Install Pikkuna yourself and save money!
We have measured and installed a large number of Pikkuna weather screens before completing these instructions. We try to keep the instructions as clear and simple as possible so that we can concentrate on production and our customers can install them themselves or hire a local contractor. This saves money and speeds up delivery.
Pikkuna is installed outside the opening and its edges are attached to the frame of the opening. When looking through the opening from the inside, the edges should not be visible.
General installation tips & tricks
Different mounting methods can be chosen for the pikkuna weather screens. However, it is important to follow a certain installation sequence, here are a few tips:
- Hooks must always be installed first, as tensioning always takes place in the opposite direction.
- The upper edge can be temporarily fastened in place with a stapler gun to ease the installation process.
- Start the installation from the so-called dominant edge (this can be the edge with the least fixing surface area) and stretch the film in the opposite direction.
- Take into account possible installation restrictions in advance.
Installation tools required:
- Stapler gun (optional)
- Screwdriver
- Possibly, a ladder
Delivery includes:
- Tip for a screwdriver
- Turn buttons and screws
Left edge
Thread a turn button through the left upper corner grommet and position it so that the inside corner of the frame aligns with the inside corner of the Pikkuna. Mark the position of the turn button with a pencil. Detach the corner of the PVC screen from the turn button, then secure the turn button in the marked position with screws.
Fix the turn buttons one by one along the left edge of the opening, starting from the top and moving down. For this:
- Thread a turn button through the next grommet and position it so that the edge of Pikkuna runs along the edge of the pillar.
- Mark the location of the turn button with a pencil.
- Detach the edge of the PVC screen from the turn button and move it slightly (about 2mm) down from the marked position to ensure sufficient tension of film.
- Attach the turn button with screws.
- Slip the grommet onto the turn button and fasten off. In case it requires some physical effort to put the grommet onto the secured turn button, the tension is sufficient.
Top edge
Once the left edge of the element is attached to the frame, attach the turn buttons along the top edge of the opening one by one from left to right. Make sure the edge of Pikkuna runs along the top edge of the frame and move each turn button about 2 mm right from the marked position before fixing it with screws to ensure sufficient tension of the PVC screen.
Right edge
Attach the turn buttons along the right edge of the opening one by one from top to bottom. When attaching the right edge of the element, move each turn button about 2mm down and 5-10 mm right (depending on the width of the element) from the marked position to ensure sufficient tension.
Bottom edge
If the bottom edge of your element is also mounted with turn buttons, attach them in the same way as for the side and top edges, but move the turn buttons down by 5-10 mm (depending on the height of the opening) from the marked position.
If there is a weight pouch at the bottom of the element, the precut weight bar included in the package of delivery must be placed in the pocket at the last stage of installation.
After the PVC weather screen is installed, check that the tension is tight enough. If an edge is not tight enough, you can always slightly move the place of the fastener. The better you tighten Pikkuna during installation, the faster and better it will smooth out!
For rolling-up, the delivery includes so-called hanging straps with their own turn buttons. The turn buttons are installed above the top of the PVC screen and at a distance of about 1m from each other to ensure a sturdy suspension.
Installation tools required:
- Pliers
- Drilling machine
- Possibly, a ladder
Delivery includes:
- Hooks
Hook mounting is used when there is no attachment surface for a particular edge of the weather shield. With hooks, fastening is possible on any wooden surface at a 90-degree angle. Usually 5 cm of edge width is added to the dimensions, but with hook mounting, the width of the edge is included in the inside dimension automatically.
To simplify the straight and accurate installation of the hooks, we recommend that you make a note for yourself, for example by pulling the string along the installation line so that the hooks can be easily installed along the same line.
Drill the holes in the frame at intervals that match the distances between the hooks as marked on the drawing.
The hooks are easy to twist into the pre-holes using pliers. The deeper the hook is twisted, the more tightly the element will be attached to the wall.
In the final stage, Pikkuna PVC weather screen is placed onto the hooks, and location and depth of screwing the hooks are adjusted if necessary.
