Screenmobile Blog Official weblog of The Screenmobile Corporation

Screen Safety and Children

Have you thought of window screens as a safety issue? Screens for windows, doors and porch/patio applications are designed primarily to keep insects out of a home. A typical screen is made from an aluminum frame and a fiberglass or aluminum screen mesh. While seemingly strong, kids and parents can develop a false sense of security that screens will stop a child or adult from falls. This is true of all types of related screen fabrics, such as sun control screens, pet resistant type screens, or screens that are made heavier than industry standards and sold as superior, or heavy duty screens.

Screen safety applies not only to window screens, but also door screens and porch/patio screens. All can present this false sense of security. This site examines these screen safety issues and brings the awareness level up to both parents and kids. Please take a few moments to browse the additional screen safety information on this website, and to visit the resource links provided.

Window Screen Safety

There are four main components of a typical screen. The frame (typically aluminum), the corners (plastic or aluminum), the spline (rubber material used to hold screen fabric in the frame), and the screen fabric itself. Some or all of these components may fail when subjected to pressure, such as when a child or adult falls against a screen. It does not matter how tight the screen spline is, or how tight the frame is installed in the window frame, it may fail.

Window Safety Checklist

Has your family developed an emergency fire escape plan? Determine your family's emergency escape plan and practice it regularly. In the plan, include two avenues of escape from every room. Remember children may have to rely on a window to escape a fire. Help them learn to safely use a window under these circumstances. Make sure you have identified a safe meeting place outside.

DO YOU KEEP WINDOWS SHUT WHEN CHILDREN ARE AROUND? You should keep your windows closed and locked when children are around. When opening windows for ventilation, open windows that children cannot reach. Also, set and enforce rules about keeping children's play away from windows and/or patio doors. Falling through the glass can be fatal or cause a serious injury.

DO YOU LEAVE, OR HAVE YOU LEFT, WINDOWS OPEN BECAUSE YOU THOUGHT THE INSECT SCREEN PROVIDED A SAFEGUARD FROM A FALL?

Don't rely on insect screens to prevent a fall. Insect screens are designed to provide ventilation while keeping insects out; they are not designed to, nor will they prevent a child's fall from a window.

IS THERE FURNITURE PLACED UNDER OR NEAR WINDOWS IN YOUR HOME? o Keep furniture - or anything children can climb - away from windows. Children may use such objects as a climbing aid.

DO ANY WINDOWS IN YOUR HOME HAVE GUARDS, SECURITY BARS, GRILLES OR GRATES?

These windows are useless in an emergency if the devices on them do not have a functioning release mechanism. Time is critical when escaping a fire. Consult your local fire department or building code official to determine proper window guard placement.

INSPECT YOUR HOME'S WINDOWS CAREFULLY. ARE ANY WINDOWS IN YOUR HOME PAINTED OR NAILED SHUT? Never paint or nail windows shut. You must be able to open them to escape in an emergency.

DO YOU HAVE ANY WINDOW UNIT AIR CONDITIONERS IN BEDROOM WINDOWS OR OTHER WINDOWS IN YOUR HOME THAT MAY BE NEEDED FOR ESCAPE OR RESCUE IN AN EMERGENCY?

Do not install window unit air conditioners in windows that may be needed for escape or rescue in an emergency. The air conditioning unit could block or impede escape through the window. Always be sure that you have at least one window in each sleeping and living area that meets escape and rescue requirements.

DID YOU KNOW THAT STRATEGIC LANDSCAPING MAY LESSEN THE EXTENT OF INJURY SUSTAINED IN THE EVENT A FALL DOES OCCUR?

Plant shrubs and soft edging like wood chips or grass under windows to cushion potential falls. The surface can greatly affect the degree of injury sustained from a fall.

Door Screen Safety

Door screens will not prevent children or adults from falling, or keep children from pool areas. This includes retractable screens, swinging screen doors, security screen doors and sliding doors. This also includes doors with pet doors, pet guards or pet resistant screens. All of these products are designed to primarily keep insects out and some level of pet resistance, but should not be considered child safe.

Most screen doors feature latches. Latches are designed to keep the door closed in case of wind or pets pushing upon doors. Latches especially lower quality plastic latches used by some door manufacturers are poorly designed and even though they look “locked”, in reality they only “latch” the doors closed.

Sliding screen door latches can be bent inadvertently and become not useable. Many sliding screen doors can be lifted off latches, sometimes just by leaning against the doors. Lesser quality sliding screen doors may not stay on the screen door tracks and simply fall off. Sliding screen doors should not be used to keep children from pool areas. Pool covers and pool fences that are specially designed for child protection should be used for such applications.

