The main difference in the types of screening spline is in the manner by which it is used. Splines are made for window screens as well as window panes. Some splines are created by manufacturers to drop in between the frame and a certain side of the window. Others are made to couch the window pane in between pieces of materials that are very much similar to each other. Window screen spline in particular is made for the purpose of easy installation and removal.
Another thing to consider is the size of the window. Windows and doors have different sizes. The window spline should be able to accommodate the differences in sizes by presenting varied lengths and gauges. Most window spline screens are in rolls of up to 1,500 feet and its gauges range from about 0.170 to 0.220. The material that is used in manufacturing splines also differs. There are the plastic types such as the vinyl ones. This type of material is especially good in that plastic material resists the daily elements or forces of nature such as weathering, oxidation and infestation. This will allow the spline to last long and will protect the window and its frames from destructive elements.
The hero of your window is always the screen. Though there are other items that are indispensable such as the spline, you need to give careful thought to the screen on your windows. If the window screen has holes or a tear in it, it will lose its main purpose of keeping out unwanted insects or objects. You will need the following materials to replace the window screen: new screen, spline, nail punch, scissors and utility knife. You can follow these basic instructions in replacing a window screen.
First step: Carefully remove the worn out old screen. Using a screw driver with a flat-head or a sharp object, remove the spline from the channel since this holds the screen in place. Clean and wash the frame.
Second step: Determine the size of the new screen by placing the frame on a flat plane and spread over the new screen to cover the frame.
Third step: Place the cut out screen material above the frame ensuring that the material overlaps the frames.
Fourth step: Carefully put in the new spline. Using the wheel of a rolling tool, gently push the window screen into the channel frame starting in one side and then work your way around it. After you have installed the spline in place, take away the excess material using a knife and then cautiously place the new screen in the frame of the window.