To make a mosquito screen yourself or order it from a manufacturing company, you need to know the exact dimensions. Usually, in order to measure a mosquito net for a plastic window, a specialist is invited. But in fact, measuring the opening of a window or door to a balcony is not difficult. Let's look at the measuring instructions, find out what tools are needed, and consider all the intricacies of the process.
Is it worth measuring yourself?
Today, the market for services for installing plastic windows and manufacturing components for them is quite saturated with offers (at least in large and medium-sized cities). In many cases, it is more profitable not to bother with measurements yourself, but to invite a specialist. However, there are several situations where this solution may not be the most beneficial:
- In small towns, holiday villages, urban settlements and villages, there may simply not be a single representative office of companies engaged in the manufacture of windows and window components. Calling a surveyor in such conditions may require a long wait and payment for the services of a specialist.
- Some people prefer to save on the services of specialists by making the mesh screen themselves. In this case, paying for a surveyor to come out is simply unprofitable. And when ordering mesh from the manufacturer, not calling a measurer will help you save money.
Before contacting a particular company, study the rules of its work and the regulatory documentation presented on the website. Many companies stipulate in their rules that they should not use measurement results made by anyone other than a company specialist.
Many people prefer not to bother with measurements, not being confident in their own ability to measure correctly. But in fact, anyone with minimal skill in working with a tape measure can measure the light opening of a window.
Consequences of measurement errors
Before deciding to carry out all measurements yourself, it is worth considering the consequences of a possible error. They can be divided into three groups:
- The mesh turned out to be larger than necessary. Even a deviation of a few mm can be enough to prevent the mesh from fitting into place. In this case, adjustment can solve the problem, but with its help it will only be possible to correct an error of 1–2 mm.
- The mesh turned out to be smaller than required for the project. In this case, it will fit into place, but will not be attached tightly enough. Small insects can get into the cracks between the mosquito screen frame and the window frame. In addition, there is a risk that the mesh will simply fall out of the fastenings and fall from a great height, becoming unusable.
- The specifics of the window installation do not allow the mesh to be attached to it using the chosen method. This is not a consequence of an error in measurement, but of an error at the stage of determining the type of structure. However, the consequences are approximately the same: due to the discrepancy between the dimensions of the mesh and the requirements of the project, it will not be possible to put it in place.
As a rule, mesh manufacturers stipulate in their customer service rules a waiver of warranty service and replacement of the mesh if the malfunction arose due to an error during self-measurement.
In order to avoid unpleasant surprises, you must do everything to calculate the dimensions of the mosquito screen frame as accurately as possible. Check each measurement several times, record the results carefully, and take your time. Then the measurement quality will be sufficient to solve the problem.
We recommend: Service life of panel houses according to standards and in reality
Mosquito net for door
Mosquito net for door
Door mosquito nets are practically no different from frame nets; the design is also a lightweight aluminum profile.
The main difference between frame and door mosquito nets is the size of the aluminum profile used. Door mosquito nets are larger in size.
Handles are installed on door mosquito nets for ease of use.
Such nets are universal; they can be installed on entrance or attic doors, or on the doors of balconies and loggias.
As for the mesh on the door, there are several options:
Standard mosquito door made of profile. Door to the sliding loggia. Pleated mesh. Rolling door. Magnetic mesh. Homemade wooden door.
If desired, you can also attach the mesh to the door with Velcro. The problem is, will it be convenient to use it afterwards?
The most common option is a frame door. It opens in the opposite direction from the main door, and it is held in place by furniture magnets. To order this product, light opening data is required.
This method of sizing is better because, even without knowing the width of the profile used, you will be absolutely sure that the internal dimensions of the mesh and the doorway will be the same.
When ordering a product, you definitely need to clarify what exactly was measured, and that you indicate the internal size of the future mosquito door frame.
Cheaper doors are assembled from window profiles. Over time, they may become warped or sag.
Where to begin?
Before measuring the light opening, you need to decide which mosquito protection mount you want to use. Depending on the type of mesh and the method of its attachment, the dimensions will differ.
