Kolter Homeowner Guide

Screens

3. Push the edges of the screen fabric into the channel on top of the frame and on one side. To do so, use the convex edge of a spline tool.

Your exterior windows and doors have high-quality screens which are woven mesh stretched across a frame. They fit inside the frame of your doors and windows and allow air from the outside to come in while keeping bugs out. Care and maintenance The following are tips for maintaining your home’s screens. General maintenance Gently wash the screen frames and hose the screens once a year. This will keep the screens clean of dirt which could get onto your home’s siding. Clean dirt that builds up on the sills. To do so, remove the screens from time to time. If dirt builds up on the sills, it could trap water and lead to water damage.

4. Roll the other two edges of the screen fabric into the channels using the spline tool.

5. Push the splines into the channel using the concave edge of the spline tool. As you do, pull the screen fabric tight.

6. Trim excess fabric with a utility knife.

Also, see Windows (Page 68).

Homeowners association If your home is part of a homeowners

association, check with it regarding exterior maintenance. You should be familiar with what you can and cannot do, and what maintenance items the association is responsible.

HOME TIP: There’s no need to remove screens in the winter.

HOME TIP: Hardware stores sell replacement screen fabric.

Replacing screen mesh 1. Use a screwdriver to pry out the splines that hold in place the old screen fabric. The screwdriver head should be slightly smaller than the splines.

2. Measure the outside of the frame and cut the new screen fabric the same size.

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