Screen Porch Common Questions

Are you looking for a no-hassle screen system that’s great for professional installers as well as DIY'ers? If you answered yes, SNAPP® screen may be right for you. Below are the most common questions we receive about our easy to install, affordable and extremely versatile screening system.

Is SNAPP® screen suitable for residential and commercial screen projects?

Yes - this screening products is suitable for projects ranging from residential screen porches, screened patios and decks as well as commercial and industrial applications.


Is it possible to install the SNAPP® screen myself?

It is absolutely possible to install the SNAPP® screen yourself. If you’ve ever replaced the screens on your home’s windows, you know the basic procedure but prior screening experience is not required.


What do I need to install SNAPP® screen?

You’ll need to purchase the appropriate amounts screen material (Pool & Patio Screen or No-See-Um Screen) and installation hardware, including installation screws, a screen spline installation tool, screen retainer spline, and of course, the SNAPP® screen extrusions in your preferred color. You’ll also need a utility knife, screw gun or screwdriver and a miter-saw or hand saw to cut the screen extrusions to the preferred lengths.


Do my screen frames or openings need to be square, plumb and level before the new screen is installed?

Your openings or frames do not need to be plumb, square or level in order to install SNAPP® screen. The specific design of SNAPP® screen allows it to be installed into almost any shape or size opening - even those that aren't plumb, square or level.


Can I install screens for oddly shaped frames?

Absolutely. SNAPP® screen can be installed into any shape frame, including triangles, trapezoids and even arches.


Can I install SNAPP® screen facing inwards?

Absolutely. SNAPP® screen can be installed facing inwards or outwards.


I want professional installation, is that possible?

This product is designed to be installed by the average person with regular tools (The average DIY'er). However, if you want to hire a professional screen installer or a handyman for installation, you are certainly free to do so. We do not offer installation services, but we do provide complete installation instructions.


Can I install SNAPP® screen directly to concrete or pressure treated lumber ?

PVC and Powder coated aluminum extrusions can both be mounted directly to concrete and pressure treated lumber.

While not actually needed, we do recommend that a bond breaker be applied between aluminum extrusions and the concrete or pressure treated mounting surface. Simply run standard electrical tape on the back side of all aluminum extrusions to break the bond between the mounting surface and extrusion.

Stainless steel installation hardware, like our stock mounting screws, should always be used with pressure treated lumber.


What is the largest opening that can be screened?

Other than the availability of screen material, and your own ability, there is no limitation on opening size when using ALUMINUM SNAPP® screen. While larger installations have been performed, 110 SF is the maximum recommended size for PVC SNAPP® screen.

Be practical in design - just because a massive opening can be screened doesn’t always mean it should be. Keep your application, exposure, potential abuse, climate, etc. in mind.


If my SNAPP® screen ever become damaged, is it hard to repair?

SNAPP® screen is incredibly easy to repair if the screen material ever develops holes or tears. All you’ll need to do is pull out the SNAPP® screen retainer spline and remove the screen material. Next, install new screen material and new screen retainer spline in the same frame.


My openings require extrusions longer than stock 94" lengths.

One of the greatest features of SNAPP® screen is that it's specifically designed to be butted together. Opening width or height doesn't matter with respect to stock extrusion size ... just cut the extrusion as needed and butt pieces together. SNAPP® screen is a zero waste product so every inch of product is usable. 94" is also the most efficient length for shipping and does not incur any extreme length charges now imposed by all shippers.


What screen or other materials can be used with SNAPP® screen?

SNAPP® screen was specifically designed to be used with modern and super strong polyester materials like our "Pool & Patio" screen, our "No-See-Um" screen and our "Super No-See-Um" screen. SNAPP® screen will also accept all standard polyester and fiberglass screening materials, most sunshade materials, thin (.008 or less) PVC plastic or films, and other fabrics. Additionally, while standard .011g (or thinner) aluminum can be installed, it is not at all recommended ... Installation can be extremely difficult. Bronze, copper, stainless, etc are all too stiff and should be avoided completely. Stick with modern polyester materials - they're far stronger, take more abuse, and last longer.