Most often, frame meshes are installed on plastic windows.
They are designed simply: it is a piece of cellular canvas (usually made of polymer materials) mounted on a frame made of plastic or aluminum profile. Thanks to its maintainability, durability and low cost, this design confidently holds first place in popularity. There are three ways to attach such a grid to a window:
- Using plunger pins. The plunger is a spring-loaded pin installed in special holes in the window frame. Thanks to the springs, these clamps securely hold the mesh in place and make it easy to remove if necessary. In this case, the mesh frame is inserted strictly into the opening of the window frame.
- Using Z-shaped brackets. The frame attached to such hooks will be located on the outside of the window frame. It will be as easy to remove as one secured with a plunger fastening. The main advantage of this option is its ease of manufacture and installation.
- Installation in corner “pockets”. This method was developed first. It is similar to the z-bracket fastening: the mesh frame is also located on the outer side of the window frame. “Pockets” are easy to make yourself from a metal strip. That’s why homemade structures are so often attached. But this method of fastening has several disadvantages, the main one of which is the lack of tight pressing of the frame to the window frame.
It will be possible to attach a frame mesh to the window only if the window opens into the room.
There are other ways to attach mosquito curtains, for example pleated curtains, sliding structures on the loggia or swing nets on the balcony door. The measurement technique and rules for determining dimensions for these types of mesh screens also have their own specifics.
Types of mosquito nets
Mosquito nets are a truly necessary detail. They protect against mosquitoes, partly from dust, and also from poplar fluff, which is so annoying in the summer. But what kind or type of mesh is right for your home?
Do not miss! Wooden window casing in a wooden house - what you need to know before starting work
Frame mosquito nets
Frame mosquito nets are a classic mosquito net design. A strong mesh is attached to the aluminum profile; this design is inserted into the window opening. Such meshes are convenient and practical; they are usually used when there is no need to constantly open the mesh.
Depending on the method of fastening, they can be stationary or opening.
It is recommended to remove frame mosquito nets for the winter period to ensure the longest service life of the product. If a large mosquito net is needed, it is usually made with an additional reinforcing bar in the middle.
Rolling mosquito nets
Roller mosquito nets work on the principle of roller blinds, that is, if necessary, the mosquito net can be rolled up into an aluminum box. The design of such a mosquito net includes a guide profile, a mesh in a roll and a crossbar with handles.
Such mosquito nets are maximally functional and easy to use.
There is no need to completely remove the roller mosquito net for the winter; just roll it up. Another advantage of such nets is the ability to cover larger window openings. But, as a disadvantage, such nets, unfortunately, are short-lived.
Mesh on a wooden window
Modern wooden windows differ from metal-plastic ones only in the material used in their manufacture. Therefore, the grid for them will be similar to that described above.
What to do if you have ordinary wooden windows?
No one will reinforce the mesh to the frame with buttons or glazing beads. In principle, a mesh with Velcro or in an aluminum profile frame can also be installed.
If you want to tinker, you can make a mosquito net on a wooden frame. Measurements are taken exactly the same as for the Velcro mesh.
Please note! Such a product will not last long, as the wood may warp, and the slats will often have to be painted, for which the mesh will have to be removed, and there is no guarantee that it can be reused.
In addition, you will have to screw the mesh frame to the window frame with self-tapping screws or invent a fastening.
Sliding nets
If sliding balcony doors are installed, then the mesh should be similar. There are standard sliding nets, and pleated nets are available.
It’s worth noting right away that this type of mesh is not cheap, and of course, installing it is very difficult for an inexperienced person. Therefore, it is better for a specialist to take measurements and install.
This seems to be the case when the desire to save money can lead to additional expenses spent on remodeling. When choosing a sliding mesh, keep in mind that it will require a lot of space, while a pleated mesh will fit in a relatively small opening.
Rolled mosquito net
If you are interested in a roll-up mosquito net, then you need to know the specific features of installing this product and using it. Installation is carried out from outside the frame, which must be taken into account when taking measurements.
