How to Install SNAPP® screen Track

Easily obtain a Professional grade screen porch, patio or deck with only basic DIY skills and no special tools.

- Basic SNAPP® screen Track Installation Instructions -

1) Cut SNAPP® screen Track to size and mount in place. (Tracks are zero-waste … Tracks can be butted together!)
2) Install ours, or or any standard fabric screen material, using SNAPP® screen spline and installation tool.
3) You're done !

- Full Step by Step Instructions - How to install SNAPP® screen Track -

Modify all directions as needed based upon your application

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

  • • SNAPP® screen Tracks
  • • SNAPP® screen mounting screws
  • • SNAPP® screen spline
  • • SNAPP® screen spline tool
  • • SNAPP® screen screen material

 

Click for your >> SNAPP screen Project Planner
(Worksheet has been updated to current web store)

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 (“inside” or “around” opening) (“miter” or “butt” corners)

Mount Inside Opening - Butt Corner

Mounted inside the opening with butt corner. Mount facing outwards, inwards, or at any depth within the opening.

Mount Inside Opening - Miter Corner

Mounted inside the opening with miter corner. Mount facing outwards, inwards, or at any depth within the opening.

Mount Around Opening - Butt Corner

Mounted around the opening with butt corner. Mount on the exterior or interior.

Mount Around Opening - Miter Corner

Mounted around the opening with miter corner. Mount on the exterior or interior.

Mounting the SNAPP® screen Track "inside" the opening

As the installation name implies, the SNAPP® screen 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).

Mounting the SNAPP® screen Track "around" the opening

When installing the SNAPP® screen 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: Width Tracks

  • • Measure the width dimensions and cut Tracks 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: Height Tracks

  • • Measure your height dimensions and cut Tracks 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 extrusions

Step 6: Screen installation

  • • Screen installation is similar to traditional screen rolling
  • • Watch Screen Installation Video (below) for complete screening instructions
  • • 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)

Roll screen in - then roll spline in.
(Watch center video below)

Step 7: Screen 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 complete SNAPP® screen Track installation process below

- Other Information / Notes -

Proper Spline and Spline Installation

SNAPP® screen spline (item: PF-014-500) must be used and fully seated within spline channel for proper hold. Use of other any other spline or failure to fully seat spline will result in screen pull out. Additionally, all spline tools are not the same, it is highly recommended that a SNAPP® screen spline installation tool (item: TL13) be used for spline installation. (see web store for more information on each item)

Installing SNAPP® Screen Tracks in Gazebos

Column faces will typically be angled away from each other in traditional gazebo installations. The extrusion can be mounted directly to the columns or a wedge can be installed first. Extrusion can be mounted “inside” or “around” the opening or as required to facilitate installation.

Also see GAZEBO SCREENS for additional information.

Installing SNAPP® Screen Tracks in Arches / Radii

PVC: It is generally much easier to install the SNAPP® screen Track using the “around” the opening method. The PVC Track simply flexes easier. On a slow or long radius, the Track will fit with little effort. On fast or tight radii you may need to employ a heat gun to help soften the flange. You should also reduce the screw spacing to 6” or as needed for your application. The same points are true for “inside” the opening installations except that relief cuts may be required to compress the Track in fast or tight radii. Test fit the Track prior to determine the best installation method.

ALUMINUM: All points as noted above except that on fast or tight radii use of a commercial bender may be needed. Caution: When using a commercial bender, fast or tight radii bends may crack the applied powder coat finish. Best practice in these cases is to only bend unfinished (mill) Tracks and apply finish after bending -or- use the appropriate color matching PVC extrusion in the arch location(s).

Much more information is available on the HOW TO SCREEN ARCHES PAGE

Other Notes

- SNAPP® screen Track is designed to be installed by an average person with common tools (The DIY'er).

- SNAPP® screen Track is incredibly easy to repair if your 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.

- One of the greatest features of SNAPP® screen Track is that it is 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 Track is a zero waste product so every inch of product is usable.

- Aluminum SNAPP® screen Track and PVC SNAPP® screen Track are color matched so they can be used together whenever needed.

- SNAPP® screen Track was specifically designed to be used with modern and super strong polyester screen materials. SNAPP® screen Track will 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 even if you are fully skilled in screen installation. Bronze, copper, stainless, etc are all too stiff and should be avoided completely.

Still not sure ? Click the "Inspiration" menu above.
You can see some great customer DIY screen porch screen project photos and videos.

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.

Warning: SNAPP® screen 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 will not stop persons, children, animals, or alike from falling out of or entering through the insect screen covered opening.