Screening spline is a material that is used to hold screens to window and door frames. It creates a good seal against insects and debris. Some of the most common splines include foam screening spline, round EPDM spline, and the T-spline.
Foam screening spline is the easiest to use among these splines. Besides being used in door and window applications, it is used in bending the wood in musical instruments such as violas, violins and pianos and in aircraft applications. The round EPDM spline is resistant to UV radiation, making it more durable than foam screening spline. However, over exposure to UV rays makes it brittle and prone to breaking. It has great stretching abilities and is suitable for a variety of frames. T-splines are excellent for thin frames. They can be used on any frame size. However, they can only be used in the exact frame measurements for optimum binding.
The use of splining materials is important for several reasons. First, it safeguards screens from damage by weather elements. When houses expand in summer and contract during winter, the screens are prone to detaching from their respective frames. The splines however, hold the frames and screens to each other thereby eliminating the possibility of detaching.
Screening spline is used to reinforce screens for old houses as well as in replacing worn out screen fabric. They can be customized according to your specifications. They are poor conductors of heat and do not absorb water and are less likely to change their shape over a long period of time. Sometimes, after the project is completed, some of the screening spline might be left over. You can use in a project in the near future. However, if the time span between your projects is quite lengthy, then it is advisable to get new splining material. Otherwise, using the old spline, which may seem like a cost-saving venture, may result in poor sealing and consequently frequent repairs.