Window/Porch Screens
Screens Built to Fit and Function
Window/Porch Screens in under services for custom-fit openings and frame replacements
Barksdale Hardware builds window and porch screens to exact specifications and installs them directly in your home. You need custom screens when standard sizes don't match your window frames, when existing screens have torn or corroded beyond repair, or when porch enclosures require precise measurements to keep insects out while maintaining airflow. Each screen is constructed to fit the specific opening, ensuring proper tension and frame alignment that prevents gaps along the edges.
The service involves measuring each window or porch opening, building frames with appropriate mesh material for the application, and securing the screens in place using hardware that matches your existing setup. Porch screens typically require heavier-grade mesh and reinforced frames to handle larger spans and exposure to wind, while window screens focus on tight tolerances that prevent insect entry around sashes and sills.
Request an in-home measurement to determine exact screen dimensions and frame requirements for your property.
What Proper Screen Construction Requires
Screen building starts with precise frame measurements, since even small gaps compromise the barrier against insects and allow the mesh to sag over time. The frame material and corner joinery must withstand seasonal expansion and contraction without separating, which is why proper construction uses reinforced corners and weather-resistant materials suited to the opening's exposure level.
After installation, you'll notice screens sit flush against stops and channels without buckling, the mesh holds consistent tension across the entire surface without wrinkles or loose areas, and there are no visible gaps where frames meet window casings or porch columns. Doors and windows close completely without catching on the screen material, and the mesh remains taut enough to resist tearing when brushed against during normal use.
The service includes frame construction, mesh installation, and on-site fitting, but does not cover structural repairs to window sashes or porch framing that may be required before screens can be properly mounted. If existing screen tracks are damaged or missing, those components are evaluated separately during the measurement visit to determine what additional hardware is needed for secure installation.
Common Questions About This Service
Homeowners in under services often ask about the construction and installation process before scheduling screen work.
What measurements are needed before building the screens?
Barksdale Hardware measures the exact height, width, and depth of each opening during an in-home visit, checking for square and noting any irregularities in the frame that affect how the screen must be built to achieve a proper fit.
How does porch screen mesh differ from window screen material?
Porch screens typically use heavier-gauge mesh with larger openings to handle wind pressure across wider spans, while window screens use finer mesh that blocks smaller insects but may not withstand the same level of physical contact or weather exposure.
When should screens be replaced instead of repaired?
You should replace screens when the frame has bent or corroded to the point where it no longer holds the mesh securely, when multiple tears have weakened the material, or when the screen no longer fits tightly in the opening due to structural changes in the window or porch frame.
What affects how long custom screens last?
The durability depends on mesh quality, frame material, exposure to direct sun and moisture, and how often the screens are removed and reinstalled, with protected porch locations generally extending screen life compared to south-facing windows that receive constant UV exposure.
How are screens secured during installation?
Installation methods vary based on your window or porch design, using spring clips, frame channels, or mounting hardware that allows the screen to be removed for cleaning while maintaining a tight seal against the opening when in place.
Barksdale Hardware handles the full construction and installation process, ensuring each screen is built to match your specific openings and installed without gaps that compromise insect protection. Schedule a measurement appointment to begin custom screen work for your windows or porch.
