DIY Fiberglass Screen

Window screens can become damaged and need to be replaced.

Fiberglass is one of the most popular materials used for window screens, allowing you to let in the breeze without having to worry about insects. Over time, the fiberglass screening material can become damaged and need to be replaced. Making your own fiberglass screen takes a bit of patience, but you can have a screen completed and your window repaired in no time.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Aluminum frames
• Corner pieces
• Tin snips
• Fiberglass screening
• Scissors
• Screen spline
• Spline roller

Instructions

1. Measure the length and width of the old screen with a tape measure and record the measurements. Lay out pieces of aluminum framing and cut them to the desired size for the length and width of the screen with tin snips. Slide corner pieces into each end of the screen frame to fit them together.

2. Measure the frame you just created and verify it is the proper size. Spread out the roll of fiberglass screen over the window frame and cut off the excess with scissors. Leave 1-inch extra on each side to ensure there is enough when you install it.

3. Press spline into place over the screen and into the lip of the frame. Spline is a thin piece of rubber that holds the screening material in the frame. Push down firmly on the spline with a spline roller and run the roller along the entire window frame. Turn the corners with the spline and the roller. Continue pushing it in until all of the screen is intact.

4. Cut off the excess screening material carefully with a pair of scissors.

5. Inspect the screen. Run your hands over it and verify it is tight and secure. Repeat the process for any other fiberglass screens you need to make.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use a miter box and a hack saw to cut 45 degree angles on the frame, but if you are using corner pieces, they will form the angles if you just make straight 90 degree cuts on the frame.

References

• Apex Products: Making New Window Screens