Retractable Screen Install Question

[mwnold]

When installing my retractable screen should i hang the motor and roller tube first and then attach the impact screen? Or attach the screen onto the roller then hang it all up as one piece?

Thanks in advance.

[MTgolfer]

If you are using velcrow to attach, I would put the roller up first and then attach the screen. I did it that way and it was pretty painless.

[preludesam]

Same, I installed the roller then duck taped the screen to the roller. Make sure you don’t stretch it tight on the roller. It’s should lay even but don’t pull it any wider than it normally lays. Otherwise it will curl the edges at the bottom.

[mwnold]

Thanks guys for the info. That's kinda what i was thinking. Are you about 1" short of the end of the tube or did you take all the way out to the edge? I going to order screen from the whole seller on this site, so I can get cut to an exact width. My tube is 189". I'm doing it all myself so i'm on a step learning curve.

[MTgolfer]

I just did the same thing. Got the roller from METECH. Got the screen from gung ho. I cut the roller to length myself. Left it about 6 inches long on purpose. It was a mistake. Should’ve left only an inch or two. Now I don’t feel like taking it back down so it’s going to stay that way. Ha

[MoorePuts]

Has anyone found a good place to save some money on the roller tube? Does everyone use aluminum

[Betterthanless]

I used 10 ft long 2 inch EMT conduit that some guy was selling on OfferUp for $15, otherwise it would be $40 at Home Depot.

[mwnold]

Check in with your local awning suppliers/builders. I found a used one that a shop had just lying around. Some of these awing set ups get damaged in storms and end up in a junk pile somewhere after the insurance claim. It was nearly 16ft long and had an old Somfy motor in it. He delivered it for $150. And found out later the motor works perfectly. I like EMT or maybe even PVC. But if you are wide in your build you would probably get some sag.

[Betterthanless]

Yeah those Somfy motors are great. I was able to get three used RTS ones to use for my simulator build. Works great and is stronger than that of what Metechs.