How to Install a Windscreen: Everything You Need to Know
Privacy Screen Installation Made Simple
Before You Begin the Windscreen Installation Process
Using Proper Fasteners
We recommend using tie wraps over any other fastening device. They hold the screen flat and taut on the fence and provide some safety in high wind conditions.The most durable tie wraps have UV inhibitors and are made for outdoor conditions. White or clear tie wraps without UV inhibitors deteriorate rapidly in sunlight, causing weakness and unnecessary breakage.- Use a 50 lb and 120 lb test tie wrap combination on your screen.
- Place the 50 lb tie wrap along the top and halfway down the sides of your screen. Then, place the 120 lb tie wraps along the bottom and halfway up the sides of your screen.
- If there is a grommet strip, use 120 lb tie wraps to install the grommet strip.
We recommend this technique so that the top 50 lb tie wraps are able to break in high winds, if necessary. This may seem counterproductive, but it enables the top to fold over the bottom, actually preventing the screen from flapping against an abrasive surface. Using the correct fasteners in this way helps prevent wind damage, the number one cause of screen deterioration.
Making the Fabric Easy to Work With
Spread the panel out along the length of the fence. Then, use “S” hooks approximately every 10’ and close to the desired height to loosely hang the whole panel. This will make it easier to keep the top edge of the panel lined up and to insert the tie wraps.High winds make an installation tough! On windy days hang only part of the panel. Too much material makes it difficult to install the screen flat and tight.
Follow These Steps for Proper Windscreen Installation
Note: Our team recommends hanging the screen from the left to the right. If you are hanging the screen from right to left, reverse the directions.
Begin in the Upper-Left
1. Pick a line of diamonds in the mesh near the top at a minimum of one diamond mesh from the top. This line will be the visual line you will use to keep the screen even all the way down the fence. If the mesh is uneven, you can stretch a string from tension bar to tension bar and use that for your line.
2. Line up the top edge of the fabric so that it is even with your intended line of diamonds or string. Then, line up the left edge of the fabric with the tension bar. Insert a 50 lb. tie wrap in the top left corner to keep your position. Use another tie wrap to attach the screen to the tension bar. These two tie wraps should make a backwards “L.” Check to make sure the top left corner of the screen is square, then attach the other two corner grommets.
3. Attach tie wraps halfway down the side of the screen, following the inside of the tension bar. Keep the material square using the tension bar as a guide.
4. Once the side is squared properly, begin hanging the top of the screen, following the line of diamonds and angling tie wraps slightly to the right. Install 6 to 9 feet at the top, then go back and finish the bottom half of the starting side.
Pro tip: Make sure that the panel is square by keeping a straight line with the top row of diamond mesh and the tension bar on the side. Installing a panel that isn’t square with the fence will create wrinkles and make the fence screen more difficult to install.
Continue Hanging the Screen
5. Work the top of the screen about five feet ahead of the bottom as you place your tie wraps. Use the bottom 120 lb. tie wraps to pull the wrinkles out of the screen and keep the screen taut. With two people, one can work the top and one can work the bottom. The bottom installer should pull the wrinkles out without over tensioning the tie wraps. Over tensioning tie wraps or stretching the fabric will cause wrinkles. Once you get your rhythm you can move at a quicker pace. Don’t forget to angle your tie wraps slightly to the right!
6. When the person on top reaches the end of the panel, make an “L” with two tie wraps in the top right corner. Then, put the tie wraps down the side, while tensioning the tie wraps appropriately to maintain a square vertical edge. Use the bottom right of the corner to pull the rest of the wrinkles out of the screen, and then use two 120 lb. tie wraps to hold the corner taut. Now you’ve successfully hung the first panel or the first section of the screen. Simply repeat this process until the job is finished.
Finishing the Job: Center the Grommet Strip
7. To minimize wind billowing, some fence fabric windscreens are manufactured with a center grommet strip. The center grommet strip can be added to all products and is recommended for any height over 6’. During the initial setup, the panel should be oriented so that the flap is on the inside of the fabric against the fence and faces downward to avoid water Once the top, bottom, and sides of the fabric are securely fastened, use 120 lb. tie wraps with a snug (not overly tight) connection for the final step of the installation process.
Additional tips, as well as friendly reminders, for a seamless privacy screen installation include:
- Never attach tie wraps to the top rail. Only attach tie wraps to the chain link mesh.
- From grommet to grommet, lay the material flat and do not stretch the fabric.
- Tie wraps will break over time. Greatly increase the life of your screen by checking it regularly and immediately replacing any broken tie wraps.
- Angle the tie wraps slightly TO THE RIGHT to pull the screen flat and taut.
- Do not attempt to install in high winds.
- Do not skip grommets.
Pro Tip: For a professional-looking installation: after the panel is hung, rotate the installed tie wraps so that the long edge or tail of the tie wrap lays behind the chain link mesh. Cut the tail so no excess material remains. Make sure the tie wrap is cut square and the end is behind or between the chain link mesh. This creates a “clean” look but is also safer. Cut tie wraps can be very sharp, so be careful and make sure the end of the tie wrap can’t cut anyone that runs into the fence!
