[etsherman]

I am going to have a 16 ft. wide by 8 ft high x 2 inch light weight aluminum solar screen panel frame made (in 4 ft sections). 4 solar screens will be mounted on it. It will be hinged at the top and I need to be able to flip it up 90 degrees to access the patio with a vehicle and other lawn equipment going into the back yard. Is there a way to fabricate a metal support similar to a lid support just more heavy duty and longer that can be locked in the open position? Once lifted, I want the panel to stay up for obvious reasons. I thought about gas lift supports but I've never had good luck using those on medium duty weight items. I thought about using a gate opener but that would be over the top just to open a solar screen.

Any ideas will be appreciated.

 

[Nealtw]

Maybe 4 separate units with the center 2 on rollers so you can open 8 ft wide.

 

[etsherman]

Maybe 4 separate units with the center 2 on rollers so you can open 8 ft wide.

There is a company out of Florida that makes the 16 ft slider doors ... they don't ship to Houston. The work in a specific region.

If I could find the tracks and rollers I would make my own slider. That's why I was looking into the flip up option.

Thanks

 

[Nealtw]

I wouldn't think making sliders is re inventing the wheel


https://screenex.com/extreme-screens.html

 

[etsherman]

I wouldn't think making sliders is re inventing the wheel


https://screenex.com/extreme-screens.html

I looked at some of those ... 16 x 8 is a bit pricey for my budget. I have access to a welder ... he can make the frame for a very reasonable price.

Thanks

 

[Nealtw]

I looked at some of those ... 16 x 8 is a bit pricey for my budget. I have access to a welder ... he can make the frame for a very reasonable price.

Thanks

maybe just 8 ft that swings up with fold down legs at each end?

 

[etsherman]

maybe just 8 ft that swings up with fold down legs at each end?

Considered that as well but the fold down legs will interfere with a vehicle when parking one on that covered patio.

Starting to look like the best option might be a small gate opener mounted on the inside using the push to open setup. Cheapest one I've found thus far is about $400.

Maybe a rope pulley system or some type of worm gear hand crank/winch, etc.