Making Window screens

[branimal]

When making screens for large windows, how much should I downsize the horizontal outer frame dimension to ensure a good fit? I will be using tension springs.

So for example the channel is 5/8" deep on each side. and the Space b/w the channels are 55".

So the entire dimension is 56 1/4". How much should I downsize that number by?

Thanks

 

[PCustoms]

GJ should get a consultation fee for all the questions we answer about your rentals...

I've never really undersized, just cut to the "shy" side of my marks. Maybe a 1/16"?

 

[loganb]

It will depend on how stiff the channel is and how much bend you can put into it as you slide it sideways. Most channel is roll formed, but some of the more expensive stuff is extruded and less bendy.

Will also depend on how much of a bend your springs have. You generally want the spring to be touching the jamb on each side so there isn't horizontal play if you grab the screen and lightly slide it. Figure out what the projection of the spring off the channel is...plan for maybe 10 to 20% of that to be compressed, cut the pieces as required and give it a shot. If you can't get it in, take the frame apart and knock an 1/8" off the rail length and try again.

 

[branimal]

It will depend on how stiff the channel is and how much bend you can put into it as you slide it sideways. Most channel is roll formed, but some of the more expensive stuff is extruded and less bendy.

Will also depend on how much of a bend your springs have. You generally want the spring to be touching the jamb on each side so there isn't horizontal play if you grab the screen and lightly slide it. Figure out what the projection of the spring off the channel is...plan for maybe 10 to 20% of that to be compressed, cut the pieces as required and give it a shot. If you can't get it in, take the frame apart and knock an 1/8" off the rail length and try again.

I'm building the screen with a crossbar so I don't think there will be much bend in the screen. The windows themselves are rock solid behemoths. 100"H x 55"W. So no play there.

Since I'm building them offsite, I cannot experiment. I've built a screen for a small cheap vinyl window (30x30") with an 1/8" undersize measurement and it was a bear to get in. I'm guessing the window wasn't installed square and hence measurements were off.

 

[loganb]

You're going to need to experiment, or figure out who made the windows and try to determine original screen size off any published cross section drawings you have. If they're all installed relatively square with parallel jambs, you should be able to get the sizing right on one then repeat with the others