How to Replace Window Screens

Replacing badly damaged window screens yourself can save a lot of dollars - the cost of tools and materials is minimal. The real trick is using care and maintaining a steady hand.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• New Rubber Edging
• Screen Rollers
• Measuring Tapes
• New Screening
• Razor Knives

1. Remove the window screen from the window frame.

2. Place it on a hard surface large enough to support the entire unit.

3. Pull the rubber edging out from the old screen. This separates the screen from the frame.

4. Pull out the old screening.

5. Measure the new screening from a roll of replacement material.

6. Measure to the outer edge of the screen frame, then leave a bit more all the way around.

7. Lay the screening down on the frame.

8. Measure and cut a length of new rubber edging that will reach all the way around the four edges of the screen.

9. Use a screen rolling tool - it looks like a small pizza cutter - and, starting in a corner, press the rubber edging slowly but firmly back into the groove, sandwiching the screening into the frame.

10. Work all the way around the screen.

11. Trim any excess screen material with a sharp razor knife.

12. Put the screen back in the window.

Tips & Warnings

• Push hard on the tool, but be careful not to bend the screen's frame. Many frames are constructed of thin aluminum that's easily bent.
• The damaged screen and any scraps can be saved to patch small holes or tears in other screens.
• If you roll the screen rolling tool too fast, you might rip the screening. It's easy to damage the screen material, so work slowly and steadily to help avoid problems.

[debra517]

on 7/11/2009 Actually, replacing screens is pretty easy except for the corners! You have to use a flat head screwdriver to get the spline in the corners-and it's still tricky-you also have to trim the corners carefully to eliminate excess screening material. I've just replaced the 48" wide by 60" tall screens on my screened-back porch with pet-resistant screening material.

[twotaul]

on 6/24/2009 How do you remove and replace the screen without it ending up looking like an aluminum pretzel. Every tip starts with "remove the screen" HOW???????????????

[imesj]

on 10/4/2008 This was quite easy actually, and here are a few additional tips I used.

First off, get a roll of screen roughly the width of your window and just cut to the length you need, but don't bother trimming at first. In fact, the extra screen will help later on during the process.

Second, use a flathead screwdriver to get the spline initially into the groove for your 1st side and then use the spline tool to do the rest of the work. Also use the screwdriver to fit the spline into the corners that the spline tool can't do. A slight twisting action back-and-forth helps maintain downward pressure.

Third, when grooving in the 2nd side, pull the extra screen hanging off the side taught on the opposite side from your 1st grooved-in side (see? I told you you'd need it!). Then pull on the same side that you're grooving-in for the 3rd and 4th sides to make the screen tight across the frame

[projectmgr]

on 8/13/2008 Not as easy as it sounds and looks huh. Takes a lot of practice and messed up cut screening material. Drop them off at a window repair shop and let them do the swearing.

on 8/8/2006 It is difficult to "trim" the excess screen after you have rolled and splined it. I suggest you carefully lay the new screen material with a 1/8 inch overlay, hold your hand near the edge to prevent movement, and slowly work the edge into the frame valley.