If you’ve ever had to deal with a roll of screen and spline, you know just how tedious, frustrating, and difficult it can be. Whether you’re installing it new or removing and replacing old spline, it’s a time-consuming job. If you’re looking for a different solution for your Northern Virginia or Maryland screened-in porch, here are some key reasons to choose a no-spline screen system, such as SCREENEZE®.

4 Reasons to Ditch the Spline: Why a Spline-Free Screen System for Your Screened-In Porch Is Best

1. Increased Durability

When it comes to installing screening, you have several options:

• Screen and Staples. In this system, you simply staple the screen up and cover the unsightly edges with trim. The problem? This system never lasts long. Even one strong gust of wind can cause the screen to break free.
• Screen and Spline. This is the traditional way to handle screen installations. Spline is essentially a rubber or vinyl cord that keeps the screen tight and secure within the frame. From screen doors to windows, this is the most common means of installing screening today. The system, while common practice, presents several issues. One such problem is durability. When put to the test (very strong winds, kids running into the screen, pets pushing against it), spline can fail. This leaves you with a lengthy, tedious repair job.
• No-Spline Screen System. The SCREENEZE system uses no staples and no spline, and it’s self-tightening. Not only does this save installation time, but the durability of this system outperforms other solutions. The SCREENEZE system has been tested and can successfully withstand winds up to 140 miles per hour!

When a SCREENEZE system does fail, the vast majority of the time, it traces back to improper installation. Make sure you’ve read the installation guidelines carefully if you’re self-installing, or choose a qualified contractor who has specific experience installing SCREENEZE. This will help you eliminate an avoidable screen failure.

2. Better Return on Investment

Because of the increased durability, you can expect the SCREENEZE product to last longer and to need fewer replacement parts over the years.

Rolls of screen, spline, and the tools associated with a spline screen installation all add up to a certain expense. The real cost, however, comes in the installation. You’re either paying with the large amount of time you must commit to this as a do-it-yourself project, or you’re paying a professional contractor to do it for you.

The other significant cost-related piece comes in the actual design phase. A SCREENEZE system allows you to have bigger unobstructed openings. A SCREENEZE system can provide spans up to 150 square feet (with additional support posts). A traditional spline system, however, can only go as large as 40 to 60 square feet, and posts are required every few feet. From a logistical standpoint, this impedes your view, but bigger openings also mean less lumber, less labor hours, and less expense.

3. Easier Installation

Eliminating spline from the screen system means an overall easier installation. If you’re attempting the install yourself, working with spline is often a tedious, annoying, frustrating process. It requires a special tool called a spline roller. This is not expensive, but it is a specialized tool you’ll need to purchase before you can successfully work with the spline.

When you’re installing the SCREENEZE system, the aluminum base and the vinyl cap essentially just snap together. This secures and self-tightens the screen. You do have to pull the screen taut, but it’s not nearly as involved or finicky as a spline installation.

Wondering whether to self-install your SCREENEZE system? There are some carpentry skills and specialized tools required. Check out the linked article for a more thorough discussion of whether a do-it-yourself installation is the right choice for you.

4. Less Hassle

Being a high-quality product that can withstand extreme environmental situations, SCREENEZE is a low-hassle, low-maintenance system.

No homeowner likes having to call a contractor back to fix something. For one, the time and potential expense of it are costly.

Beyond that, though, with the surge in home improvement projects brought on by the pandemic, many contractors are overbooked and unavailable. If the screening in your screened-in porch fails, you might find yourself with an unusable or less-than-optimal outdoor living space for many weeks (or even months).

Choosing a system that drastically reduces or even eliminates the need for these callbacks is good for you—and it’s good for the contractor.

Have Any Questions?

Wondering if a no-spline screen system would be a good fit for your outdoor living space? Reach out today!

We’re Design Builders, a custom high-end design and build firm servicing the Northern Virginia and Maryland markets. We have extensive experience installing SCREENEZE systems, and we’re always happy to answer questions or help you determine if it’s the right choice for your home.