For rolling-up, the delivery includes so-called hanging straps with their own turn buttons. The turn buttons are installed above the top of the PVC screen and at a distance of about 1m from each other to ensure a sturdy suspension.
Installation tools required:
- Stapler gun
- Possibly, a ladder
Delivery includes:
- Velcro
Velcro fastening is the easiest fastening method and does not require larger tools.
Before starting the installation, we recommend checking where the loop side of velcro tape will go and only then start attaching the hook side of velcro to the frame. If your element does not have Velcro fastening on all sides, we recommend attaching other sides first (top edge, then side edges and bottom edge last).
When the attachment point is known, attach the hook side of velcro tape from the package to the wooden frame with a stapler gun. Attach the hook side of the tape to the frame by 2 staples at each 10cm interval. Weather-resistant galvanized staples are strongly recommended.
Ready! Now the Velcro fastening is in place, and it is easy to install the Pikkuna PVC weather screen. The better you tighten Pikkuna during installation, the faster and better it will smooth out!
For rolling-up, the delivery includes so-called hanging straps with their own turn buttons. The turn buttons are installed above the top of the PVC screen and at a distance of about 1m from each other to ensure a sturdy suspension.
Installation tools required:
- Stapler gun (optional)
- Screwdriver
- Possibly, a ladder
Delivery includes:
- Screws
To make the installation of Pikkuna easier, we recommend that you temporarily fix the PVC screen to the frame with a staple gun, so that the element straightens and stays in place during installation.
It is best to start attaching the windows from the top. Attach one corner to the desired position and then tighten as much as possible in the opposite direction. We recommend attaching the screws one at a time. Attachment points should be located 1–2 cm inside from the outer border of the element's edge. The distance between the screws should be 20–40 cm.
When the top of the Pikkuna is securely in place and very tight, move to the sides. Attach screws one by one moving from top to bottom, tightening the element down a bit with each next screw.
After the PVC screen is installed, check that the tension is tight enough. If any side is not tight enough, you can always reinstall it. The better you tighten Pikkuna during installation, the faster and better it will smooth out!
For rolling-up, the delivery includes so-called hanging straps with their own turn buttons. The turn buttons are installed above the top of the PVC screen and at a distance of about 1m from each other to ensure a sturdy suspension.
Ask for another pair of hands
A small Pikkuna PVC screen is easy to install alone, but larger elements are best installed by two people to ensure proper alignment and tension for a smooth finish.
Consider the temperature
Installation is easiest at temperatures above +5°C. In freezing conditions, the material stiffens, making tightening difficult. Our online shop offers a heat blower to help stretch the film even in sub-zero temperatures, ensuring a proper fit.
Ensure proper tension
Proper tension is crucial for a smooth, wrinkle-free surface. Apply firm pressure during installation to prevent unevenness and ensure a neat, professional look.
User Manual
Pikkuna weather screens last for many years if you look after them carefully
Keep the windows taut for a couple of weeks after installation
Rolling up windows is not recommended in the first week after installation. The product must be allowed to straighten out under its own weight.
Rolling up
You can roll up a Pikkuna PVC screen only when completely dry.
Straighten Pikkunas from time to time
PVC screens that have been rolled up will need to be unrolled at least once every two weeks. It is also a good idea to check their condition and remove any dirt and dust.
Caution
Fire, sparks, cigarettes, and hot or sharp objects can damage the material.
Keep Pikkuna clean and clear
Clean your Pikkuna PVC screens with water or soapy water using a soft cloth or sponge. You can also use a pressure washer from a distance of at least 1.5 metres. Avoid solvents and other strong cleaning agents, such as windscreen washer fluid.
Extreme windy conditions
In strong gusts of wind (more than 12 m/s), ensure that Pikkuna PVC screens are either securely fastened to the frame or fully rolled up, do not keep them half open.
During wintertime
Do not roll up your Pikkuna during the winter. Before the temperature drops below + 5 ° C, the PVC screens should be let down and fastened to the turn buttons. In colder temperatures, attaching, rolling, or opening PVC weather screens may damage the product.