Do It Yourself Hurricane Fabric Screens

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 DO-IT-YOURSELF TUTORIAL

This tutorial will guide you through the measurement, ordering and installation of the Category5Screen Wind Abatement System. Follow these steps to get hurricane fabric protection for your home. 

Before You Measure

You will need:

• A clipboard, a pencil, a blank sheet of paper, and a good measuring tape.

To make the measuring process easier, it is a good idea to use a "layout sheet", which is just a basic map of your home. Starting at the front entry and moving clockwise, label each opening 1,2,3,etc.

List all openings, even if they will not be protected.  Make sure to leave enough room on the paper to list the measurements of each numbered opening. Use the link below to download a pdf layout sheet.

First Measurement: "Buck" Dimensions 

Before your Category5Screens hurricane fabric screens can be ordered and purchased, the “buck” measurements of all openings you wish to protect must first be taken accurately. The term 'buck' originates from the construction industry, and refers to the framing pattern used to strengthen openings, such as windows and doors, in buildings.  The double-stud frame around these openings is called a 'buck'; hence the 'buck' measurement is simply the dimensions of the opening in which the window or door is located.  After you take your initial “buck” measurement, you will later add to the “buck” dimensions for final measurement for ordering purposes. The final ordering dimensions will provide the “grommet to grommet” (GTG) distance to allow for fastening the hurricane fabric screen in the proper position on the structure.

Start by measuring the width and height of the each “buck” opening. All openings should be measured in inches and ¼” fractions thereof. Write the “buck” width and height of each opening on your layout sheet. Be careful to look for things like sills or other protrusions that can affect your measurements. You can add to the height, for example, to allow the screen to fit over a sill.

  Final Measurement: "Grommet to Grommet" Dimensions

To provide for the correct “grommet to grommet” (GTG) final measurement for ordering you must determine what type of structural construction you have: wood or concrete. The type of construction will determine the style of fastener used, as well as the proper distance from the “buck” opening edge required to securely attach the fasteners.

Concrete Construction

For concrete construction, there is considerable leeway in how much you may add to the 'buck' measurement.  The nature of concrete presents a uniform foundation for fasteners.  At minimum, you must add 3 3/4” each way to avoid spalling or “bust-out” of the anchors near the corner edge of the opening. This means that for a concrete structure you should add at least 7 ½” to both the width and height “buck” dimensions. Note that the center of the grommet is about 1 1/4” from the edge of the screen. This means that the overall, or 'Tip to Tip' (TTT) dimensions will be 2 1/2 inches greater than the GTG measurements.

Wood Construction  

For wood construction you must ensure that the fasteners are securely anchored to solid wood framing, not just whatever siding is in place.  The panelmates must go into the 'double buck jack' framing around the window or door.  These double jacks are usually approximately 3 ½ inches wide.  In order for the panelmates to hit these studs, you should add 1" to 1 ½ " to both the width and height "buck” dimensions.  This should allow you to drill into the stud framing, but take care to ensure that this is the case.  Adjust your drilling location as needed.  Note that the center of the grommet is about 1 1/4” from the edge of the screen. This means that the overall, or Tip-to-Tip (TTT), dimensions of your screen will be 2 ½” greater than the GTG measurements. 

For example, if the actual "buck" width of the opening on a wood structure is 37", the GTG measurement for ordering should be no more than 38 1/2" wide.  If the actual "buck" height is 63", the GTG measurement should be no more than 64 1/2".   If there is a sill involved, extra height can be added to accommodate.

Placing Your Order

Once you have completed the measurement process and have added the appropriate distance to determine the correct “grommet to grommet” width and height dimensions of each opening, it is time to order your Hurricane Fabric Screens! This is done on our Order page.

The Order Screen will prompt you for the following:

• OPENING: Select the type of opening you are protecting.
• ANCHORS: Select the sides of the hurricane fabric screen on which you will need grommets. You may span up to 154” with anchoring on only 2 sides. If the span (the side without anchors) is greater than 154” it is recommended to anchor on at least 3 sides.
• COLOR: Choose the color of the screen fabric you want.
• ATTACHMENT: Select the type of hardware you wish to use.  For most applications, whether attaching to a wood or concrete structure, “Panel Mates” will suffice.  These are also known as 'concrete screws', but work just as well in wood structures.   If you are fastening in concrete, you have the option of using “Flush Mount” anchors.
• SUBSTRATE: Select the type of construction substrate.
• W & H: Enter the “grommet to grommet” width and height of each opening.

 The screen will then provide you with:

Select "Add These Screens to My Cart" and follow the prompts to complete the ordering process. Be sure to click on the "Place Order" button on the bottom of the final "Order Confirmation" page.  This will place your order on the website.

Installing Your Screens

Tools Needed

The first thing you need to do is make sure that you have the right tools to install your Category5Screens hurricane fabric screens.

You should have a cordless or corded drill. If you are drilling into concrete, a hammer drill is preferred. You will also need a marker, a good measuring tape, a level, a hammer, and the proper drill and driving bits to fit the mounting hardware that you will be using. 

Note: It is VERY IMPORTANT that you do not install the screen tightly.  Leave a little slack to account for slight screen size changes due to thermal expansion/contraction.

Installation Procedure

• First, hold the screen over the opening so the overlap is equal on all sides.
• Second, mark the location of the upper-left grommet.
• Third, drill a hole at the location you just marked.  Install anchor into the hole.
• Fourth, with the upper left anchor installed, hang the screen by placing the upper left grommet hole over the newly installed anchor.  Secure the screen with a fastener.
• Fifth, extend the screen over the opening and, using the level, hold the screen so it is level.  Mark the location of the upper right grommet.  Drill hole and install anchor for upper right corner.
• Sixth, with the upper right anchor installed, hang the screen by placing the upper right grommet hole over the newly installed anchor.  Secure the screen with a fastener.
• Seventh, with the screen hung on the top two corners, mark the location of each grommet on one side and drill holes for the remaining anchors on that side.  Make sure the holes line up with the grommets.  Install remaining anchors for that side.
• Eighth, repeat step seven for the remaining side(s).

CONGRATULATIONS!

You have just installed the newest, and most exciting hurricane fabric screen protection product on the market today.

Simply repeat the installation for all other openings to be protected.