Small Project Design

Hi John:

There are retractable screens that can be used - installed on the interior. One provider is Right Path Windows and Restoration - https://www.rpwindowsandrestoration.com/retractable-screens

Thanks,

I have some interior mounted screens on some sliding glass doors.  It's a problem at night when the bugs are attracted to the light inside and are bouncing against the screen.  I have to open the screen and let the bugs inside in order to shut the door.  And if you can shut a cranking window without opening an interior mounted screen, you still trap the bugs between the window and the screen, although that's much less a problem.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Retractable-Bug-Screen-39-in-x-67-in-Adjustable-Width-Height-White-Aluminum-Fiberglass-Vertically-Retractable-Window-Insect-Screen-Frame-Kit-ZV05099117016/300268147?source=shoppingads&locale=en-US&mtc=Shopping-B-F_Brand-G-Multi-NA-Multi-NA-Feed-PLA-NA-NA-Catchall_PLA&cm_mmc=Shopping-B-F_Brand-G-Multi-NA-Multi-NA-Feed-PLA-NA-NA-Catchall_PLA-71700000014585962-58700001236285396-92700052972857225&gclid=Cj0KCQiA0fr_BRDaARIsAABw4EuyvD_ExV6PKWW-aVGVqF__gdHb-VZfCVXvR5PkX_Oi6A5jrfUThL4aAin2EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Hi John:

Another option, while maybe not as attractive as a whole window unit, is to use an interior retractable screen for the lower operable sash that could be placed at the same height as the top of the lower sash of the arched window. See attached example from Home Depot. It has a channel on the sides and its own self-contained receiving header. This would allow full operation of the lower sash and I doubt that they will be opening the upper arched portion as it is probably a fixed sash or could be made to be fixed. I understand that it can be very challenging with historical review boards being critical of any changes to the original. Here in Los Angeles, where we have some of the most stringent green building codes in the country, we have several zoned historical districts and the historical preservation office will not even allow the use of insulated glass to replace single pane glass windows. It also may be possible to mock-up a transparent and neutral (match window frame color) as possible exterior screen option on one of the windows and have them review it to see if they would accept it. The exterior window opening brick return is quite deep and that may help ease the issue of having a screen in front of the window. Note, I worked/interned for a short period of time in 1979/80 in historically sensitive neighboring Salem, Mass. for now retired architect, Robert Scagliotti, while I was attending the BAC in Boston.   

Thanks,