Types of Solar Screen Spline

Spine is a thin cord made of vinyl or foam that hold the solar screen material to the screen frame.  The solar screen material is laid across the screen frame's spline track.  The spline is then laid over the screen material and 'rolled' into the spline track, trapping the solar screen material between the spline and the spline track.  When the proper sized spline is use, the solar screen material is held firmly in place and will not come out.

Types of Solar Screen Spline:

  • Serrated Hollow Core Vinyl
  • Smooth Solid Core Foam

Vinyl vs. Foam Spline for Solar Screens

Vinyl and Foam spline are both durable products that work equally well.  Ultimately personal preference determines which type of spline to use.  One screen professional will tell you they only use vinyl.  Another will tell you they only use foam.  There is a little more flexibility with foam spline when it comes to the size of spline to use.  Foam spline can be compressed more than vinyl spline, so a larger diameter foam spline can be used in several situations where a the same sized vinyl diameter spline would not fit.

Cross-Section of Spline

Spline securely holds the Screen Material to the Screen Frame

 

Spline Measurements

Spline measurements are for the diameter of the spline and the measurement is typically in inches (i.e.  .125' is a common spline size, and represents 1/8' diameter spline).  Some typical spine sizes are:

  • .115' diameter
  • .125' diameter
  • .135' diameter
  • .150' diameter
  • .165' diameter
  • .170' diameter
  • .175' diameter
  • .180' diameter
  • .185' diameter
  • .190' diameter

We have a helpful spline size guide for quick reference when checking what size spline is needed for a project.

 

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.