Arches
How to Screen Arches and Arched Porches with SNAPP screen Track – DIY Guide
DIY Arch Screen Porch Screening Projects are a SNAPP
Screening arched porches can be a nightmare with traditional systems, which often require expensive custom frames or professional fabricators that don't bend to curves. SNAPP screen Track is the solution for your arched screen porch projects. Simple, Do-It-Yourself screen installation, with Professional results. SNAPP screen Track changes the game with its flexible PVC and aluminum options, allowing professionals as weel as DIY enthusiasts to tackle arched openings effortlessly. Whether it's a gentle top arch or a tight full circle, SNAPP's design ensures a seamless fit without compromising strength or aesthetics. Customers rave about how it performs, saving time and money while delivering pro-level results. If you're searching for the best way to screen arches, SNAPP is your go-to solution.
Arched openings will require a few more steps than a typical screen porch screening project, but arches really are not that much more difficult. And don't be overwhelmed by the arch - every picture on this page is from a DIY customer installed project.
PVC SNAPP screen Track is normally the standard for arched screen porch projects. But, depending upon your location, application, and available tools, arched openings can be screened using Aluminum or PVC SNAPP screen Track - or a combination of both in especially freeze zones.
Treat the opening as you would any other opening and follow all other standard installation guides for SNAPP screen Tracks. Information provided here is relevant only for the actual Track(s) being mounted to the arch itself. How you screen the remainder of your porch makes no difference.
Types of Arches
Top Arch
Sides are generally straight, base is generally flat, and only the top is arched.
Full Arch
The base is generally flat and the remainder of the opening is arched.
Circles
Self-explanatory - entire opening is curved.
Radius Corners
Opening is generally square or rectangular but some, or all, corners have a radius.
Using Aluminum SNAPP screen Track for Arches
Aluminum SNAPP screen Track will not flex. You’ll need a commercial bender to achieve the radius required if you intend to use it. Additionally, you cannot bend powder coated or painted Tracks without damaging the finish. Use our unfinished "mill" aluminum Tracks and apply your finish after the Track has been properly shaped. Mount using standard mounting instructions based upon the application. (Left: Aluminum SNAPP screen Track shown screened for depiction only. Screen is normally installed after extrusion is mounted in the opening)
Using PVC SNAPP screen Track for Arches
Depending upon the radius required, PVC SNAPP screen Track will either flex right into the opening or require “relief” cuts.
Lazy “slow” curves
Lazy “slow” curves are the easiest to work with. PVC SNAPP screen will flex right into place or, at most, require slight heat from a heat gun to fully form into the opening. Flex the extrusion into place and mount following standard mounting instructions.
Tight “fast” curve
Tight “fast” curves will require relief cuts to accommodate the tight radius. Relief cuts allow the PVC SNAPP screen Track to compact upon itself during compression. These are easily made using a power miter saw or hand hack saw. Typically, cuts are made every inch in the extrusion head. (mounting flange is not cut) Watch the process for making relief cuts in PVC SNAPP screen Track below.
Relief Cuts
Relief cuts are easy to make and allow the PVC SNAPP screen Track to be formed into a circle as small as 8” in diameter.
After making relief cuts, simply flex the extrusion into place and mount following standard mounting instructions. Relief cuts will close during installation, any remaining relief cut gaps will be fully covered by screen and spline during installation.
Screen Installation
Screen installation is exactly the same as described in our other installation videos, but some customers may find it easier to spline the base first then move to the top. Once on the top, start in the center and work down each side of the radius. Once the base and radius are complete move on to screening the sides of the opening. Screen sides as normal - prime hand side first then non-prime hand side second. Examine the entire screened opening and make any adjustments needed prior to trimming any screen or spline ends.
Take a look at some projects from our customers
Still nervous, want some PRO advice? Text some photos of your project to 203.901.0834 - we’ll take a look and let you know what to expect. Be sure to include your name and a contact email in case we want to send back some links or other information.
Situational pages that help you install SNAPP screen Track
- Installation: General installation instructions for SNAPP screen Track
- Floors: How to install SNAPP screen Track onto different styles of flooring
- Columns: How to install SNAPP screen Track onto different styles of columns
- Arches: How to bend SNAPP screen Track for arches
- Gazebos: Instructions specific for screening gazebos
- Screen: How to select screen material for your porch project
- Painting: What to do if you need your SNAPP screen Track in a custom finish