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How To Measure and Install Horizontal Slider Window Screens

Typical Horizontal Slider Half Window Screen

Horizontal 'Slider' Window Insect Screens normally covers the half of the window that opens.

Measuring the Window Screen "Width"

Left Window Screen TrackRight Window Screen Track
  1. Check for U-Shaped Channels on the left and right sides.
  2. You should find that one of the channels are deeper than the other.
  3. The deep side is normally at the center of the window (right side) and is 1/4" to 1/2" deep.
  4. The opposite side channel is usually only about 1/16" to 3/16" deep.
  5. We call the Deep Side a 'Channel' and the Shallow Side a 'Lip'.

Measure Fiberglass Screen WidthPut the end of a metal measuring tape all the way into the deepest channel and hold it as straight across as possible.
IMPORTANT: The hook on the metal tape must be small enough to go into the channel.


Measure Left Insect Screen ChannelMeasure Right Window Screen Channel
  1. Make sure the measuring tape is all the way into the deepest Channel.
  2. You should measure the opposite side 1/16"-1/8" short of the 'Inside Edge' of the Lip.
  3. Provide measurements to the nearest 1/16".
  4. This measurement is your window screen 'Width'.

IMPORTANT: The concept is that when you insert the insect screen in the deepest channel, it has to be short enough to clear the edge of the other side lip, then the springs push the screen into place in the shallow side channel.

Measuring the Window Screen "Height"

Measure Slider Window Screen HeightPut the end of a metal measuring tape from top to bottom and hold it as straight as possible.

IMPORTANT: The top and bottom should just be a L-Shape recessed area. You cannot insert a window screen into U-Shaped Channels on more than two opposing sides.


Top Half Screen Screen TrackBottom Half Screen Screen Track
  1. Place measuring top against top L-Shaped recess.
  2. Measure to the bottom L-Shaped recess and Subtract about 1/8 inch.
  3. Do not measure the tolerance too tight to allow easy insertion and removal.
  4. Provide measurements to the nearest 1/16".
  5. This measurement is your window screen 'Height'.

Your Window Screen "Hardware"

How to Order Window Screen Hardware

The typical Hardware used on these type of window screens are:

Tension or Leaf Springs on One Side,
Lift Tabs on Opposite Side

These Hardware Options are found on our Custom Window Screens order Pages:

Order Horizontal Slider Window Screens

Installing your Slider Type Window Screen

How to Install Slider Fiberglass Insect ScreenFirst, insert the side of the window screen with the springs into the deepest channel enough to compress the springs.


Install or Remove Fiberglass Window ScreensThen slip the opposite side of the screen into the shallow channel behind the lip. The springs should push the screen left to hold it in place.

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