How To Properly Store Your Window And Door Screens Before Winter Begins
It’s official: fall and cold weather are upon us. Now is a great time to remove the screens from your doors and windows and store them for the winter. Removing screens makes cleaning windows easier, and is also beneficial for windows and doors during the winter months.
Screens can trap snow, which will build up and damage frames on your windows and doors. Screens also block solar heat gain—or solar energy—in windows, which prevents the sun from warming up rooms in the winter. For proper screen care, experts in windows and doors suggest the following steps to store your screens for the winter:
Removing Interior Screens
Interior screens, such as with casement windows, are mounted on the interior of windows. To remove an interior screen:[su_list icon=”icon: chevron-right” icon_color=”#EC3826″]
- open the window;
- pull the lift tabs upwards with your middle and index fingers until the screen lifts slightly;
- apply pressure with your fingers to compress the tension springs mounted at the top of the screen;
- with your left-hand fingers still holding the lift tab, grab the bottom of the screen with your right hand;
- lift the bottom of the screen out of the groove;
- use both hands to hold the bottom of the screen and pull it out of the window towards you, bottom first (tilting the screen can help move it through the window).[/su_list]
Removing Exterior Screens
Exterior screens are more common, such as with double-hung and slider windows. To remove an exterior screen:[su_list icon=”icon: chevron-right” icon_color=”#EC3826″]
- remove the window sash;
- pull the plunger pins inwards toward the centre of the window to release the screen—these pins are usually located on the bottom of the screen;
- tilt the screen so it will fit through the window, and pull it in towards you.[/su_list]
Avoid leaning out the window when removing screens, and try not to drop them outside!
Cleaning Screens
You can rinse off screens with water, ideally from a hose outside. If your screens are especially dirty, try vacuuming them with a handheld vacuum. Check for any damage to your screens, and consider repairing or replacing screens if they are damaged.
Safely Storing Screens
If you think you might forget which screen belongs to a certain window, you can write on their frames with pencil or chalk before storing them. Since screens can be easily torn, damaged, or warped, store your screens in a secure place away from foot traffic, heavy or sharp objects, and extreme temperatures.
Keep this information in mind when removing and storing screens for the winter, and you’ll extend the lifespan of both your screens and the windows they work alongside.