There are no particular difficulties with its installation, but you need to take into account the fact that due to the specific structure of the door, it is not intended for frequent use, and the point is not in the mechanism itself, but in convenience.
Imagine that every time you need to go out onto the balcony, the net will need to be raised and then lowered. For this reason, such devices are installed on doors that are rarely used, or on windows.
This mesh does not need to be removed for the winter, as it rolls up and fits in a box located above the door.
Magnetic mesh
Recently, such an innovation as a magnetic grid has appeared, which is very convenient to use. The operating principle of this double-gender mesh is based on the attraction of magnets attached to the inner edges.
With a slight movement of the hand or other part of the body, the doors move apart and, after the passage of a person or animal, they close at once.
The size of such nets is indicated on the packaging. To avoid mistakes, you need to measure not the clearance, but the door frame.
Having such data, you can select a suitable grid. Since it often comes with a margin in length, during installation it must be adjusted so that the edges do not cling to the floor or threshold, otherwise it will not be able to close.
In the article, we tried to make the most possible overview of the grids and describe how to take measurements for them. If you want to add something, please leave a comment at the end of the article.
Preparing the measuring tool
To obtain the length and width of a window opening, you do not need a high-precision measuring instrument. An ordinary household tape measure with a length of 3 m is enough. This is the main, but not the only tool that should be prepared when planning to take measurements for making a mosquito net.
In addition to the tape measure you will need:
- pencil for making marks on the frame and recording results;
- a sheet of paper on which the draft of the future grid will be drawn up;
- tools for checking the correct installation of frames (plumb line, construction bubble level, squares).
The more accurate the measurements are made, the better. If you rush into rounding, turning 1124 mm into 112 cm, the finished mesh may be too small or too large.
Today, many professional measuring instruments have been invented (laser levels, rangefinders, etc.), which significantly facilitate the work of professional measurers. But they are not required for everyday work. Of course, if possible, you can use them.
Let's take care of safety
Another aspect that needs to be mentioned is ensuring safety when carrying out work on measuring the mesh and installing fasteners for it on the window sash. Some manufacturers do not undertake to install nets on finished frames at all, since this is a labor-intensive and inconvenient process. The installer has to lean out into the opening, and he has practically nothing to hold on to (after all, his hands are full of tools and fasteners). Ideally, all work is carried out before installing frames in window openings.
Recommended: Fact - How often should you clean your pet's bowls?
But most often there is nowhere to go, and you have to carry out work on already installed windows. In this case, it is necessary to take care of a reliable base for support. You should not stand on rickety stools or other improvised supports to reach the top edge of the window. You need to work only on a stable base: stepladder, sawhorses, etc.
Do not start working near an open window if you feel unwell. Reduced coordination of movements (due to taking medications, alcohol, acute or chronic diseases) can cause a fall from a height!
How to measure a mosquito net for a plastic window
Many people, when installing plastic windows, try to save money on mosquito nets, especially if the installation is carried out in the fall. Breakages of the frame of the existing product also occur. In any case, when the period of insect activity begins, the need arises to purchase a life-saving barrier.
Mosquitoes are rarely standardized in size, since the sizes of installed plastic windows are individual. For this reason, the following solutions to the problem are possible:
- Order a mosquito net from the company where the windows were ordered.
- Call an engineer to take measurements, which will take some time and require additional costs.
- Measure the mosquito net for a plastic window yourself.
The most convenient option is to measure yourself.
We take measurements and design a mesh for Z-shaped brackets
In this case, the mesh frame will be mounted outside the window. First of all, you need to make sure that this type of installation is possible in principle. To do this, you need to open the sash and measure the width of the free part of the frame on all four sides: top, bottom and sides. This is done to ensure that the window frame does not extend too deep into the quarter and there is enough free space to install the fasteners.
It is especially important how much space is available at the top, since the top Z-brackets are long. If the top of the box extends into the quarter by more than 3.5 cm, it will not be possible to install the Z-shaped brackets. You need at least 2 cm of free space on the sides and bottom, although it is much better if there is 3 cm or more.
