Tuesday, July 10, 2012

How To Replace Window Screens


One of the many things that needed to be fixed on this house were the window screens. Most of them only had a few small holes. But there were a couple that had such big holes and rips that we couldn't even open those windows because they would let too many bugs in. Luckily, this was an easy and fairly inexpensive project - about $25 to re-screen the entire house. 




Supplies:
Roll of Window Screen
Screening Spline
Spline Roller
Scissors
Utility Knife


1. Your screen will probably be dirty so you may want to lay down an old towel or sheet to keep your floor clean. Remove the old spline. If your screens are as bad as mine, this will already be partially done for you. :) Then remove the old, nasty screen. If you have the time, you may want to go ahead and clean the frame and your windows while you are at it. I did this during a very short break in a heat wave so I skipped that part so I could get right to enjoying the fresh air.


2. Cut your screen so that there is an overhang of an inch on every side.


3. Use the rounded side of the spline roller to push the screen into the groove on one side.


4. Push the new spline in to hold the screen in place.


5. Use the other end of the spline roller (the one that has a groove in it) to push the spline all the way down.

6. Repeat steps 3-5 on each side holding the screen tight while you do so. One site that I visited said to do step 3 all the way around before putting the spline in but when I tried to do that the screen kept coming out of the groove. For me it was easier to put the spline in as I went. You might want to hold your screen up and see if it is tight. If not, you can remove the spline and start over again.


7. Holding your utility knife at an angle, cut off the excess screen getting as close to the spline as you can.


Now you're done! Put your screen back in the window and enjoy the fresh air. 


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11 comments:

Kyra @ RACKS and Mooby said...

Totally pinning this! Last summer the cat somehow escaped out of the front window screen and left a huge gaping hole (we're still not sure how he did it!). We have yet to mend the screen but maybe now I can tackle it myself! Thanks!

Erin said...

Thank you so much! I didn't even think of this as an option for our screen door with major holes. I thought it was get it rescreened professionally or buy a brand new one. So excited!

Anonymous said...

You're welcome! I was a little intimidated at first but it ended up being a lot easier than I thought it would be. :)

Anonymous said...

You're welcome. :) It is really easy and the nice part is that even if you mess up the first time, you can just pull out the spline and keep trying until you get it right!

Terrie R. said...

I have several screen that need fixed so I'm grateful for this tutorial. Thanks for sharing!!
♥ Terrie ♥

Gen @ Color Me Domestic said...

I've seen my dad do this to our window screens, but great tutorial!

Nadine said...

This should save us LOTS of $$. We have a huge dog with huge feet. She likes to jump up to look in the windows and has torn up all of our screens. This almost looks easy enough for me to do all by myself - almost.

Thanks for the step by step!

Nadine in Nevada

mitch1066 said...

We used pet proof screening which is plastic molded instead of metal woven so it doesnt shred.Its worked well but because its thicker it was coming out of the track a little so hubby put a little clear silicone on track and its worked perfectly.

Unknown said...

Thanks so much! Now I feel confident I can replace my egress screen nth myself! When it stops snowing, if course!

Unknown said...

This is an easy item to repair/replace but, make sure you don't have the screen too tight or it will twist the frame......
Also, if you dont have a spline tool, you can use a spoon. Just keep the spoon wet or, use dish soap that it slides...

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