Types of Solar Screen Hardware

Solar screen hardware is what holds the screen to the window.  Many solar screens are large and the hardware needs to securely hold the screen so it cannot be blown off in a storm. Below is thorough list of hardware options for solar screens.  Each entry describes in detail how the hardware works and its benefits.

Casement Clips

Casement Clips for a Solar Screen

Casement clips hold the screen to the window with the flat metal flange.  The casement clip is screwed to the window frame with a self tapping screw through the hole in the clip (through the 'neck').  The moon shaped tab on the casement clip is a handle for turning the clip.  Casement clips are one of the most popular types of hardware for solar screens.  One advantage of casement clips is that the solar screens can easily be removed and reinstalled.  This comes in handy for window washing.

Tension Springs

Tension Spring for a Window Screen

Tension Springs extend out from the window screen and creates tension by pushing the screen to hold it into a window track. Tension springs are one of the most common types of screen hardware. One advantage of tension springs is that when complete compressed, they do extend above the frame, so no allowance for space is required for tension springs. Tension springs are usually paired with lift tabs, so the screen can easily be removed with lift tabs.

Leaf Springs

Leaf Spring for a Window Screen

Leaf springs create tension, very similar to tension springs, however they are heavier duty than tension springs. One disadvantage is that some allowance needs to be made for lead springs because even when they are completely compressed they add 1/16' to the screen measurement. Leaf springs are one of the most common types of screen hardware and are usually paired with lift tabs.

Spring Plunger

Spring Plunger for a Window Screen

Spring plungers are sometimes called plunger bolts.  The metal tab of a spring plunger extends into a groove or hole in the window frame to hold the screen in place.  Pull on the small black plastic finger grip to retract the spring loaded metal tab to remove the window screens.

Butterfly Latch

Butterfly Latch for a Window Screen

Butterfly latches are sometime called knife latches.  Butterfly latches when closed extend a small flange out from the window screen that fits into a groove or notch in the window frame.  When a butterfly latch is closed, it is virtually invisible, only the small handle is visible.  To remove the screen, pull the small tab handle to retract the butterfly latch.  Butterfly latches are not spring loaded.

Friction Hanger and Wire Loop for Wood Windows

Friction Hanger for a Window Screen

Friction Hanger and wire loops are most commonly used on wood windows.  The set of all three items is called a 'Wood Hardware Kit'. The friction hanger acts a hinge for the top or the side of the screen, while the wire loop holds the other end of the screen to the window frame by slipping over the specially shaded nail head.

Heavy-Duty Velco

Friction Hanger for a Window Screen

Heavy-Duty Velco is a great solution when there is not a window track or when drilling into the window is not possible.  This outdoor grade velco is made to withstand the elements and securely hold the solar screen in place.  The screen can be easily be removed for cleaning and reinstalled.

Lift Tab

Lift Tabs for a Window Screen

Lift Tabs  are usually located on the opposite side of the screen from a leaf spring or tension spring.  The lift tabs are used to slightly lift the screen so it can be easily removed.

 

Window Screen Resource Center

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The resources below provide information and articles meant to educate and answer any questions you may have related to window screens.

 

Solar Screen Resource Center

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Below is a full listing of guides and articles to educate you on solar screens.