There may be other interference that prevents this installation method from being used. For example, window grilles installed too close to the frames, slopes located too close, etc.
If there are no obstacles to installing the mesh on the Z-shaped fastenings, measurements are taken as follows:
- Measure the width of the window's light opening. Add 25–30 mm on each side. For example, the opening width is 600 mm. Then the width of the mesh is calculated as follows: 600 + 2 x 25 mm = 650 mm (or 65 cm).
- Measure the height of the opening. Add 35 mm to the upper part of the resulting segment, and another 25–30 mm to the lower part. So, if the height is 1490 mm, the height of the mesh is calculated as follows: 1490 + 35 +25 = 1550 mm (or 155 cm).
The dimensions of the frame for the mosquito screen are determined in the same way when it is planned to be installed in corner “pockets”.
Types of mosquito net fastening
The plunger fastening of a mosquito net is the most expensive fastening of a mosquito net, but also the most reliable and stable fastening to high wind loads. A plunger is a special metal part with a spring that can be adjusted in length. The plunger mount is universal for all types of windows. “Flag” fastening - fastening a mosquito net using small plastic hooks. This type of mount is less resistant to wind loads. Fastening on rotary z-shaped elements is the most popular and reliable fastening. z-shaped elements must fit tightly to the frame, and are additionally secured to it from inside the room. Mounting on plastic corners. Such corners are located on the outside. This design does not interfere with the normal opening and closing of the window, and is also easy to remove.
Do not miss! How to insert a plastic window correctly: installation technique
We take measurements for the mesh secured with plungers
The peculiarity of the plunger fastening is that the mesh is not located on the outside of the frame, but directly in the opening. It will not be possible to use such a mount if the outer protrusion of the frame has a strong bevel (or a rounded bevel). In this case, the plungers simply will not provide reliable fixation of the mesh in place.
Determining the dimensions of the mesh in this case is simple: you need to measure the height and width of the light opening, and then subtract 3 mm from each side. For example, for the opening from the previous example (remember, width – 600 mm, height – 1490 mm) you will need a mesh with the following dimensions:
- width: 600 mm – 6 mm = 594 mm (59.4 cm);
- height: 1490 mm – 6 mm = 1484 mm (148.4 cm).
A frame mosquito screen with these dimensions will be securely fixed with plungers in the window opening. A small gap (3 mm on each side) will reliably cover the pile of the sealing brush.
If you carry out all the operations of measuring the window opening and calculating the dimensions of the mesh carefully, the obtained values will allow you to make a mesh that will ideally fit your window. It's worth the effort, isn't it?
How not to make a mistake with the grid size?
How not to make a mistake with the grid size
Why do you need to measure a mosquito tag? I cut off a piece and secured it with buttons on the frame. What if the window is metal-plastic?
As a rule, this protective device is ordered along with the window, but what to do if you didn’t think about it at once?
In this case, it is important to know how to measure the mosquito net, because this determines whether it will fit in size.
There are no ready-made screens for sale, since each window is made to individual sizes.
It’s not worth telling about the purpose of the grid, as if even a child knows everything about it, but not everyone knows how to ensure that it fulfills its role in full. The conversation is about the fact that the wrong choice can lead to some problems, but in fact:
Please note! Incorrect measurements will result in the mesh for the plastic window being large or small. In the first case, it will be difficult to install, and in the second, there will be gaps through which various insects will freely enter the room.
If the large one can still be adjusted to size, then the small one will have to be replaced. The size of the mesh cells should facilitate good air exchange, but at the same time keep insects out. Any deviation will lead to undesirable results.
The fastenings must be of high quality so that the mesh fits tightly to the window and cannot be torn off by the wind.
In order to order a mesh for a plastic window, you need to find out the dimensions of the window opening of the opening sash. It is also important to think in advance about how to insert it - outside or inside the frame.
This is a significant point as the grid sizes will stand out. Although measurements accurate to the millimeter are not needed for external mounting, you still need to adhere to certain parameters (to avoid unnecessary problems).
Other types of mesh can be installed on windows, but then it is better for a representative of the manufacturer to come and take measurements.
