Repairing & Replacing Window Screens

Minor damage to screens, such as punctures or tears, can often be repaired with store-bought patches or by using clear caulking or cement. To do the latter, tape the torn edges together and apply the caulk or cement to the opposite side of the screen. When the caulk or cement is dry, remove the tape.

If the screen has major damage or is very brittle, it should be replaced. The first step is to choose between flexible, fiberglass screens or stiff, aluminum screens. Fiberglass screens are the best choice for the do-it-yourselfer, because they are easy to handle and install. They are also less expensive and do not corrode. Just remember to match the new screen to the other screens in your home.

Screen is sold from rolls, by the foot. It ranges in width by two-inch increments, from 24 inches to 60 inches. Always buy a wider screen than your frame to allow for fastening and trimming.

Most screens have metal frames. The screen is held in the grooves by thin, round vinyl called spline. Spline can be reused, but should be replaced when worn. Remove it by prying it out with a utility knife or small screwdriver. To replace the spline when rescreening, use a special splining tool, which has a handle with a round wheel on one end and a concave wheel on the other end.

To rescreen, place the frame on a flat surface with the spline side up. Remove the old spline from the frame and clean the grooves. Lay the screen over the frame so it overlaps on all sides by at least one inch. Start at one of the corners and place the spline over the screen. Then, holding the spline tool at a 45-degree angle, apply pressure to the concave wheel to roll the spline into the frame. Keep the screen straight with the frame while splining. Press the spline all the way into the groove with the smooth wheel. When all four sides of the screen are fastened, trim off the excess screen with a utility knife.

For Hawaii Home + Remodeling, this is Frank Suster saying, "ou can do it yourself."