Installation

DIY Screen Porch Installation Guide: Build Screened Porches with SNAPP screen Track

Step-by-Step DIY Screen Porch Installation Instructions

Most porch screening projects using SNAPP screen Track can be completed by one person with average DIY skills and no special tools.

SNAPP screen Track mounting options

Mounted Inside Opening

SNAPP screen track inside opening mount
Mounted Around Opening

SNAPP screen track inside mount
Mounted with 1 Step Dado

SNAPP screen track 1 step dado
Mounted with 2 Step Dado

SNAPP screen track 2 step dado

SNAPP screen Track Installation Steps

  1. Cut SNAPP screen Track to size and mount in place. (SNAPP screen is a zero-waste product … Tracks butt together !)
  2. Fasten with screws or other appropriate hardware. Hardware is placed within 1" of each end and then no more than 12" apart thereafter.
  3. Install SNAPP screen Polyester Screen Material (or any standard fabric screen materials) using SNAPP screen spline and spline tool.

SNAPP screen Track Installation Instructions

Step 1: Determine the materials you’ll need to order:

  • SNAPP screen Tracks needed (sold as singles, 10, 20 and 30 packs or in "kits" containing all small parts - less screen)
  • SNAPP screen Track mounting screws (1 pack of screws for every 10 Tracks ordered)
  • SNAPP screen Track spline (1 spline roll for every 10 Tracks ordered
  • SNAPP screen Track spline tool (1 required)
  • SNAPP screen screen material (or other screen material)
  • CLICK HERE FOR WORK SHEET .pdf

Step 2: Ensure you have the proper tools available:

  • Measuring Tape
  • Utility knife (with extra blades)
  • Screw gun
  • Spline Installation Tool
  • Hacksaw or power chop saw fitted with an aluminum/plastic cutting blade. (We find the Freud Diablo series aluminum/plastic cutting saw blade to be one of the best to use - 80 or 96 tooth – based on blade size required. Available at any home center)

Step 3: Determine how you intend to mount SNAPP screen Track: “miter” or “butt” corners and “inside” or “around” opening.

Inside Opening Butt Corner

SNAPP screen track with butt corner
Inside Opening Miter Corner

SNAPP screen track with miter corner
Around Opening Butt Corner

SNAPP screen track mounted with butt corner
Around Opening Miter Corner

SNAPP screen track mounted with miter corner


Step 3a: Inside the opening

As the installation name implies, the Track is installed within or “inside” the opening. The Track can be mounted at any point within the opening provided enough room exists for screen installation. The Track can face interior or exterior and the installation can be with miter or butt corners (or a combination of both if required).


Step 3b: Around the opening

When installing the Track “around” the opening, the Track head will be located outside of the opening itself. This gives a picture frame effect, or reveal, which tends to be complimentary to most installations. The Track can face interior or exterior and the installation can be with miter or butt corners (or a combination of both if required).

Step 4: Cut Width Tracks

  • Measure the width dimensions and cut Track to proper size
  • Test fit in your opening then predrill for mounting screws (Use the score line to position drill holes)
  • Place hole 1” from each end and then no more than 12” apart
  • Install the width Tracks

Step 5: Cut Height Track

  • Measure your height dimensions and cut Track to proper size
  • Test fit in your opening then predrill for mounting screws (Use the score line to position drill holes)
  • Place hole 1” from each end and then no more than 12” apart
  • Install the height Tracks

Step 6: Install Screen Fabric

Screen spline rolling
  • Screen installation is similar to traditional screen rolling
  • Roll screen in first, then follow with rolling in spline
  • Watch Screen Installation Video 3 (below) to see the process
  • Fabric screening (polyester, fiberglass, etc.) is recommended. Avoid metal screening
  • Screening pattern is top, bottom, prime hand side, non-prime hand side
  • Use only SNAPP screen spline tool or 3/32" nylon equivalent
  • Use only new SNAPP screen spline. (do not re-use spline when rescreening)

Step 7: Trim Screen

Screen Trim
  • Do no trim until all sides are secured. Remove spline and make adjustments before trimming.
  • Run blade along the top edge of Track
  • Trim location is the same for both sides of the Track
  • Use Caution: Aggressive or deep trimming will damage spline and/or weaken hold.

Watch the SNAPP screen Track Installation process

Installation Video 2: Cutting and installing Tracks

Installation Video 3: Installing screen material 

Installation Video 4: Odd Shaped openings

Installation Video 5: Using PVC in arched openings

One of the best features of SNAPP screen Track ... it's a true zero-waste product

Every single inch of track is usable

SNAPP screen Track is engineered to butt together perfectly. Your opening width or height is meaningless with respect to stock 94" Track lengths. Simply join pieces end-to-end when needed for large openings and use cut offs as you move on. On smaller openings, start your next leg with the drop from the prior leg if you want to use less material. Plus, the standard 94″ length is the most cost-effective for shipping and avoids the oversized/overlength surcharge.

SNAPP screen track butt joining SNAPP screen track butt joint

Situational pages that help you install SNAPP screen Track

Warning icon
 

Warning: Follow all common and accepted safety practices and ensure that you’re proficient in the proper and safe operation of any tool, equipment or procedures required to install SNAPP screen Track.

Warning: SNAPP screen Track is a “build in place” / “screen in place” insect screening system and will not provide fall prevention. Further, insect screenings only intended use is to reasonably stop insects from entering the covered opening.  The misuse of insect screen may lead to injury or death. SNAPP screen Track will not stop persons, children, animals, or alike from falling out of or entering through the insect screen covered opening.

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