How to Replace Screen Cloth

Replace your screen cloth instead of your entire window insert.

Screens in your windows and doors are tough and efficient tools for keeping insects out of your house, but they will often tear or come loose from the base with use. You can repair small rips with a bit of matching thread and a needle, but larger tears and flapping corners require replacing the screen cloth itself. Skip the expensive window screen replacements and fix your own window by simply putting in a new length of screening material.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Measuring tape
• Screening
• Scissors
• Spline
• Spline tool
• Craft knife or box cutter

Instructions

1. Remove the screening and frame from the door or window opening by undoing the screws in the flaps that hold the frame to the opening.

2. Pull out the spline that holds the old screen cloth in the frame. The spline is a long pliable piece of plastic that looks like thin licorice whips, and is situated in a shallow channel alongside all four sides of the screen. Remove the spline with a screwdriver.

3. Measure the entire window frame and cut a piece of screening in that size. It may look too big, but you want it to be oversize while you are working with it.

4. Lay the frame down on a flat surface and place the screening on top of it, with the edges even all around. Lay a piece of spline atop the screening, right over the right-hand spline channel. Push the spline down into the channel, trapping the screening between the spline and the frame.

5. Pull the screening taut toward the left-hand side of the opening and insert the left-hand strip of spline in the same manner as was done with the right. Pull the screening as you are pushing down on the spline, to make sure the screen is taut and free of wrinkles.

6. Add the top and bottom strips of spline to the window frame to completely secure the screening in the opening.

7. Cut off the excess screening by slicing it with a craft knife or box cutter. Cut right along the outer edge of the spline so that no excess screening sticks up from the edges.

References

• Home Repair Geek: Replacing Window Screens