DIY/Get Estimate
Useful resources if you need a price estimate or if you’re installing the screens yourself
Deployment
Deployment and storage require minimal effort, so they can be performed by almost anyone in just a few minutes. The screens can be deployed at the last minute — there is no need to install them a day or two ahead of time.
Mounting
Our screens are designed with your convenience in mind. They can be installed as a permanent mount with a built-in storage hood or made removable with a separate storage bag. Mounting from the inside is a typical application for a lanai or entryway, and a built-in storage hood allows the screen to be rolled up and out of sight when not in use. Windows screens are generally mounted on the outside, but they can also be stored above the opening in a hood when not in use. All opening types can be made removable at the end of the season. The whole assembly is lightweight, so it’s easy to handle. The rolls are very compact and require only a small amount of space in the garage.
This home has Cat 5’s hurricane screens mounted on the inside of the lanai. The owner can store the screens in the garage or storage area at the end of the hurricane season. The dismounting of the screens is done by simply removing the wing nuts attached to the wall. The whole assembly is light, so it is easy to handle. The rolls are very compact and require only a small amount of space in the garage so that the homeowner won’t need to struggle with heavy and warped plywood.
Rather than individually covering each of the three sliding doors and two windows of this lanai with metal panels, two drop-down Cat 5 screens were mounted to cover the front and side lanai openings. When deployed, the lanai becomes, in effect, a hurricane-safe room. Everything inside the lanai is protected, including the windows, doors, furniture, grill, pool toys, and plants.
Measurement Instructions
Window Mount
For Mount Without Hood – top to bottom or side to side
- Add 8” to height and width (example: buck measurement 36 x 36 = finished 44 x 44).
- If horizontal mount, make sure that there are no obstructions on each side.
- Make sure there is 4" clearance on each side with no obstructions on top and bottom. If there are any obstructions, the product can be notched to accommodate.
For Mount with Hood – top to bottom only
- Add 14” to height and width (example: buck measurement 36 x 36 = finished 50 x 44).
- Make sure there is 4" clearance on each side — no obstructions on top and bottom.
For Mounting to Floor (Lanais, Entryways, Porches, Garages)
For Mount Without Hood – top to bottom
- Add 8” to the width of buck opening.
- Add 6” to the height. (The bottom bar makes its own angle)
For Mount With Hood
- Add 11” to 13” to the height of the buck opening (to accommodate the hood).
- Add 8” to the width (unless trap opening).
*If you’re mounting screens together for large openings, we have options for interconnectivity.
White, Tan & Black, Tan & White, Black, Black White
Installation Procedures
- Verify the number of openings to be covered (to determine the number of screens required).
- Standard Cat 5 screen installation needs to be done from the bottom up. Normally, inside- and outside-mount windows can be done from top to bottom.
- Reroll the screen if needed and keep the bottom bar up.
- Use a chalk line to snap a guideline for the bottom bar.
- Measure 2” off the edge of a wall, column, or other building material (this is to start fastening).
- Make sure that the screen panel is even on each side or centered properly on a trapped opening.
- Starting from one side, temporarily attach the screen to the floor with tapcons in every other pre-drilled hole.
- Drill each hole through the bottom bar to mark and easily install sidewalk bolts.
- Once the bottom is done, you may now unroll and stretch the screen panel to its full height (the panel should be pulled tight, and use a speed square for leverage).
- Drill and mount the top bar with tapcons and studded panel mates (panel mates are needed to hold the hood in place). The panel mates are pre-marked on the bar to match with grommets for the hood.
- If your Cat 5 screen is removable, all top holes will require panel mates.
- Proceed with the installation temporarily with tapcons like what you did at the bottom.
- Drill out all holes for panel mates, remove tapcons, and install panel mates.
- Hang the screen using studs with wing nuts.
- While the panel is up, you should match tabs or grommets on the side of each screen if necessary.
- Remove tapcons on the floor and hang the screen in the hood.
- Roll the screen panel tightly and tuck in tabs as you roll (one person can roll even the longest screen with practice).
- Drill out holes through the floors and walls.
- Remove all the dust from the holes using a vacuum.
- Install leads and sidewalk bolts (wood walls will require panel mates or brass anchors).
- An outside mount is easily done by installing the top first (it will be easier to level the top bar than the bottom one).
- Remember to carefully measure 2” for holes in the concrete and 1” in the wood wall.
- Like any hurricane protection product, it won’t provide full protection if not properly attached.
When using a pulley system, the screen typically does not require a hood. The pulley should be mounted approximately 2 inches above the top bar for best results. A pulley system is not recommended for Cat 5 hurricane screens trapped on both sides. It can be done, but it requires one more pulley and a 2” x 2” angle mounted on the sidewall to move ropes around the screen roll.
- Use tapcons to mount the top bar of the screen.
- Use panel mates to mount pulleys above the screen.
- The screen size will determine the number of ropes needed to make the system work.
- Remove the tapcon four to five holes from the end of the top bar.
- Loop the rope from the back and drive the tapcon through the loop.
- Run the rope under the screen and up to the pulley, then over to the main side pulley.
- Leave enough rope to reach the cleat location.