How to Replace a Window Screen Cloth

Cut and torn window screens are an eye sore and a means of entry into your home for insects and other pests. With a little effort and patience, you can remove that old screen cloth and replace it with new screening. Just follow a few simple steps and your screens will be as good as new.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Screen cloth
• Rubber edging
• Screen roller
• Measuring tape
• Box cutter

1. Remove the screen frame from the window. This is typically done by simply pushing the screen up slightly and then pulling out. Once you have the screen out of the window, place it on a hard surface that will support all of the edges of the frame.

2. Pull up the rubber edging from the border of the frame. Look for the spot when the edging is split and pry it up from that spot. This will also free the old screen cloth which can now be removed as well.

3. Measure the dimensions of the opening, from one screen gutter where the rubber edging was to the opposite one, with a tape measure and add at least an inch to each side. Another method is to use the old screen as a template, but still add at least an inch to each side. The excess will be trimmed off later.

4. Place the fresh screening cloth down on the screen frame.

5. Press the end of the new rubber edging into any corner of the screen frame gutter on top on the fresh screening cloth.

6. Use the screen rolling tool to press the rubber edging into the gutter all the way around, making sure to keep the screen cloth tight as you go.

7. Trim off any excess material that may stick out past the rubber edging.

8. Place the freshly fitted screen frame back into the windowsill.

References

• Replacing screening
• Replacing window screens