The screen fabric on all types of doors could be too worn, have holes that could be enlarged, and the spline that holds the screen fabric to the door could be too small. When the spline is too small the screen can easily detach from the aluminum frame. All of these subjects could create unsafe situations

Porch/Patio Screen Safety

Screens that enclose a porch or patio are not designed to prevent children or adults from falling. Screens on decks or second stories need to have pickets on the bottom section to prevent children from falling through the screen. Local building ordinances will describe the requirements needed for these. Consider your porch or patio enclosure as an outdoor room for insect protection only. These should not be considered a child safe room that will keep children from falling or pool areas.

As with all of these screen related products, the screen fabric can degrade overtime by outdoor exposure and sun damage. The screen fabric may become brittle and weaken over time. It may look strong, but has no structure or protection from falls. Children should always be supervised in Porch or patio screen enclosures. Do not trust the screen fabric or screen doors latches to be secure enough to prevent a child from exiting.

Screen Safety Awareness is an important public awareness campaign by The Screenmobile Corporate and Screenmobile franchise locations. We are the nation’s leading window and door screen franchise with nearly 100 locations across the county. We do not claim to be window safety experts, we are striving to raise the awareness to this issue to parents and children. Screenmobile provides quality window and door screens to consumers, screen doors, retractable screen door, porch screen enclosure and security screen doors.

www.childsafety.screenmobile.com

www.screenmobile.com

Who hasn’t heard of local break in burglaries on the rise in the cities of PalmDesert, CathedralCity, La Quinta and Indian Wells?  New security products are available including a new type of security screen door.  Stainless steel security mesh is being installed in door frames making break in’s nearly impossible. This new product is available for windows, swinging screen doors and sliding screen doors even commercial applications. One such company Screenmobile has this new door and other security doors.  From the stainless steel mesh with powder coat paint and extruded aluminum framing, to our featured Screenmobile aluminum amplimesh security doors.

The new security door also known as the Guarda is the top of the line in steel mesh doors.  No more looking through bars and holes on a solid piece of metal this design will have a better view for you and breeze way, to feel like you put in a regular screen door.  The Premium Guarda has a three point locking system and has a three or four piece pre-hung frame depending on your opening. 

The other option is Screenmobile’s aluminum security door.  This extruded aluminum frame has two different diamond shape patterns embedded into the exterior door frame to prevent someone from cutting the regular bug screen, featuring a large deadbolt, and will still provide ample amount of breeze to come in for ventilation.

So if you are looking to invest in a new security door product to provide protection for your home and family, you may want to look into Screenmobile and their current security door options.

         Sentry Security Door                                                         Guarda Security Door

The Screenmobile Franchise Corporation started humbly enough in 1980 with one used  tent trailer and a vision - to follow a proven business model and equip hundreds of well trained independent operators to custom build, repair and replace window and door screens, on-site at the customer’s convenience. In 1984, the company began franchising and today has 98 franchise owners operating across 26 States. 

For the past twenty-six years, the hosting of annual conventions and regional meetings to interface with franchise owners has been an integral part of Screenmobile’s successful and time tested business plan.  

“It is absolute essential that the latest industry happenings, vendor news, construction techniques and company developments be shared with our franchise owners on a regular basis so that we are all operating from the same playbook,” said Monty L. Walker, vice president and one of the original three founders of the company. “Our annual conventions and regional meetings  offer opportunities for invaluable face-to-face interaction with the best champions for our brand.”

The company’s annual get-together has grown steadily in size since the very first convention was hosted in a small conference room at a Desert Hot Springs’ hotel near corporate headquarters. These days, 140 attendees, 20-30 vendors and corporate staffers gather at that same place they have for the past nine years - The Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.  Walker has been in charge of coordinating every convention since the corporation’s founding and offers the following tips for success. 

 Convention Roundtable.

PLAN PLAN PLAN

You can never “over plan” for a convention and planning should start at least 6 months in advance. Once the convention has started, there is little room for course correction.

DEVELOP RELATIONSHIP WITH VENUE

It is important that a good working relationship be maintained with the personnel at your host venue. Make friends with them and open the lines of communication early. Let them know what you are planning to do and work with them to identify any possible issues in advance. You don’t want a shortage of rooms or unexpected paperwork to pop up at the last moment that leaves you scrambling and stressed.

PREPARE YOUR CORPORATE STAFF

All personnel that are involved with the convention should know each other’s assigned roles and anticipate the needs of the attendees as well as event sponsors and vendors. You should have methods of communication tested and in place. A variety of smartphone apps are available that enable group texting or act as two-way radios.  

RESEARCH AND SET EXPECTATIONS 

Don’t rely on your own understand of what programs you think should make up the convention agenda. Ask your attendees what they would like to see, what they would like to learn or what issues they would like to be addressed. Based upon their feedback and prior to the start of the convention, convey to the attendees what programs you have in place, what knowledge they will take away and what return on investment they can expect to realize. You do not want to offer programs that are not relevant to their business needs. They will not appreciate their time and money being wasted if the convention fails to hit the mark. 

