How to Install a Screen Roof

A screen roof comes in handy when an outside structure is framed like a patio waiting to be screened. A screen roof gives the feeling of being outside with some of the protection of a building cover. It is especially handy during the summer when swarms of insects tend to pester people enjoying the outdoors. Smoke from grilling inside the structure escapes quickly out the screen roof, rather than lingering under a conventional roof. This type of roof works best when the rest of the structure is also enclosed with screens.

Broom
Tape measure
Scissors
Screen mesh
Thin wood slats
Saw
Staples
Staple gun
Flat-bladed screwdriver
Hammer
Finishing nails
Craft knife

Instructions

- 1
  Clean the rafters or crossbeams of the roof area with a broom. Knock lose any dirt, tree needles and spider webs. If the roof is covered with wood or tin, remove this before beginning the screen installation. Work inside the structure when installing the screen roof.
- 2
  Measure the area between the roof beams with a tape measure. Cut a piece of screen mesh with scissors 4 inches wider and longer than the measurements. Cut two thin wood slats the length of the measurement and two more for the width with a saw.
- 3
  Spread the screen mesh across the opening, leaving 2 inches of overlap on all sides. Place one staple through the screen in each corner of the opening with a staple gun. Pry out any staples with a flat-bladed screwdriver if the screen needs readjustment.
- 4
  Staple the edges of the screen to the crossbeams, while stretching the screen mesh tightly. Place the wooden slats over the staples and nail them in place with finishing nails. Trim any slat that does not fit properly, with the saw. The slats help hold the screen firmly in place.
- 5
  Trim the excess screen away by cutting the screen just under the wooden slats with a sharp craft knife.

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