How are screens professionally measured? This is a question we regularly receive at Port of Altea. The short answer rarely consists of just one brand or model. For screens, the home, dimensions, sun, wind, and daily use must be considered together. In this article, we explain why the reveal size, permanent obstacles, and misalignment are important.
Start with the problem you want to solve
Custom-made products are not ordered based on just one width and height. The left, center, and right measurements may differ, and obstacles must be checked in the final position.
Write down which windows, doors, or terrace areas are involved, at what time the problem occurs, and who uses the system. A bedroom has different requirements from a rental apartment, a large sliding door, or a terrace used mainly in the afternoon.
What makes screens technically different?
Screens are designed to limit solar heat before it reaches the glass while retaining daylight. The fabric, cassette, guides, wind load, and controls therefore all require attention. Looking only at the visible material is insufficient; the components behind it determine whether the system functions smoothly, safely, and reliably.
On the Costa Blanca, direct sunlight, high surface temperatures, gusts of wind, and salt or sand often occur together. A product that works well in a sheltered situation may require a different version on a high or exposed terrace.
Measure before making your final choice
Photos and approximate measurements are excellent for an initial conversation, but not for production. We measure the opening at several points and check the frames, façade, roller-shutter box, door handles, rain pipes, windowsills, power points, and clearance for movement. On terraces, we also consider the sun's position, the desired shade, and walking routes.
The mounting position affects the final dimensions. Mounting within the opening, on the face of the opening, against the façade, or beneath a ceiling are technically different situations. A centimeter that seems unimportant on paper can determine whether a door can still open in practice.
Controls: practical rather than merely modern
Electric operation is convenient for large or frequently used systems. Solar power avoids new cabling in suitable situations. Manual operation remains logical for small sizes and simple use. We also discuss who will use the product and whether individual, group, or sensor-based control is preferred.
Automation helps, but does not completely remove responsibility. A wind sensor must be positioned and configured correctly and is not a guarantee against every sudden gust. When in doubt, retract your exterior sun protection.
What quality is not immediately visible?
Profile thickness, construction, bearings, motor power, fixings, fabric tension, and replaceability are not always visible in an inspirational photo. So do not ask only about color and delivery time, but also about the system construction, limitations, and maintenance.
A realistic quotation specifies the exact version, controls, and installation. With custom-made products, cheap becomes expensive when a product does not quite fit, cannot be properly secured, or causes daily irritation.
Maintenance in Spain
Remove loose sand before working with water or a cloth. Clean profiles, guides, fabric, or mesh according to the product recommendations and do not use aggressive solvents. Do not leave awning fabric rolled up while wet for extended periods, and never force a system that is jammed.
After strong winds, check that everything is straight and moves freely. With motors, unusual noise is a reason to stop. For insect screens, a clean bottom guide prevents the mesh from being loaded unevenly.
Common mistakes
- Ordering with approximate measurements or just a photo.
- Considering wind, sun direction, and the mounting surface only after choosing the product.
- Comparing a bare internet price with completely installed custom-made work.
- Choosing electric operation without planning the cable route, panel position, or controls.
- Continuing to operate a product that runs stiffly or hangs crooked.
What changes with an apartment, villa, or holiday home?
In an apartment, the rules of the comunidad, access via the lift or balcony, and a uniform façade often play a role. For a villa, an exposed location, large widths, and multiple façade orientations are more important. For a holiday home, it also matters that guests or managers can use the system safely without extensive instructions.
This also means that not every opening needs the same product. A bedroom may require blackout, a living room may need to retain the view, and a terrace may require a large area of shade. By considering these functions together, the color and controls can remain consistent while the technology differs for each opening.
When is repairing sensible and when should you replace it?
For a young system with one worn component, repair may be the logical choice. This could involve adjustment, a motor, a control component, or locally damaged mesh. When profiles are bent, several components show wear, or spare parts are no longer available, replacement may ultimately be more reliable and cost-effective.
First determine what caused the problem. Replacing only a motor will not help if a roller shutter runs crooked; installing new fabric will not solve poor anchoring. The cause must be addressed before a new component is subjected to the same load again.
How do you assess samples and examples?
View fabric, profiles, or mesh outdoors and at different times of day. Bright sunlight makes colors appear lighter and shows the texture differently from artificial light in a showroom. With screen fabric, visibility from inside to outside is also important. With insect mesh, pay attention to transparency, strength, and the distance at which the mesh remains visible.
Also ask how a large product is divided. A small sample says nothing about seams, cassette size, uprights, or the ratio between width and projection. A technical drawing or clear confirmation of the dimensions prevents surprises after production.
Practical checklist for your appointment
- Take photos from inside and outside.
- Note the approximate width, height, and preferred controls.
- Indicate when sun, wind, or insects cause the most inconvenience.
- List existing roller shutters, sun protection, and power points.
- Discuss access, floor level, and permission from the comunidad.
Advice and installation on the Costa Blanca
Port of Altea combines product advice with professional measuring and installation. View our page about screens, discover the complete range of exterior sun protection and insect screens, or make an appointment at our showroom in La Nucía.