QUALITY AUDIO/VISUALS 

Nothing can ruin an otherwise stellar convention faster that a microphone that doesn’t work of a presentation screen that no one can see. You can rely upon the venue’s A/V equipment and technicians but that does not guarantee there will be no issues. One option is to rent new equipment in the host city or bring equipment you are familiar with along with you. Be sure to arrive early enough for set up and testing. 

 D.Winters. (Top Sales)

EXECUTE - 30% SOCIAL, 30% BUSINESS, 30% PEER-TO-PEER

Once you have decided on a program agenda, you may be tempted to stray. Don’t. Stick to it and execute. A good convention program is made up of three components - social, business and peer-to-peer. A good host city and hotel will have plenty of opportunities for socializing and the planning of fun activities, like a bowling tournament. An awards ceremony is also a vital social element that should not be overlooked. The business portion should be made up of presentations and programs hosted by corporate or by invited vendors of sponsors. Remember to stick to the time table. And lastly, your attendees can be your best source of valuable information. Allow time for peer-to-peer interaction by facilitating roundtable discussions or open mic forums on topics of interest. Keep everything as lively and fun as possible. Nobody likes a boring convention.

 Craig Anderson

FOLLOW UP WITH SURVEYS

Upon completion of the convention, poll the attendees. Figure out what worked and what didn’t work. What activities were appreciated, could be improved upon or should be scrapped all together. After several years of survey results are in, a pattern will be established that reflects what your attendees like and what they don’t like. 

And finally, many convention planners believe that booking a high-profile speaker to deliver a speech is key to a convention’s success. Regardless of how dynamic a speaker’s address may be, if it is not highly relevant to the audience’s business goals your attendees will feel let down.

Monty L. Walker is Vice President of Screenmobile Corporation. He along with his father Monty M. Walker and brother Scott Walker are the original founders of the franchise company headquartered in Thousand Palms, CA. For more information visit: www.screenmobile.com 

Did you and you friends have a little too much fun over the New Year weekend? Now that the fun is over you realize some screens were walked through and need to be repaired. Well no worries Screenmobile is a mobile service that will go to your home, take measurements and make on site. No more waiting 1-2 weeks just to get your new or old screens back from being made or repaired. Our trucks and trailers give us access to all our equipment necessary to take care of any size job. Weather it be a brand new heavy duty slider down to your smallest screen window. No job is too big or small for screenmobile. Call us today for your free estimate by going to our website at www.screenmobile.com enter your zip code in the zip code finder and call your local screenmobile for your free estimate. Don’t wait any longer to open up your screen doors or windows again to enjoy the natural fresh air. Call us now!!! You Call We Screen.

Congratulations to Screenmobile of Charlotte for earning the prestigious 2011 Angie’s List Super Service Award. Davis Winters the owner of Screenmobile of Charlotte stated “I am blessed to have a team that understands the importance of our customers; we have only won this award because of each employee’s dedication to providing the best service levels possible. For those who don’t know what Angie’s List is, Angie’s List is a website that aggregates verified consumer reviews of service companies as a way to capture word of mouth. Angie’s list grades companies using a report card style, which ranges from A-F. These rating are based on price, Quality, responsiveness, punctuality and professionalism. “Only a fraction of the business rated on Angies List can claim the sterling service record of being a Super Service Award winner because we set a high bar.” Said Angie’s list founder Angie Hicks. So once again Congratulations to Screenmobile of Charlotte keep up the good hard work. To find your local Screenmobile simply go to www.screenmobile.com and for more information on Angies List visit the website at www.Angieslist.com

This is the perfect weather to just lay in bed all day watching your favorite movies while enjoying a delicious cup of hot coco, until your pet has to go outside to take care of some pet business. You really don’t want to get up because it’s too cold, or you’ll miss the best part of the movie. You have absolutely no choice but to let your pet out. Are you wishing you had a pet door right about now? Did you know Screenmobile not only deals with screen windows and screen doors but we also do pet doors too! Screenmobile’s selection of pet doors gives you the flexibility to find a pet door that fits your needs. Pet doors can be mounted on either swinging or sliding screen doors. Screenmobile carries different size pet doors to fit your pet’s needs. So don’t worry about missing the best part of the movie or about having to get out of bed anymore. A pet door will allow your pet to enter and exit on his/her own. The best part of this is… you don’t have to get out of bed to reach us. Simply grab your laptop or smart phone visit our website www.screenmobile.com enter your zip code and give us a call. That easy and it can all be done while staying nice and warm in your comfortable bed

