What Tools Will I Need to Accurately Measure My Patio for a Motorized Screen?

Installing a motorized screen is a great way to block out the sun and enjoy your outdoor living space without the annoyance of bugs and other pests. This guide will assist you in measuring correctly. 

The tools you will need:

• Tape measure 
• Ladder

Once you have gathered all the necessary tools, you can begin measuring for your screen. Make sure to measure each side of the area accurately.  Remember, the housing and tracks will need to be installed on a flat level surface with no obstructions.  

• To begin, consider any structural constraints such as uneven services, hardware, or other obstructions that may interfere with the measurement.
• Be sure to include any trim or molding that will affect the width of the opening.
• Since this is a motorized retractable screen, keep in mind that you have to be aware of obstructions that may be in the way as the screen moves.
• You will also need a power source.  Ideally, it is best to have a source of power near the housing. 
• Remember this is a customized product.  If the measurements you have supplied are not correct, the screen will not fit.  The custom-made product is not returnable.

Inside Mount

An inside or trapped mount is one of the styles you can use when you would like the screen and tracks to be inside the opening.  The housing will attach to the header.  Allow for 5.5″ housing and 2.5″ bottom bar which will be under the header.  This will lower the height of the opening by approximately 8″. Please deduct this from the opening height to determine if the height will be appropriate once the unit is hung.  Keep in mind the height of the housing and bottom bar will reduce the amount of height in your opening. 

1. Start by measuring the width and height of the opening at multiple points, recording the smallest measurements to ensure the screen will fit into the space.  We recommend measuring the width at three intervals: top, middle and bottom.  We recommend measuring the height on both the right side and left side.  If the height has a difference of 1 inch or more on the left and right side, please note this in the Special Request field when ordering.  This can be accommodated with a tapered cut screen which will be an additional charge.  The tapered screen will ensure there is no gap under the bottom bar once installed. 
2. To mount your side tracks, you will use additional material like an L-shaped channel. This will be included with the screen.
3. Remember to note which side the power will be supplied from

Outside-surface Mount

Outside or surface-mounted retractable screening is ideal when there is a clear mounting surface on the top and each side of your patio.  This mounting style is also great if you don’t want any obstructions to your field of vision or height of the opening.  This can be mounted above the opening on the inside or outside of the patio or lanai.  

1. Start by measuring the height of the opening on both the right side and left side.  If the difference in the left and right side is more than one inch, please make not of this in the Special Request field.  This will require a tapered screen so there is no gap at the bottom from the uneven floor.  There is an additional cost for this option but it will improve the look of the final product. 
2. You will not add anything to the height of the opening.  The housing unit will be accounted for automatically when the order is placed.  Since the housing is 5.5″, you will want to be sure the header that you will be securing it to is at least 5.5″.
3. Measure the width of the opening.  Be sure to measure three areas including: top, middle and bottom. Keep in mind the track width will automatically be added to this measurement at the factory.  Make sure there is space for the additional 2.5″ on each side to accommodate the tracks. 
4. While measuring make sure your surface is plumb and level
5. Remember to look for the power source and note which side the motor will need to be on.