Installing mosquito screens: how to take measurements correctly

Thefirst thing you should dowhen you decide to install aroller screenfor your home or office is tomeasure the opening accurately.

Many people underestimate this step, but it is a delicate and crucial phase for ensuring that the equipment is set up properly.

Differences between overall dimensions and clear dimensions

From a technical standpoint, you often hear the terms“finished dimensions” and“opening dimensions.” For those new to the subject, let’s clarify that the former refers tothe actual dimensions of the screen, while the latter refers to thedimensions of the openingwhere roller screens or other types of screens will be installed.

The Importance of Proper Installation of Mosquito Screens

If you wish to install custom-made roller insect screens, as well as other models, it is important to remember that accurately measuring the openings is of the utmost importance when placing your order and, consequently, when the screens are installed by professionals or when you install them yourself.

It is therefore a good idea to review the basic guidelines for the two main types of mosquito screens:

Vertical mosquito screens suitable for home and office windows
Side-mounted mosquito screens for installation on entry doors or balconies.

For both of these types, you need to measure the clear height and width of the openings, following a few guidelines to minimize errors.

How to measure a French door for roller screen doors

First, you need to measure the opening from wall to wall, starting with the height (h1) at the point where the box will be installed—either to the left or to the right when looking at the opening from inside the house. Once you provide this measurement to the company supplying the screens, they will subtract 3 mm to ensure the box fits perfectly inside the opening.

We also recommend measuring the height of the compartment at two other points: at the center (h2) and at the opposite end (h3).

Measure the width at 3 points: L1, L2, and L3—at the top, center, and bottom.
The reference width is the smallest measurement.

Important considerations for sizing roller insect screens (h3)

Here are a few tips to keep in mind to avoid making mistakes:

• If h2 and h3 are up to 3 mm greater than h1, it is advisable to specify the height h1.
• If h2 and h3 are more than 6 mm greater than h1, you should choose specific models (such as Or Tende “REGOLA”) equipped with telescopic guides that allow for a perfect installation even when dealing with out-of-square French doors.
• If h2 and h3 are up to 3 mm shorter than h1, the height h1 is acceptable.
• If h2 and h3 are more than 3 mm shorter than h1, you must notify the supplier, who will make the necessary adjustments.
• If the difference between L1 and L2 is greater than 3 mm, it is also advisable to notify the suppliers so that they can cut the profiles to specific dimensions.

Warning!Some online guides suggest choosing the smallest size among h1, h2, and h3; however, this is incorrect.

In fact, it may happen that h3—the height on the opposite side of the roller shutter box—is less than h1 by as much as 1 cm. For example, 230 cm, while h1 measures 231.5 cm

According to these guidelines, a 230-cm-long bin cannot be installed in a space with a height of 231.5 cm, leaving a 1.5-cm gap.

How to measure for a roll-up screen to be installed on a window

The same procedures described forFrench doorsshould be followed forwindows wheninstallinga roller screen, paying particular attention to the housing, starting from L1 to h1.

Shouldn't we include details like the ones above, which are suitable for windows?

• If h2 and h3 are up to 3 mm greater than h1, it is advisable to specify the height h1.
• If h2 and h3 are more than 6 mm greater than h1, you should choose specific models (such as Or Tende “REGOLA”) equipped with telescopic guides that allow for a perfect installation even when dealing with out-of-square French doors.
• If h2 and h3 are up to 3 mm shorter than h1, the height h1 is acceptable.
• If h2 and h3 are more than 3 mm shorter than h1, you must notify the supplier, who will make the necessary adjustments.
• If the difference between L1 and L2 is greater than 3 mm, it is also advisable to notify the suppliers so that they can cut the profiles to specific dimensions.

Replacing an existing screen

Over time, it may become necessary to replace the roller screen due to wear and tear or specific damage; in some cases, the entire unit may need to be replaced.

In such cases, you can measure the finished dimensions of the previous screen and provide those measurements to the supplier.

How to measure a horizontal window screen

How to measure a horizontal window screen