Where will I fit my screen? Inside or Out?
Screens can be fitted to the inside or the outside of a window or door frame. The key determining factor is whether the window/door opens inwards or outwards.
As a general rule, if a window/door opens outwards, the screen will be fitted on the inside and vice-versa if the window/door opens inwards. This ensures the screen in not obstructed by the window/door as it is opened.
The main exception is when fitting a screen to a sliding window/door. Sliding window screens are generally fitted inside, sliding door screens can be fitted inside or out.
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Screen Fitted Inside |
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Screen Fitted Outside |
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All our kits are weather proof, so they can be used inside or out - the only exception relates to fixings, some are for internal use only (see What are the Fixing Options?) so the decision is really based on what best suits a location.
When fitting outside, window screens can be fixed with screws to give additional security and be removed during winter months if required.
Additional strength mesh can be used to prevent damage from harsh weather conditions or pets/animals. See What type of mesh do I need?
Where will I fit my screen? To the frame or inside the reveal? (Windows)
To the frame
This involves fitting the screen directly onto the face of the window frame (face fit) as shown below.
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Screen Fitted to the Frame -
Non Sliding |
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Screen Fitted to the Frame -
Sliding |
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A screen can be fitted directly to the face of a window frame, as long as there are no obstructions to prevent it from sitting flush against the frame itself. This is essential to create an all-round seal between the two surfaces.
If there were obstructions on the surface of the window frame, e.g. vents, then a sub frame can be added to move the screen back beyond the protrusion. The screen would then be fitted to the sub frame instead of the window frame.
Note : our screens have a depth of 10mm (this is the distance between the back surface of the screen frame - which makes contact with the window frame - and the front surface of the screen frame which holds the mesh). If the screen frame can be positioned above or below, left or right of an obstruction less than 10mm deep (e.g. a bevel or locking wedge) then it will still be possible to face fit the screen.
If, when the window is closed, the handle protrudes past the window frame (and potentially through the mesh) the screen could either be removed when the window is closed, or left partially open with the mesh resting on the handle to prevent damage to the mesh. Under these circumstance the screen would be fixed with either a hinge (partial opening and closing) or magnetic strips (click on and click off). See What are the fixing options? A sliding screen can be left partially open when the window is shut.
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Screen Fitted in the Reveal |
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Inside the reveal
Screens are usually fitted inside a reveal to avoid obstructions such as window handles, window stays or vents. Screens are generally fitted towards the front edge of the reveal using a sliding screen system.
With this system a twin track is fitted to the bottom surface of the reveal and another to the top surface. Two (or more) screens sit in the tracks, one in the inner track, one in the outer.
The right hand screen seals against the right hand reveal wall and the left hand screen against the left hand wall as shown. An overlap in the middle creates a seal between the two screens.
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Where will I fit my screen? To the frame or inside the reveal? (Doors)
To the frame
This involves fitting the screen directly onto the face of the door frame (face fit) as shown below.
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Screen Fitted to the Frame -
Hinged |
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Screen Fitted to the Frame -
Sliding
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A screen can be fitted directly to the face of a door frame, as long as there are no obstructions to prevent it from sitting flush against the frame itself. This is essential to create an all-round seal between the two surfaces.
If there were obstructions on the surface of the door frame, e.g. vents, then a sub frame can be added to move the screen back beyond the protrusion. The screen would then be fitted to the sub frame instead of the door frame.
If, when the door is closed, the handle protrudes past the door frame (and potentially through the mesh) the screen could either be removed when the door is closed, or left partially open with the mesh resting on the handle to prevent damage to the mesh. Under these circumstance the screen would be fixed with either a hinge (partial opening and closing). See What are the fixing options? A sliding screen can be left partially open when the door is shut.
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Screen Fitted in the Reveal |
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Inside the reveal
This method is used when it is more suitable to fit screens to the reveal surfaces, for example when protrusions prevent a face fit.
With this system a set of tracks are fitted to the top and bottom of the reveal, away from any protrusions, and the screens sit within the tracks.
The right hand screen seals against the right hand reveal wall and the left hand screen against the left hand wall as shown above. An overlap in the middle creates a seal between the two screens.
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