One of the things that can worry you when installing a window screen is its sturdiness, more so when the window screen isn't situated against a frame. How exactly do you properly install a window screen without a frame? How do you make sure the screen doesn't wobble and fall? We have researched the most effective way you can do this.
Get a magnetic window screen that you can easily attach to your frameless window. This will prevent mosquitos and dirt from entering your home and allow filtered fresh air to enter.
- Measure the dimensions of your window
- Cut the metal strips and stick them to the opening of the window
- Assemble the screen by attaching the corner pieces together
- Assemble the plastic frame and cut the magnetic strips
- Place the screen into the assembled frame
- Push the magnetic strips into the plastic frame
- Flatten the screen and reduce tension on the sides to prevent warping
- Cut the screen to the size of the frame
- Attach the screen to the metal strips on the wall using the magnetic side
Attaching a screen on your frameless window is a fairly easy job, but of course, there are nuances that can make the job difficult, especially if you DIY. If you want to learn more about frameless windows and how to effectively attach their screens, keep reading below!
How To Install Window Screen Without a Frame
Before purchasing your magnetic screen, make sure its thickness does not exceed the thickness of your window opening. Otherwise, it will not fit snugly. Here are the things you need to know about how to install your screen on a frameless window.
1. Measure the dimensions of your window
Measure the window opening's width and height. Also, factor in the thickness of the corner pieces as they can account for two millimeters each; the total thickness should not exceed your opening.
2. Cut the metal strips and stick them to the opening of the window
Take out your metal strips and place them on your window opening. Mark the sizes with a pencil and saw them accordingly.
After cutting them, fit them into your window opening. Make sure they are the right size before sticking them since they will be later holding up the screen.
Tip: To avoid inaccurate placement, remove the steering strip bit by bit and not all at once.
3. Assemble the screen. Attach the corner pieces together.
Attach cords onto the corners pieces. Use a fishing wire to efficiently insert the cords into the hole of a corner piece.
- Insert the fishing wire into the hole
- Slip the fishing wire through the cord
- Insert the other end of the fishing wire into the hole again
- Let the cord pass through it
The cord will hold the two corners of the frame together more tightly.
4. Assemble the plastic frame and cut the magnetic strips
Put the plastic frames together and make sure they are fitted through the frame's corner pieces. Then, cut the magnetic strips and adjust accordingly as you push the strips into the surface.
5. Place the screen into the assembled frame
Once the frame is rigid enough, it is time to attach the screen. Cutting it exactly to size can be difficult while assembling everything, so you can wait until later to cut it more precisely.
When rough-cutting it, make sure to leave some allowance to make the succeeding steps easier.
6. Push the magnetic strips into the plastic frame
Attach the magnetic strips to the plastic frame with the screen in-between them. This is the reason why you need to leave some allowance on the screen; so that the magnetic strips can fit everything to size.
7. Flatten the screen and reduce tension on the sides to prevent warping
Make sure that the screen is sitting flat on the surface so that there will not be awkward bumps when you place it on the window. The tension on the sides will increase if the screen was cut short and there isn't enough allowance to keep the tension at a minimum.
8. Cut the screen to the size of the frame
Cut the screen to the size of the frame once everything is fitted nicely. Use the magnetic strip as your guide for a more seamless cut.
9. Attach the screen to the metal strips on the wall using the magnetic side
Now that everything is assembled, it is time to attach the screen to your window opening. Make sure the screen remains consistently flat. You can do this by maneuvering the frame on the opening, stretching it as necessary.
Why are window screens important?
Window screens provide protection against dirt and dust, improving the air quality in your home. You can see the evidence on the screen itself. Just observe the gunk and dirt that it collects for one week!
It can also be an additional insulating layer during the winter. Although not as rigid and solid, they contribute to providing your home with an ideal indoor climate.
How to Clean Window Screens
Cleaning your screens is important if you want to maintain good air quality. Window screens work hard to filter out the dirt, but loose dust and debris can start to make their way inside if the screen becomes too heavy with grime and cannot filter any more of the dirt.
Here are ways to prevent dirt build-up on your screens.
Remove the window screen
Disinfect all the available space on the screen more effectively by taking the screen down. This will make sure that there will be no parts missed and no place for bacteria to grow.
Mix a cleaning solution made of diluted either soap or vinegar
Mix 1/4 part vinegar or dish soap with 1/2 gallon of water. This cleaning solution will kill bacteria and remove dirt that may be crawling on your screen's surface.
If your screen is extremely heavy on dirt, mix 1/4 part ammonia with 1 gallon of water. Use caution when handling this chemical; wear gloves and protective clothing.
Scrub the surface thoroughly
You can use a dish brush, but toothbrushes with fine bristles are more effective at removing the smallest specks of dirt from the screen.
If you feel a fine-toothed brush alone may be too tedious, you can use both a sponge and a brush.
See this screen brush on Amazon.
Rinse with warm water
Let the screen stand and wash thoroughly. Do not make the water pressure too high as this can damage the screen.
Let dry and reattach
Before reattaching, make sure the screen is sun-dried. This will prevent molds and mildew from growing across the surface. Bacteria is fond of moisture, so allow time for the screen to dry thoroughly.
Can you clean the screen without removing it?
You can clean the screen without removing it using a vacuum and a cleaning solution made specifically for window screens. Simply vacuum its surface, lightly spray with a vinegar solution, then dip the cloth into a screen-cleaning solution and wipe your screen with it.
How Often Should You Clean window Screens?
Since screens do a good job of keeping out dirt and dust, you should clean them thoroughly every 2-3 months. That would keep your screens from overloading and affecting your home.
Benefits of Frameless Windows
Frameless windows are an edgeless enclosure that protects your home and eliminates the hassle of cleaning the gunk that can accumulate through the railings or metal hinges of the window.
Here are some benefits of a frameless window that may interest you.
Read: "Should Curtains Cover A Window Frame?"
Unobstructed view
You can enjoy a scenic view without the frames and hinges blocking the view. If you are worried about safety, there are anti-theft glass options available on the market that can effectively shield your home.
More aesthetically pleasing
Frameless windows have a chic appeal that makes the space seem more luxurious and classic. It is also versatile and complements any interior design, making it a popular choice among the design-conscious crowd.
Read: "9 Captivating Layouts For A Living Room With A Large Window."
More Natural Light
Everyone loves to have natural light, especially during transitional seasons. Frameless windows let in more sunlight and give a feeling of open space, giving you more energy to start your day.
Energy-saving benefits
Frameless windows are just as, if not more effective in keeping your home energy-efficient. They have frameless glazing, which provides an extra layer of insulation, which is an added benefit when you assess its U-value.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your home safe from the elements such as dirt, dust, and grime starts with something as simple as installing a screen. Make sure to keep your air quality clean for both safety and convenience.