DIY Info

Important Info Before You Start DIY

Please note as every window is different, the method of fixing a flyscreen to windows can vary greatly.  It is important you decide how or where to fix the flyscreen to your window before you place an order with Fly Screens in a Box.  Visit our installation page  which explains how to install fly screens on all different types of windows.   Fly Screens In a Box is meant as an easy DIY solution to screen standard windows.  If you cannot see how to easily fix a flyscreen to your window, it is probably time to call an expert who can professionally install the flyscreen for you.  Fly Screens In a Box cannot be responsible for incorrectly measured fly screens.

BEWARE OF HIGH WINDOWS:  Fly screens can easily be torn or pushed out under pressure.  Flyscreens on high windows do not meet building code due to the risk of window falls.  Fly screens should not be installed on any window that opens further than 12.5cm and where the fall to ground (outside the window) is greater than 2 metres.  These higher windows require a fall-safe window screen installed by a professional fitter to meet building code. 

How To Replace the Mesh In An Existing Fly Screen

If you have an old fly screen where the frame is in great condition however, the mesh is damaged or torn; it is simple to re-mesh with Fly Screens In A Box.  Simply measure your existing fly screen following the instructions below, and when choosing “Frame Colour” in your cart select “no frame”.  You will be charged less for not selecting a frame and your fly screen mesh will still be cut to size.  You will still be sent the components and tools needed to re-mesh your existing fly frame.

Do I Order a 11mm or 9mm Fly Screen Frame?

Most windows in Australia will require 11mm flyscreen frames (the Australian Standard) however, if your windows are from Bradnams or A&L you will require 9mm frames to fit the screens into the channels on the aluminium window frame where the flyscreen will be fitted.

11 mm frames will only fit when the channel provided on the window frame is wider than 11 mm so if you intend on fixing your screens into the window recess then please measure the window frame channel as shown below to ensure it is wider than 11mm.

What Comes In the Box?

• Aluminium Fly Frame in the colour you choose, cut to your measurements
• Fly Screen Mesh (Standard Fiberglass mesh, Pet Proof Mesh, or Bushfire Approved Mesh)
• PVC Spline cut to size (10cm longer than frame)
• Spline Roller & Corner Stakes
• Swivel clips, fixing tabs and plunger pins (only if ordered)

What Do I Need To Make My Own Fly Screen?

• Flat head screwdriver
• Stanley knife
• Mallot (maybe)

How To Measure Your Fly Screen

IMPORTANT NOTES BEFORE YOU MEASURE!

Please click here to view our videos and be sure to read all the below information before placing your order to ensure you order the correct size. 

Here at Flyscreens in a Box, we take the mystery out of flyscreens and help the consumer choose, make and instal their own flyscreens. Key to this is measuring the screens correctly so they will fit your windows perfectly. Please follow this simple step by step guide and your fly screens project will be a breeze.

Step 1.

• Choose the correct flyframe size - either 9mm or 11mm. 
• If the flyscreen is going to be mounted inside a track or channel, measure the width of the track into which the flyscreen will sit. 11mm is the typical frame used but if the track width is less than 11mm, then you will need the 9mm flyframe. Bradnam’s Windows as an example, all require you to make flyscreens in 9mm framing. See the photo for further clarity.

Step 2.

• Decide on how the fly screen will be mounted. Typically there are three choices, with these being Face Fit, Loose Fit, or Track Fit. Each of these mountings is different with different measurements required so we will go through them in turn.

Shortcut.

• If you are simply replacing or updating an old screen that fitted correctly, then simply measure the old screen’s width and height and record these. Measure each dimension width and height at the corners and in the centre and record the smallest of these for ordering. When recording the measurement add a “W” or an “H” to denote width and height to avoid confusion later. Note that some screens may be bowed in the centre. If this is the case, do not take a measurement in the bowed section as this will make the screens too short. 
• Face Fit Mounting. 
  • In this application the screen is simply mounted against a flat surface and typically held in place with swivel clips. The flat surface may be the window frame, a flat architrave, or anything really that has a minimum of 20mm of contact around the perimeter for the flyscreen to sit against. 
  • For this application measure the clear height and clear width across the opening in three locations. Take the smallest dimension for the width and add 40mm. This will be the width dimension for the flyscreen. W = Clear Width + 40mm.
  • Take the smallest dimension for the height and add 40mm. This will be the height dimension for the flyscreen. H = Clear Height + 40mm. See the diagram for clarity.

• Loose Fit Mounting
  • This is the go-to mounting application where face fit mounting is not possible and there are no tracks available for a track fit mounting. The screen is typically held in place using plunger pins to locate and secure the screen in position.
  • For this application measure the Clear Width of the opening in 3 locations. Take the smallest of these and deduct 2mm. This will be the manufactured size of the screen. W = Clear Width – 2mm.
  • For this application measure the Clear Height of the opening in 3 locations. Take the smallest of these and deduct 2mm. This will be the manufactured size of the screen. H = Clear Height – 2mm.

• Track Fit Mounting.
  • In this application, the screen is mounted inside tracks that are found on some aluminium windows. The tracking is almost always at the top and bottom of the screen location and sometimes also on the sides of the windows.
  • For the screen Height. 
• First measure the depth of the tracks at the top and bottom where the screen will slot into. Usually the top track is deeper than the bottom but that may not always be the case. Take the larger of the  track depths and record it as Track Depth TD.

• Next measure the clear height from the top of the lip of the bottom track to the bottom of the lip of the top track at three locations and record the smallest of these as the Clear Height CH