Window Screen Repair
Date: June 22, 2023
Window screens are essential to any home, letting fresh air in and keeping insects out. Over time, screens may develop holes, tears, or begin to sag and require repairs. Fortunately, most window screen repairs are simple and inexpensive projects homeowners can easily complete on their own.
Materials needed for window screen repair typically include patches, replacement screen, and replacement spline. Tools needed commonly include a utility knife, scissors, spline roller, and a flathead screwdriver or awl.
Numerous types of replacement screen material are available.
Fiberglass screens are flexible, durable, and resistant to dents, creasing, and corrosion. They are easy to work with, provide good airflow, outward visibility, and minimal glare. However, crickets, grasshoppers, and wasps can easily chew holes in fiberglass screens.
Aluminum screens are more durable and don’t tear as easily as fiberglass. They are rust resistant, less susceptible to being chewed through by insects, and won’t sag. However, they are also more challenging to work with and crease easily.
Pet-Resistant Screens are usually made of vinyl-coated polyester and are designed to withstand pet-related damage. This material tends to be more expensive.
For small tears or holes, you can use a screen patch. A patch should cover the damaged area plus one inch on all sides.
For larger tears or extensive damage complete screen replacement may be necessary. Remove the old screen by first removing the spline from the frame groove, carefully prying it out with an awl or flathead screwdriver. Spline may become brittle, so it’s best to replace rather than reuse the old spline. Keep a small piece of spline to ensure you purchase the right size replacement. Roll out new screen material over the frame, ensuring it overlaps all edges. Pull the screen taught, but not too tight, across the frame. Using a spline roller, press the screen into the frame, securing it firmly. Carefully trim away excess screen material using a utility knife. Ensure the screen is taut and free of wrinkles by gently stretching it while working. Finally, reattach the repaired or replaced screen to the window frame using appropriate hardware or clips.