Window screen removal / replace

[kdarling]

Okay, so I somehow managed to get one side window's screen off and back on again, so that I could clean the inside of the sliding window part, but it was a struggle.

Before I attempt the other side, is there a handy trick to this?

Most sliding windows and doors have a trick to them.

For example, is there a certain slide location with extra room at the top to pop in/out the screen?

Thanks!
Kevin

[Blue~Go]

I wonder which "generation" or brand of windows you have? For example, I have the SE-GI windows, and on those, the screens are held on with extruded plastic clips (which are "unobtanium" ). I'm guessing you don't have those (as it's more likely you'd be trying to figure out how to hold the screens ON), but... do you have a photo?

[Concourse St Tropez]

My unobtainium clips are broken/lost
I need to wedge a sponge between the screen and the top of the shades to hold them on...
Is there a better way ?

[Blue~Go]

I still have enough clips to hold the sink-side screen in place, but not the one on the other side. Because of the way the screens sit almost completely outside the frame (as opposed to the usual way where they ride in a metal track, which would be easy to rig something for), it's a real challenge to figure out how to hold them in (as you have noticed...). Black electrical tape is just so gauche.

I am going to check with someone I know who can do CAD and 3D printing. Wondering if maybe we can have some new ones made by analyzing an existing one. Wouldn't that be sweet? If I find out anything I'll be sure to post it here.

Seems these windows/screen clips were only used for a few years. I'm not sure how far back (1997? Earlier?), but I think in around 2000 they went to double-pane windows with a different type of screen.

Yes, an open window right next to my head is one of the things I really miss from my previous van. Hence why putting the bed on the other side is so appealing. An open window right where I want it

[retiredtim]

I used 1/4" clear plastic tubing (home depot) 12" per window. Slit it down one side and overlapped it on rail track. Holds screen in place and cost less than $1.

[Blue~Go]

I used 1/4" clear plastic tubing (home depot) 12" per window. Slit it down one side and overlapped it on rail track. Holds screen in place and cost less than $1.

Do you have the SE-GI windows on which the screens sit about 2/3 outside the track ("outside" in this case meaning that they extend into the room)? If so, I'm going to be thrilled that you have a solution. That overlap makes it hard to do any of the usual types of "fixes."

For a bonus, do the screens still slide? (Nice to slide them to take a photo or etc.) Even if they don't it'd be much better than no screen, or gobs of electrical tape.

[kdarling]

On my '94, the screens have a notch top and bottom that they ride on matching vertical rails.

Interestingly, I did not even know that the screens could be slid forward, before I tried taking them off. For some reason I thought they were stationary like my house window screens.

Now I know that I can pass items outside by moving both the glass and the screen forward.

[Blue~Go]

Now I know that I can pass items outside by moving both the glass and the screen forward.

It is handy! If you see, wildlife or something else you want to photograph, you can slide the screen back (quietly) and get a perfectly clear shot. And yes, pass things out to the under-the-awning area

[Concourse St Tropez]

I used 1/4" clear plastic tubing (home depot) 12" per window. Slit it down one side and overlapped it on rail track. Holds screen in place and cost less than $1.

Sounds great...could you post a picture ?

[Blue~Go]

That would be great. Looking at mine today (the SE-GI windows with the plastic extrusion/clips that hold the screens on), I couldn't envision how 1/4" tubing could be used. But if it can, I'm all ears!