As spring makes its way for summer, there’s one problem every Australian household is bound to face, and that’s insects and various other pests invading your peaceful space from the outside. That’s why flyscreen doors and flyscreen windows are in such high demand during the warmer months. Are you thinking of doing a bit of DIY and installing flyscreens all over the house yourself? It’s easy to assemble, from the basic frame to the addition of extra flyscreen parts to beef up security. But whether you’re installing new flyscreen doors or replacing an existing one, it’s important to take proper measurements so your means of protection can actually do its job.
Before we get into how to measure a flyscreen, you should determine the method in which it will be fixed. There are two ways of fixing a flyscreen you can choose from, depending on the dimensions of your existing doors or windows.
- Recess fix: This involves fixing the flyscreen mesh within the recess formed by the existing door or window frame. This is the most common kind of installation for flyscreen windows.
- Face fix: This involves fixing the flyscreen mesh to the outer face of the door or window frame. This is usually recommended if the width of the frame is less than 11mm.
Once you have the measurements of your door or window frame on hand and a measuring tool (preferably a measuring tape), let’s take a look at how to measure a flyscreen for both methods.
How to measure a flyscreen for face fix
It is easiest to measure a flyscreen when you are adopting the face fix method. The main measurements you need are the width and height. The height is measured from the top to the bottom of the outer edge of the window frame; similarly measure the width from the left to right of the outer edge. There may be variations in the frame height and width if the frame is bowed, so measure at both ends and the centre and take the smallest measurement. This is especially useful if you are refitting an existing flyscreen to the frame, or you are installing a flyscreen spline along with the mesh.
How to measure a flyscreen for recess fix
There are a few extra considerations when you measure a flyscreen for a recess fix, namely the depth of the recess on all sides. Generally when measuring height, the recess will be deeper on the top than the bottom, and on the right than the left.
When measuring width, start by placing the end of your tape at the lip of the frame on the shorter side and measure to the inner depth of the longer side. Then deduct 2mm to make allowance for the placement of the flyscreen mesh within the frame.
Similarly when measuring height, measure between the lip of the frame on the shorter side (usually the bottom) to the inside of the longer side, and deduct 2mm. Now you have all the measurements required to install the mesh within the recess of your flyscreen doors and windows.
Find the right flyscreen parts at Rolltrak
Now that you’re ready to set up your flyscreen doors or flyscreen windows with the correct measurements, why not give it some added security for proper peace of mind from summer pests? We have a range of flyscreen tools and accessories that are essential to putting together your flyscreen or repairing your existing ones. Find all these and even more on our website, or ask for Rolltrak at your local Bunnings Warehouse.
