NA - DIY Window Screens w/ Grid Frame

SixPapaCharlie

SixPapaCharlie

May the force be with you
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First Officer 6PC
I have googled and Chat GTP'd this and come up with nothing.

Our electric bill last summer got to the point that I covered all the windows with radiant barrier just to get some relief.
I don't want to be that guy again so I am going to build the dark solar screens for all of the windows.
I built a couple and it works great and it looks like I am able to do it for about $15 per window whereas the quotes I got were over $100 per window.

However, I realize I am wanting the Grid (I think it is called "Mutins" style) rather than a large black plane.

I can do this and I think it will help with the sun / heat problem but I am not in love with the appearance.
1742652151054.png

I want this:
1742652093424.png


How does one build screens with the grid versus a giant square?
I don't see any kits in the hardware stores to do the 2nd style.
I assume I still build the big one Like I am doing and then somehow the grid is just a facade that attaches somehow?

Who has done this and can direct me to a solution?
 
You are looking for crossbar clips. Lets you clip bars in, anywhere you want. They don't make any kind of "tee" like the corner brackets. Probably going to have to order them from one of the screen supplier places.
 
Craig said:
You are looking for crossbar clips. Lets you clip bars in, anywhere you want. They don't make any kind of "tee" like the corner brackets. Probably going to have to order them from one of the screen supplier places.
Click to expand...
That is sort of what I was hoping to find. The stores only sell right angles. A 4-way cross and 3-way tee would solve the problem.
 
Words of encouragement: looks like you know what you’re doing, looks great. I’m sure your grid will look equally good. Keep at it!
 
Have you thought about using window tint? All of the windows on the west elevation of my house are tinted. If you weren’t looking specifically, you probably wouldn’t even notice there is window tint. But then you can if I open the window (which I never do). The tint was done in between the lites, so they came from the factory like that.

I couldn’t imagine what the sun exposure, additional heat, and subsequent electric bill would be if I didn’t have the tint. I’m sure significant on all counts. I have read where guys have had satisfactory results from rolls of window tint you can buy at the Walmart. If you’re careful and patient, it might not be a bad option.
 
kep5niner said:
Have you thought about using window tint? All of the windows on the west elevation of my house are tinted. If you weren’t looking specifically, you probably wouldn’t even notice there is window tint. But then you can if I open the window (which I never do). The tint was done in between the lites, so they came from the factory like that.

I couldn’t imagine what the sun exposure, additional heat, and subsequent electric bill would be if I didn’t have the tint. I’m sure significant on all counts. I have read where guys have had satisfactory results from rolls of window tint you can buy at the Walmart. If you’re careful and patient, it might not be a bad option.
Click to expand...

I tinted a few of them and it works pretty well but it looks like foil on the outside
 
We had screens like that on the house when I grew up in Alabama. It was drastic how much difference they made. With that said, I think we had the solid screens like you've created, so can't help you there.

May have to resort to a facade? Can you get pre-made thin vinyl/plastic grids that fit a regular window or door and trim them down to fit in your screen and then just glue them to your fabricated frame?
 
I read the fine print on our double-pane windows. Adding tint film on the interior voids the warranty. The factory treated LowE windows have a film or reflective coating on the inner surface of the outer glass. IR energy, heat, gets reflected right back out through the glass. Film on the interior house side of the inner glass reflects that heat back through the air gap between the panes. That extra heat can cause the seal to fail prematurely and let the windows fog.
 
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