Removable window screens turn into black out panels

I'd think the trick will be getting material that's thick enough to be blackout but yet thin enough to install into the screen track.

Mike Lang said:

I'd think the trick will be getting material that's thick enough to be blackout but yet thin enough to install into the screen track.

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Thats a fair point.

Back up plan #1: Wife is a good sewer. Possibly add a second layer on top of the first thin layer that can fit into the screen track.

Back up plan #2: Just "sacrifice" the new screen frames and instead of putting the black out fabric in the tracks, simply glue it directly to the screen frame (maybe on the back side, to be less ugly.

But my Google-fu skills are lacking. I would have thought buying custom sized frames like this online was about as easy as buying custom blinds and drapes online (ie, lots of options)......but I was either wrong about that OR really don't know the right words to look for.

How many windows? Yeah you might be able to order replacement screens from Pella/Andersen/Whoever then hot glue a thick PVC panel to the frames & swap them out when needed.

Mike Lang said:

How many windows? Yeah you might be able to order replacement screens from Pella/Andersen/Whoever then hot glue a thick PVC panel to the frames & swap them out when needed.

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Yeah, I suspect that is the route. They are Loewen Windows, but the screen seems to be similar to many other brands....which I hope works in my favor, since Loewen seems to be one of those brands where only a dedicated dealer can help, and so far that has been a dead end.

Be aware that leaving something like this installed in direct sunlight can cause window damage. The intense heat that is trapped can melt the sealant and cause the aluminum spacer to bulge between the panes.

crbdrb said:

Be aware that leaving something like this installed in direct sunlight can cause window damage. The intense heat that is trapped can melt the sealant and cause the aluminum spacer to bulge between the panes.

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Yes, you would have to leave the windows cracked open slightly. I know that a lot of really thin fabrics use a layer of foil to block the sun. You don't have to use a cloth, you could use vinyl, or something that is actually a solid membrane. You could also glue it to the back of the frame instead of using the rubber rope and track to hold it in place.

Wouldn't a mylar-based material do the trick and be thin enough to fit in the screen track?

black out curtains are far less involved and can be opened to let air in.. or get out when the place is on fire

crbdrb said:

Be aware that leaving something like this installed in direct sunlight can cause window damage. The intense heat that is trapped can melt the sealant and cause the aluminum spacer to bulge between the panes.

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Well thats a good point and a wrinkle I hasn’t thought of. Hmm.

tcoble33 said:

Wouldn't a mylar-based material do the trick and be thin enough to fit in the screen track?

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Heck yep that would be ideal once I find the tracks. Maybe like those Mylar space blankets.

airscapes said:

black out curtains are far less involved and can be opened to let air in.. or get out when the place is on fire

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Yes but we already have nice wooden blinds and selling the wife on replacing those would be a big task.

Radio81 said:

Blackout EZ Window Covers, 100% Total Window Black Out for Night Shifters, Home Theaters, Napping Kids, RVs and More!

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I could totally use something like that if I can source a space screen frame to atach them to.

crbdrb said:

They can get nasty for sure.

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Ouch!

My window seems to mostly be wood, but I am sure there is metal etc behind it...and wood does not like extreme heat, either.

Yet another reason why something that can be removed on a regular basis may be the best approach for me.

A couple picture of you actual current setup with wood blinds and the entire window at that top and bottom with and without the blinds closed would speed up the good workable ideas.
For instance, would a simple blackout roller shade work.. I don't know cause I don't know what your setup looks like.

As a temporary measure, going to cut panels of this to size and place behind the screen with something like command strips, while I hunt for a better solution.