How to Assemble a Solar Screen - UPDATED

In this video, we show you how to quickly and easily assemble a solar window screen from SolarScreenOutlet.com. For more information or questions about how to order custom size solar screens for your home or building, visit SolarScreenOutlet.com.
INSTRUCTIONS:
If you are using leaf or tension springs, insert them on one of the frame pieces (top side is recommended) by sliding a spring into each end of the frame piece.
Assemble frame using the corners provided. Be sure the spline channel is on the inside edge of all 4 frame pieces.
(Optional) Insert 2 pull tabs into the spline channel on the side of the frame opposite the springs.
(Optional) Add center bar/clips by sliding one clip into each side of the center bar and clipping the center bar into the desired position.
With the frame fully assembled, check to make sure the frame fits in the window before proceeding. If you need to make any adjustments to the width or height, disassemble the frame and trim the frame down to size using a chop saw, hacksaw or grinder.
Find a large flat surface and lay the frame down, spline channel (back) side up. If desired, tape down the edges of the frame to keep it in place.
Lay the solar screen on top of the frame. It does not matter which side of the screen is up. Be sure the screen overlaps the spline channel by at least ½” on all four sides.
Smooth out the screen to remove wrinkles and waves and place a heavy object (such as a gallon of water) in the center of the screen. This will help keep the screen tight as you roll it into the spline channel.
Roll the screen into the spline channel (without the spline) - start from the center of one side and finish that side, then move to the opposite side (use concave (non-grooved) side of the roller). Repeat this for all four sides.
Starting in one corner, roll the spline into the spline channel using the convex (grooved) side of the roller. Push spline into corners with flathead screwdriver; using the concave side of the roller, be sure all the spline is securely seated into the spline channel.
Solar Screen Assembly
Trim excess spline using a utility knife.
Be sure there are no waves or folds in the screen before moving on to the next step. If there are, remove spline and screen and start over.
Trim excess screen using a utility knife by cutting just above the spline at a 45 degree angle.

[@alfredozambrano7641]

I'm really sorry, not saggy at all, the book trick and starting at the middle are the key no other vid in YT talk about. I used screws on the edges to lock the frame in place. Before using the book trick, the screen pull the frame inwards creating bows Thanks sir, you saved my job.

[@cristinacioploiu6276]

What kind a screen mesh do you use? From where we can buy?

[@gtucci21]

Should we be putting weight in the center with a crossbar installed as well or will the crossbar alone be enough?

[@solarscreenoutlet708]

Good question! Crossbar alone might be enough but you can try using 2 books/weights - one on each side of the crossbar. If it's a larger screen, you might need to do this, but on smaller screens I doubt you'll need to.

[@ginnyniebauer4401]

Can you tell me where you got the long table top rulers? I want to make a large workbench like yours for assembling solar screens. Thank you

[@solarscreenoutlet708]

Home Depot, Lowe's, Ace Hardware

[@Optimization_Coach]

Need options for flush mount windows. In Florida we have stucco and no insets like these windows. Need options for us as well. Its a HUGE untapped market here

[@solarscreenoutlet708]

Thanks for reaching out. We sell a lot of screens to Florida and we have several mounting options, one of which should work for just about any window you come across in the USA. For more information, check out our blog article here solarscreenoutlet.com/blog/how-to-mount-solar-screens-common-window-examples/

[@alhelyliceaga3823]

I would love to buy some stuff from your website, unfortunately it's not really working right now. Might want to address that

[@solarscreenoutlet708]

Website is fixed now, thanks for the heads up!

[@patrickmaslowski9471]

Honestly I am having the hardest time getting these screens assembled. The screen never stays in the frame and no matter how hard you try to keep it even it will wrinkle. I’m not sure how I can get a 85” TV shipped to my house but you can send these assembled. Spent a lot of money just to sit here and struggle.

[@solarscreenoutlet708]

So sorry you are having trouble. Here's a link to our printable instructions with extra tips that may help. solarscreenoutlet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Assembly-Instructions.pdf - Try these tips too: Assemble the screen frame and corner pieces. Make sure it is square. Tape down all 4 sides with masking tape or similar tape. Cut the spline to size for each side so you have 4 pieces of spline (2 long and 2 short) Start with the longest side and roll the spline into the channel starting from the center out to each corner. Do the same thing for the other longer side. You may need to *gently* tug a bit on the screen during this step to get it tight - but not too much. Then do the shorter sides the same way - roll in the spline from the center of the side out to each corner. First do one shorter side, then the other.

[@alfredozambrano7641]

It probably looks saggy...

[@briancalvert6050]

I build screens every day for Ace Hardware, and this video is a joke. The frame used to make solar screens has become so soft that the spline channel wont hold its shape.

[@solarscreenoutlet708]

I assure you this video is not a joke. There is nothing funny about the assembly of solar screens. I wish people would take it more seriously like you do. Thanks so much for your concern.

[@davidst4896]

So what should the frame be made out of? Stainless Steel?