I have spline and/or a spline tool, my local home center sells spline and/or tools - can I use them with SNAPP® screen?

Spline is available in over 50 different styles, sizes and shapes and no 2 are the same. The same is true for spline tools; dozens of different styles, sizes and shapes and no 2 are the same.  SNAPP® screen uses a specific design self-compacting / self-expanding spline that must be installed using specific size nylon spline installation tool. Odds of you, or your local home center, having either of these items is pretty much zero. Save yourself a lot of aggravation - purchase spline and tool with your order -or- order a screen kit which contains all items needed.


Which is better - Aluminum or PVC SNAPP® screen?

No easy way to answer this common question since both products work extremely well. While extruded aluminum is obviously far superior to extruded PVC, application, location, budget, etc. all play into selecting the best material for your project. Rest assured, no matter which product is chosen, SNAPP® screen will perform exactly as we describe.

Standard recommendations:
- If your opening is over 110 SF: Use aluminum SNAPP® screen
- If you reside in a shoreline location: Use PVC SNAPP® screen
- If you reside in an area prone to extreme or extended freezing conditions: Use aluminum SNAPP® screen
- If you have an arch: Use PVC SNAPP® screen for the arch


I don't see any doors offered with SNAPP® screen?

Doors require freight shipping - which is very costly. Best options are to either purchase a good quality door locally or build your own 5/4 door and screen with SNAPP® screen. We presently have KD (knock down) slab doors in testing (which will be able to ship by standard FedEx Ground) but these will not be available for several more months. When available, they will be obviously detailed within the web site.


Where can I find pricing?

Simply click the "BUY NOW" link at the top or bottom of any page.


How can I get a price quote?

We do not provide quotes ... all pricing is available online. If you need help calculating materials or figuring a project cost please see "Step 1: Determining the materials you'll need to order" on the"INSTALLATION"page. A video and worksheet are provided that will walk you through calculating materials and placing your order in our web store.


How can I purchase SNAPP® screen?

Currently, SNAPP® screen is only available from select regional dealers or direct though our internet store. Simply click the "BUY NOW" link at the top or bottom of any page.


Can I place my order by phone, mail, fax, etc.?

Orders are accepted in our WEB STORE only. Orders are not accepted by phone, mail, email, etc.


Do you offer expedited shipping, UPS shipping or Order Pick up?

All orders ship by Standard FedEx Ground or USPS only - no other service is available. Will call (order pick up) is not offered at any of our warehouses.


How long will it take to receive my order?

Orders normally process and ship from our warehouse(s) in 1 to 3 BUSINESS days. Standard transit times can be between 1 and 5 BUSINESS days depending upon your location and shipping warehouse(s). From date of order placement (Day 0), it will normally take from 3 to 8 BUSINESS days to receive all packages. Additionally, multiple package shipments may not arrive at the same time or by the same service. As a general rule - and as a point of common sense - never plan or schedule an installation until all packages have been physically delivered.


How can I request / qualify for wholesale pricing?

Easy, see our WHOLESALE page for complete details.


How do I get a SNAPP® screen sample?

Our standard sample pack is available free of charge. Simply email [email protected] and provide your complete mailing address as shown below. (we will not send samples to incomplete addresses and/or addresses rejected by USPS address verification software)

First Name, Last Name
Full Street Address (with Building, Unit, Apt, Suite, etc. - if needed)
City, State, Zip


If the information on this page - AND the SPECIFICATIONS page - didn't answer your question(s), then it's time to contact our office for assistance.

Fastest service is obtained by Text or Email
(Please note that "fastest" is not "instant")

Text: 203.901.0834
Email: [email protected]
Available 6 AM to 10 PM EST / Everyday

Phone: (203) 626-5202

Business Hours:
Monday - Friday 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM EST.
We are closed Saturday, Sunday and all major holidays.