Installing OA Intake Screens to Boost Your Air Filtration System

A simple guide for facility teams, data centers, filter vendors, manufacturers and contractors to get better results from their air filtration system. Extend air filter life and save energy.

This is just about installation - we have another post all about sizing your screens

After installing hundreds of screens, you begin to really get a grasp on the best way to do it. From baggy and loose fitting to tight and sealed, here are some useful tips to help you start installing optimally.

Let's start with the most important tip!

Tip #1 - Mount your corners first

Trust me, it is miserable trying to start anywhere besides the either of the top two corners. My favorite way to start is by mounting one corner and then installing one grommet at a time all the way across until I hit the other corner. important: always stretch your screen tightly when moving to the next mount point - there shouldn't be any slack when putting these screens up.

Screening Sample

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Tip #2 - Use a Marker

Get your sharpie out! After you stretch your screen, put a mark where the next mount will be. This will be where you install your next clip. After it is marked you can let your screen fall and then proceed to install the next mount.

"I've got no doubt that we doubled our data centers' filter lifespan. The amount of stuff we kept from plugging our filters up is staggering. - Data Center in Montreal, CA

Tip #3 - Always Screw in Your Corners

I love saving time just as much as the next guy - but there's certain things you want to dial in. While our glue option is really strong (airplanes rely on it) it is still a good idea to use self-tapping screws in the corner mounts.

Rarely do we install corners with glue, so we recommend you do the same. Use your screws

Tip #4 - Using Glue

Using our carefully chosen adhesive is a good idea if you want to save time. Pre-punching drill holes can be tedious. Choosing whether you use glue or self-tapping screws depends on the unit. Choose glue if your surface is hard to drill through and choose self-tapping screws if you have an easy time penetrating the surface.

We have found a glue that has a strong hold that will last forever out in the harsh conditions. The adhesive cures relatively quickly in the heat, usually drying within 5-10 minutes. During colder times it can take longer to dry.

note: Do not put your screen on the mounts that are in the drying process, it will move your mount points around and cause issues.

Tip #5 - "Which way does it face?"

Lastly, we want it to face the right direction. There are a few ways to identify which side should face outward. It isn't critical for it to face the right way, but for identification, cleaning and reinstallation purposes we always like to keep the following visible.

1) The label side should be visible

2) The grommet side that is a smooth rim should be visible

Get The Best Air Filtration Program in Place

This is a simple guide, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. If you are a large site that is ordering many units, we also offer installation services through POA, an incredible partner of ours.

If you haven't measured your units to order screens for yet, we created a sizing guide just for you. Blog

Next up, Maintaining

your screen.