Will you be home for the holidays? Will you have any friends, family, and grandchildren over? Are you afraid of your grandchildren running through your screen door? Well fear no more Screen mobile to the rescue. With about 100 locations across the United States.  Screenmobile will fix just about anything that has to do with screening.  So, before your grandchild runs through your sliding screen door give us a call and get a custom made Heavy Duty Slider, it will be made to fit perfectly onto your home, that’s what we like to call our “ Screenmobile Guaranteed fit.” Little John will no longer go through and

wreck your slider instead see little John bounce off the slider causing no damage to either little John nor the slider. Our Heavy Duty Sliders are constructed of 2  ½” x ½” extruded Aluminum with extruded corners so it is guaranteed to be tough. The top and bottom wheels are constructed of steel, with high quality ball bearings to ensure smooth gliding. This Screen Door will last you many years and not only that, it will look great too! Heavy Duty doors come in different colors: White, Bronze, Silver, Tan, and Black. Don’t waste anymore time, call your local Screenmobile by simply going to our website www.screenmobile.com enter your zip code in the zip code finder and you’re all set. “You Call We Screen.”

During the summer, keeping your body hydrated can be a challenge and if you’re one of the millions of Americans who doesn’t like to drink water it is even more difficult. So next time you’re sitting out on your patio enclosure with a few friends, let these creative water recipes keep you refreshed.

• Cucumber Water: Peel and slice about 1/2 a cucumber and place it in a pitcher of water.
• Strawberry, mint & lemon Water: 3 Slices of lemon, 2 sprigs of mint and a handful of sliced strawberries makes a delicious and refreshing water that is sure to impress your friends.
• Fruit salad Water: Slice one orange, 1 green apple, and about 2 cups of watermelon.
• Peach Orange Water: Even your kids are sure to love this water. Just slice up a peach and an orange to create a summertime treat that no one can refuse. But if you’re looking for a bit more color to your water, add a small handful of blueberries. Delicious!

All naturally flavored waters should sit for at least 2 hours before serving. If you can give them a full 24 hours, you will enjoy them that much more. Bon appetit.

And if by chance your patio or porch isn’t as appetizing because it isn’t screened in, don’t fear. We will be happy to create the perfect space for you to drink these wonderful waters on. You can see the many products that we have created for others at screenmobile.com.

Today, Cape May County residents have a new choice in screen repair services. Lifelong Cape May County residents, T.J. and Holly Repici, will use their new business to provide much needed screen repair services to their friends and neighbors.

“I chose Screenmobile because the company’s emphasis on customer service, professionalism and integrity is inline with my own approach to business,” said T.J. Repici, owner of Screenmobile Cape May Court House. “The efficient mobility of the operation that provides the customer a convenient service at a reasonable price was also very attractive to me.”

T.J. began has been working in homebuilding and construction since 1985 and he has owned his Cape May Court House construction business for the past 13 years.

“My entire professional career has been in the industry and the work has provided me with a good living within 5 miles of where I live for almost three decades now.” said T.J. “When a situation changes, you must adapt. I see my new Screenmobile operation as an opportunity to offer a value added service and convenience to my customers, who are also my neighbors.”

You can call T.J. for basic on-site window and door screen repair and replacement services. Your local Screenmobile franchise offers construction of screened in patios, pool enclosures, installation of retractable, sliding, pet, security and storm doors as well as a myriad of screening materials to meet all of your screen needs.

“T.J.’s construction expertise will no doubt serve the customers of Cape May County and the surrounding area well,” said Scott Walker, CEO of Screenmobile. “T.J. and Holly are good people and we are proud to have them as part of our franchise family.”

T.J.’s wife of 21 years, Holly Repici, will continue her seasonal accounting work while assisting with the administration of Screenmobile. To learn more about the Repici’s new Screenmobile business, you can visit www.screenmobile.com/Cape-Atlantic or call them at 609-465-5688.

One thing that will always brighten your day—quite literally—is a window in your office or workspace. Being able to look outside and see sunshine, rain or even clouds, will do so much for your mood. Some windows even come with great views of nature, the ocean or a beautiful building.

Having a window in your office is always a perk. You get to see the outside world while you work. Even if I don’t have a view of the waves crashing at the ocean, it’s still a great pick-me-up. Try it. Just stare out the window for a few minutes.

You know that time of the day where you start looking at the clock to see if it’s quitting time, that’s when looking out the window can be the most refreshing little break. Just looking out a window for a few minutes before I go back to working on my computer is just the change of scenery, and mental energy, that I needed to pull me through the rest of the day.

Sometimes you can even get lucky and see something cool out your window. Maybe a beautiful bird will fly by or a person you know might be walking down the street. A few lucky people might even get to see dolphin jumping outside their window. You also never know what inspiration you might find by just looking out your window. Writers are always looking for inspiration.

Writer Tom Peters once said, “If a window of opportunity appears, don’t pull down the shade.” But if you do decide opportunity is shining too bright, don’t worry. Screenmobile has a sun shade to help you with that.