FAQs About Fence Screen Installation and More
Does the privacy screen go on the inside or outside of the fence?
When completing a privacy screen installation, the screen goes on the side of the fence that the chain link is installed on, typically referred to as the outside of the fence. For a visually appealing installation that will last, the screen must be installed on top of the chain link mesh. If it’s installed on the inside of the fence, where the line posts are installed, the material will rub against the poles and wear more quickly. Most manufacturers, ourselves included, will not warranty screens that are installed on the post side of a chain link fence.
If you have to install the screen on the inside of the fence, each screen panel should be made to fit in between the line posts. You will have a separate panel for each section of fence between the poles. This will look attractive and keep the screen in good condition. However, for those learning how to install a windscreen properly, keep in mind that this choice does increase material cost and installation time.
How do you attach the windscreen to the fence?
There are multiple attachment methods, but we recommend using UV-treated tie wraps to attach the windscreen to the fence. Make sure the cable ties are rated for outdoor use, or they won’t last long outdoors.
The other options are hog rings or UV-treated nylon twine. It’s important to note that these methods do work, though they won’t allow the material to break away from the fence in excessively high winds and could potentially damage the fence.
How do you secure a freestanding privacy screen?
There is no secure way to install a freestanding privacy screen for permanent installation. It’s basically like placing a sail between poles. Either the privacy screen fabric or the poles will fail.
How do you complete a sports netting installation, such as putting in a tennis windscreen?
A tennis windscreen is installed to enhance the look of the chain link, provide a wind barrier to help disperse wind, and create a backdrop for better ball visibility. A sports netting installation is performed in the same manner as a regular windscreen, privacy screen, or fence screen. The main difference for a tennis windscreen installation is that, typically, the entire height of the fence is not covered. Most chain link fences around tennis courts are between 10’ and 12’ high while most tennis windscreens are manufactured to be 6’ or 9’ tall, with the windscreen being vertically centered on the fence.
To center the material, subtract the height of the screen from the height of the fence and divide the space by two. Then, measure this distance from the top of the fence and mark the spot on the knuckle of the chain link diamond. Use this mark as a guide to install the windscreen at the same height all the way down the fence line. This will center the windscreen panel vertically on the fence.
For more detailed instructions, see our windscreen installation page.
Is there a recommended height for privacy screen installation?
It’s a good idea to install the screen near the top of the fence while leaving a few inches of spacing at the bottom. This allows air to flow through the bottom of the fence, reducing wind load. It also keeps the screen from potentially being damaged by lawn equipment.
What materials are windscreens and privacy screens made from?
Most windscreens and privacy screens are constructed from polyethylene, polypropylene, or vinyl-coated polyester materials. The polyethylene and polypropylene are typically knitted or woven, which is the method used to turn individual fibers into fabric.
Vinyl-coated polyester is constructed with a woven polyester scrim that is coated with vinyl. The coating is designed to protect the polyester from water and UV degradation, while the polyester adds strength to the fabric.
Our highest-quality windscreens and privacy screens are constructed with knitted polyethylene. The knitting process creates a stable fabric with a knot at each junction of thread that doesn’t easily tear or continue to tear after being punctured. In most windscreen installations, polyethylene is preferred since it doesn’t wick water and, with additives, has a high resistance to UV degradation.
Are there different colors or styles available?
Ball Fabrics manufactures many different styles of windscreen, privacy, and fence screens to meet the varying demands of specific applications and price points. Most of our fabrics come in a variety of colors. We can even create customized products to meet your needs.
How do I clean and maintain my windscreen or privacy screen?
For maintenance purposes, always keep the screen attached to the fence by making sure that every attachment point at every grommet is secure and unbroken. This includes performing a visual inspection every few months to ensure all attachment points are secure. If you notice the screen flapping, immediately reattach it to the fence at every grommet.
Wind whipping is one of the leading causes of damaged screens. Because of this, Ball Fabrics manufactures most screens with grommets spaced every 12”. This ensures that the load on each grommet is reduced. The further apart your attachment points are spaced, the more likely the attachment will fail.
To clean your screen, use water and a mild biodegradable dish soap. Apply the soap with a soft bristle brush or hand towel and gently clean the surface. Spray off the mild soap with a hose. Make sure to spot test part of the screen first before cleaning the entire screen.
What should I do if my screen gets damaged?
Ball Fabrics sells repair kits for most of our windscreens to patch holes, rips, or tears. Call us to order these kits. Make sure you know the material type and color of your product so the patches will match your screen.
Do you offer privacy or fence screen installation services, or can you recommend professionals?
We offer privacy screen installation services in Central Florida only. We can also recommend one of our professional distributors to install a fence screen in your area.
Is there a warranty on your products?
Yes. Most of our products are warrantied against manufacturer defects. Our warranties vary in length of time for different products. You can request warranty information for any of our products.
It’s also important to note that custom-fabricated products are not returnable. Stocked items can be returned unused within 30 days, and a restocking fee will apply.
Contact Ball Fabrics Today
Our team of experts is proud to offer high-quality windscreens, sports netting, and more. Please reach out to our team today to get started or to learn more about how to install windscreens. We look forward to assisting you!
