4 battens nailed to the 4×4 posts. Remove them methodically, starting with whichever type is most accessible on your particular porch.

Step 2: Remove Old Screening

Once you’ve removed the battens, you’ll see the staples or tacks holding the old screens in place. Begin pulling down all the old screening, taking care to avoid damaging the porch structure as you remove it. Wearing work gloves during this process is essential for protecting your hands from sharp edges and splinters.

After removing the screens, you’ll notice many old tacks and staples left behind on the wood. Use a hammer to pound any protruding staples flat against the wood, or extract them with pliers. This creates a smooth surface that’s absolutely necessary for proper new screen installation. Take your time with this step to ensure a completely flat surface.

Step 3: Install Vertical Base Strips

The Screen Tight system uses base strips as the foundation for the new screens. These strips are critical to the success of your project. Attach vertical base strips to the outside of the porch posts using the following guidelines:

For standard 4×4 posts, use the 3 ½-inch-wide base strips. Secure these strips using wood or sheetrock screws, placing one screw no more than 2 inches from the end of each strip. Additionally, put a single screw in each prepunched slot along the strip. Drive the screws snug, but avoid overtightening them as this can deform the vinyl strips.

For 2×4 rails, use the 1 ½-inch-wide base strips instead. You can trim base strips to length using pruning shears, tin snips, a hacksaw, or a power miter saw, depending on your available tools and personal preference.

Step 4: Install Horizontal Base Strips

After installing the vertical base strips, screw the horizontal base strips to the framing that spans between the vertical posts. These horizontal strips should be trimmed to length using the same cutting tools mentioned previously. Make sure to drive a screw through each prepunched slot and place an additional screw 2 inches from each end of every horizontal strip.

Step 5: Install the Screening

Now that you’ve prepared your porch with the base strips, you can install the new screen fabric. This is where the Screen Tight system truly shines in terms of ease and efficiency.

Start at one corner and unroll the screen along the length of your porch. Working systematically from top to bottom, use one hand to pull the screen taut while using your other hand to press the spline into the groove of the base strip using a splining tool. The key to success is maintaining consistent tension on the screen while rolling the spline into place.

Always install the top edge of the screen first, followed by the two sides, and finally the bottom edge. If you happen to create a wrinkle or fold in the screen during installation, simply pull out the spline and start again with that section. When securing the bottom edge of the screen, carefully check to ensure the screen is flat, wrinkle-free, and relatively tight before permanently securing it with the spline.

Step 6: Trim Away Excess Material

At this point, you likely have excess screening material hanging over the edges of the base strips. Carefully trim away this excess using a sharp utility knife. Draw the knife along the edge of the raised spline groove for a clean, professional-looking cut. This attention to detail makes a significant difference in the final appearance of your screened porch.

Step 7: Reinforce the Bottom Screens (Optional)

For added durability and longevity, especially in high-traffic areas or homes with pets, consider using tear-resistant screen material for the lower portions of the walls and door openings. Products like Phifer’s PetScreen are specifically designed to resist tears and punctures from pet claws and can significantly extend your screened porch’s lifespan. While this material costs more (typically 55 to 68 cents per square foot compared to standard fiberglass at 15 cents), the added durability often justifies the investment for homeowners with active pets.

Step 8: Install Wide Cap Trim

To give your porch a finished, professional look, install wide cap trim over the base strips and screen splines on the 4×4 porch posts. These decorative caps snap into place, effectively concealing all the hardware while providing a clean, polished appearance. The cap trim is an important aesthetic detail that transforms your DIY project into something that looks professionally installed.

Step 9: Install Narrow Cap Trim

For the 2×4 railings, use the narrower cap trim designed specifically for these smaller profiles. Gently tap these caps into place using a nonmarring mallet to avoid damaging the trim material. Take your time with this final step to ensure all caps are properly seated and aligned.

Selecting the Right Screening Material

One of the decisions you’ll need to make early in your project is which screening material to use. The two primary options are fiberglass and aluminum, each with distinct advantages and disadvantages.

Fiberglass Screening: This material is the more popular choice among DIY homeowners and professionals alike. Fiberglass screening is easier to work with during installation, stretches tighter across your frames, and provides excellent visibility. It’s also the most economical option, available at virtually all home centers and hardware stores. Standard black fiberglass insect screening provides adequate protection against insects while maintaining excellent visibility and airflow.

Aluminum Screening: While more durable than standard fiberglass and more resistant to damage, aluminum screening is more difficult to handle during installation and costs significantly more. It’s best reserved for specific applications where maximum durability is essential.

Specialty Options: For homeowners with pets, specialty materials like PetScreen offer superior durability and tear resistance. These materials are thicker and more tightly woven than standard fiberglass, making them better suited to withstand the wear and tear from pet claws and enthusiastic scratching.

