Child Item

How to remove insect screens for cleaning?

Some years ago, we had a commercial window installer supply new aluminium windows including insect screens to replace the external windows. They did a great job. Now some years later, we need to remove the insect screens for the cleaners to clean the windows on the inside and outside. However we are having an issue figuring out how to remove the insect screens.

These are awning windows with a winder. Photos attached.

is someone able to advise how to get the screens off the windows without damaging anything in the process?

Thank you.

Find more posts tagged with

Cleaning

Doors and Windows

Comments

MitchellMc

Hi @yng7,

Those black plastic retaining clips look oddly similar to those used in AWS retro vantage windows.

That system works with a butterfly retainer on the opposite side to those clips and is normally placed on the inside of the window for easy access. Could you have a quick check for me on the outside to see if there are any of these? If so, depress the wings, and the frame can be removed from the exterior side.

The only other potential solution I can think of is if you pull those black finger tabs towards the middle of the fly screen (not outwards towards you), they'll potentially retract a mechanism in the frame allowing the screen to be released. Most of the time, though, they are just used to grip the screen for installation.

Please let me know how you go.

Mitchell

yng7

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/14809#Comment_14809

Thanks, Mitchell. I’ll have a look in the morning.

yng7

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/14809#Comment_14809

Hi Mitchell,

Just in case I didn’t mention earlier, this is an apartment block.
It doesn’t look like there is any butterfly retainer on the other side.

As suggested, I have tried pulling the tabs of one of the bedroom screens and managed to dislodge the black clips.

However, the ones in the stairwell are quite tightly lodged into the frame; may have to be yanked out somehow without damaging the frame. Hopefully they can be put back without much problem after the cleaning is done.

If you have further advice regarding this system, please let me know.

You’ve been very helpful. Much appreciated.

Thank you, Mitchell.

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/69999#Comment_69999

@yng7,

Could you show us some pictures of the frame you have removed and the window frame it was removed from? Some images of the clips would help too.

It's not some type of tilt system where if you push the bottom of the fly screen frame in, the top will tilt out away from the window frame, allowing it to be removed?

Mitchell

yng7

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/98074#Comment_98074

Hi Mitchell,

I’ve had another closer look at the windows from the external. The vertical sides of the screen are up against a full length flat plate that prevents it from falling out the window.
It looks like the only way is to remove those black retainer clips and the frame should come off easily.

On hindsight, this is such a poorly designed installation.

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/115747#Comment_115747

Very odd @yng7.

I'm still not convinced we're not overlooking something. I struggle to believe that the only way to remove the screen would be using the pull tab to deform the frame around the retainer clip. I guess that's a possibility, but it's really a horrible way to fix them in place.

Potentially, the installer hasn't been able to install the butterfly section as posted above and has just used the retainer clips designed for the outside on the inside. That clip is the only one I've found on the market, and it's almost identical to the one that is supposed to be used in conjunction with the quick-release butterflies. It's a bit silly, really, as those clips are very obviously a one-way system, and once the screen is clipped in, it's not coming out easily.

Let me mention @TedBear and @Brad to see if they have any genius suggestions.

Mitchell

TedBear

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/125800#Comment_125800

Hi @yng7 and @MitchellMc it is fairly common to have flyscreens retained by a spring (curved spring metal) inside the framework on the opposite side to the retainer clip. They can jam when left in for some time, so perhaps you need to run a knife around between the window frame and the fly-screen to loosen it, then pull the retainer toward the opposite side (i.e. the centre of the wire). This should make it slide into the sprung area and the screen should then release at the retainer end. Maybe yours are different... I don't know what those black clips are for.

yng7

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/132541#Comment_132541

Hi @TedBear,

Finally, after multiple attempts jiggling loose the black retainer clips, I yanked the screen forward using both finger tabs and the retainer clips popped out on one side. Part of it broke off. Pic below.

You’re probably correct about the clips being stuck fast after a long time.

What a relief! Thank you all. 👍🏻 Now we can get those windows and screens cleaned.

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/136670#Comment_136670

Hello @yng7

That's great to hear that you've managed to remove your flyscreens! Please keep us updated, we would be keen to see the flyscreens refreshed and installed back in place. Any photo updates you can provide would be much appreciated.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

yng7

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/139504#Comment_139504

Thanks, @EricL. Will need the ‘brains trust’ again to suggest a way to fix the screens back in place after they’re all cleaned.
The easy way is to stick something on the frame to keep the screen from falling forward. The challenge is to provide a remedial solution that will work in the long term.

And, @MitchellMc, you’re right. It’s a silly and impractical way to fix the screens.

With any design or system, we need to think beyond just installation and consider the implications of maintenance post-installation. I think those in design and manufacturing of products and systems need to consider the whole life cycle of the product/system.

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/141420#Comment_141420

Hi @yng7,

Perhaps you could use Taskmaster 5mm Pin White Plastic Shelf Supports to retain the screens. You'd just need to insert the screens and hold them in place firmly. Drill a 5mm hole into the surround just in front of the screen. The shelf supports can be inserted into the hole, and they will retain the screen in much the same way as the black clips were. The only difference is that you can easily pull out the shelf support from the hole when removing the screen.

Mitchell

Child Item