Patio Screen Enclosure Instructions

Measure the length and height of your patio to determine the amount of screen and materials you'll require. Begin at the corner of the top sill and measure the sill around to the opposite end to determine the length. Determine the height of the patio by measuring from the top sill to the bottom floor rail. Multiply the length measurement times the height measurement to identify the amount of screen required to enclose the patio. Add additional length to the screen measurement to allow for trimming and finishing.

Take the measurements with you to your home improvement retailer. Purchase the screen, along with screen spline, base trips and base caps. Use this system for quick and durable installation that should endure without sagging or exterior nails.

Remove any pre-existing screen and installation strips and material from the patio. Be sure to remove protruding screws and nails, or hammer them flush into the surface.

Install the base strips across the top sill. Align the strip flush with the edge of the top sill and secure the strip to the sill with 1-inch, galvanized screws. Affix one screw in each of the strip’s screw slots. Drill the screws straight into the hole with even pressure to ensure a secure fit.

Place the strips flush against each other and continue screwing the strips, until the strips are in place across the top sill. Repeat the process with the bottom rail and each vertical side. Trim away the excess strip to develop a proper fit.

Cut the screen according to your measurements with a little extra for trimming. Begin the screen installation at the top corner and work your way across. Align the screen with the base strip and push the screen into the strip with the screen spline. Secure the sides into the base strips with the spline, working one side at a time, from top to bottom.

Secure the bottom portion of the screen to the bottom base strips. Pull the screen gently while securing the screen with the spline. Trim off the excess screen from the edges with sharp cutting shears.

Align the base caps with the base strips and press them onto the strips. Tap the caps with a rubber mallet until the caps snap into place.