Hardware Choices
Hardware are what “holds” your screen in place in your window sill.
This is where the manufacturers of the windows like to come out with
their own versions of hardware to make their windows different.
We do not offer all of the choices available.
However when you look at what hardware really does, there are only a few
options. Please refer to our “Hardware Choices” tab for more details.
We do not offer all hardware on the market.
However, we do offer hardware that will provide the same functionality as
any original hardware.
In most cases you will need to deduct from your screen measurement ~ 1/8”
to allow for the thickness of the hardware needed for your screen.
We will highlight below what deduction you will need to take.
Please remember to make that deduction from your screen measurement,
or your screen may be to large for your screen opening.
SINGLE HUNG SCREENS:
There are many different hardware choices for Single Hung Screens.
As mentioned above, each manufacturer likes to develop their own
version. But at its simpliest form, all we need to do is
hold the screen in the opening, either by tension, or by holding in place.
The easiest hardware method is to simply have “slip-on springs” added to
the top of your screen frame, and “pull tabs” on the bottom.
This will allow tension to be pushed downward from the top U-channel
towards the bottom.
If you find a small groove that runs in the U-channel of the sides, or
top of the sill, you can use “plungers” instead of “slip-on springs”.
If the grooves are there and you decide to use “plungers”, you can
only use plungers on sides, or top, where groove is located.
This “plunger” groove should be very narrow, and is not wide enough to
accept your screen frame width. So, while measuring your
U-channel, or L-channel, do not include your “plunger” groove, as it purpose
is to accept the pin portion of the plunger, and has nothing to do with your
screen frame measurement.
Remember to make additional deductions of 1/8” on
any width/height that you use hardware with.
DOUBLE HUNG SCREENS:
If the inside portion of your sill is wood, you will need to order “Wood
Window Screens”. These screens will automatically come
with “loop latches” mounted on the screen. These latches
will “loop” over a “bald-head screw” (more like a big headed nail) that you
will need to hammer into your sill at the meeting place of loop latches.
Additionally, you will be provided “friction hangers” (aluminum
channels) that you will need to mount to the upper side of each sill,
against the outside of the “stops”. The “friction
hangers” actually form a “track” that your screen frame will slide into.
The combination of the “bald-head screw” and “loop latches” will keep
screen frame in place.
If you are replacing an existing screen, your “bald-head screws” are
probably already mounted to your sill. If that is the
case, it will be unlikely that the new “loop latches” will match the exact
location of your current “bald-head screws”. If they do
not, you will need to carefully remove the existing “bald-head screws” from
your sill, and fill holes with a wood filler, and then mount the new
“bald-head screws” in the correct spot.
If your Double Hung window is NOT WOOD, please see below:
The easiest hardware method is to simply have “slip-on springs”
added to the top of your screen frame, and “pull tabs” on the bottom.
This will allow tension to be pushed downward from the top U-channel
towards the bottom.
If you find a small groove that runs in the U-channel of the sides,
or top of the sill, you can use “plungers” instead of “slip-on springs”.
If the grooves are there and you decide to use “plungers”, you can
only use plungers on sides, or top, where groove is located.
This “plunger” groove should be very narrow, and is not wide enough
to accept your screen frame width. So, while measuring
your U-channel, or L-channel, do not include your “plunger” groove, as it
purpose is to accept the pin portion of the plunger, and has nothing to do
with your screen frame measurement.
Remember to make additional deductions of 1/8” on
any width/height that you use hardware with.
What we have highlighted should take care of most of your hardware needs.
If you have any questions about hardware, please go by your local
home improvement store.