Essential Tools and Materials

Before beginning your porch screening project, gather the following tools and materials:

Tools Required:

• Pry bar or flathead screwdriver for removing battens
• Hammer for flattening staples
• Pliers for extracting stubborn fasteners
• Power drill with screwdriver bits for installing base strips
• Sharp utility knife for trimming excess screening
• Splining tool for pressing spline into base strip grooves
• Nonmarring mallet for installing cap trim
• Pruning shears or tin snips for trimming base strips
• Measuring tape for accurate measurements
• Work gloves for hand protection

Materials Needed:

• Screen Tight base strips (appropriate sizes for your posts and rails)
• Rubber spline material for securing screens
• Screening fabric (fiberglass or aluminum, standard or tear-resistant)
• Cap trim (wide for posts, narrow for rails)
• Wood or sheetrock screws (1-inch for base strips)

Common Installation Challenges and Solutions

Wrinkled or Sagging Screen: If you notice wrinkles or sagging in the screen after installation, you may not have pulled the screen taut enough during the spline installation process. Simply remove the spline from the affected area and reinstall the screen with greater tension.

Torn or Punctured Screen: Small tears can sometimes be patched with screen repair patches available at hardware stores. For larger damage or if damage occurs frequently, consider upgrading to tear-resistant material in high-traffic areas.

Uneven Base Strips: If your base strips aren’t properly aligned or level, this can affect the appearance and function of your screens. Double-check all measurements and use a level when installing the base strips to ensure they’re perfectly vertical and horizontal.

Difficulty Inserting Spline: If you’re having trouble getting the spline to seat properly in the groove, ensure you’re using enough downward pressure with your splining tool. You may also need to ensure the spline material isn’t cracked or damaged.

Advantages of the Screen Tight System

The Screen Tight system offers numerous advantages over traditional porch screening methods. First and foremost, it eliminates the frustrating problem of sagging screens that plagued older installations. The spline-based system maintains consistent tension on the screen material, preventing the sagging that typically develops with conventional batten-and-staple methods.

The system is also remarkably user-friendly, requiring no special experience or advanced carpentry skills. Most homeowners can successfully complete a porch screening project in a single day, making this an ideal weekend project. The professional-looking results rival those achieved by hiring contractors, yet at a fraction of the cost.

Additionally, the Screen Tight system provides excellent durability and longevity when properly installed. The combination of quality base strips, rubber spline, and decorative cap trim creates a robust installation that resists weathering and maintains its appearance for years.

Cost Considerations

The cost of rescreening your porch using the Screen Tight system varies based on several factors including porch size, materials selected, and whether you choose standard or specialty screening.

Material costs are generally quite reasonable. Standard fiberglass screening starts at approximately 15 cents per square foot, while specialized tear-resistant materials range from 55 to 68 cents per square foot. Base strips, spline, cap trim, and fasteners are also relatively affordable, especially when compared to professional installation services.

By completing this project as a DIY endeavor, homeowners can potentially save $1,200 to $2,000 or more in labor costs that would otherwise be charged by professional screening contractors.

Maintenance and Care

Once your new screens are installed, minimal maintenance is required to keep them in excellent condition. Periodically vacuum or gently rinse your screens to remove dust, pollen, and debris. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbing that could damage the screen material.

Inspect your screens regularly for any signs of damage or deterioration. Small tears can be repaired with patch kits, while more extensive damage may require replacing that particular screen section.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does it take to rescreens a porch using the Screen Tight system?

A: For an average-sized porch, the entire rescreening project typically takes about one day. However, the actual time varies depending on porch size, your experience level, and the complexity of your particular porch design.

Q: Can I use the Screen Tight system on a porch that has never been screened before?

A: Yes, the Screen Tight system can be applied to new and remodeled porches, deck enclosures, breezeways, and gazebos. You may need to install framing first if your porch doesn’t already have an appropriate structure to attach the base strips.

Q: What’s the difference between fiberglass and aluminum screening?

A: Fiberglass screening is easier to work with, stretches tighter, costs less (around 15 cents per square foot), and provides excellent visibility. Aluminum screening is more durable but more difficult to install and costs more (about 25 cents per square foot).

Q: Is special equipment required to install a Screen Tight system?

A: No, you only need basic tools like a drill, utility knife, pry bar, hammer, and splining tool. Most homeowners already have these tools available.

Q: Should I use tear-resistant screening material?

A: If you have pets or high-traffic areas, tear-resistant screening material (such as PetScreen) is worth the extra investment. It resists tears and punctures from pet claws and extends the lifespan of your screened porch significantly.

Q: How do I fix wrinkles in the screen after installation?

A: Remove the spline from the affected area and reinstall the screen with greater tension. Ensure you’re pulling the screen taut with one hand while pressing the spline into the groove with your splining tool.

Q: Can the Screen Tight system be used to repair existing screens?

A: Yes, the Screen Tight system is specifically designed for rescreening existing porches. It can replace traditional batten-and-staple methods and provide more durable, professional-looking results.

Q: What’s the cost savings compared to professional installation?

A: By completing this project yourself, you can save $1,200 to $2,000 or more in labor costs that professional contractors would charge for the same work.