When & How to Replace Your Window Screens

DK Hardware -

Window screens do an excellent job of preventing debris, insects, and other animals from entering your home as you enjoy the outside weather. Also, they allow fresh air and the smell of fresh-cut grass to make their way inside. All this sounds like a win-win, but the trouble starts when we start taking them for granted. Replacing your window screens is one of the most important home improvement tasks that often get neglected until we are left with no choice but to replace them. Knowing when to replace window screens and how to repair them is an invaluable skill. Here are a few vital signs that signify when it’s time to replace your window screens:

Damaged Window Screens Don't Work as Well as They Used To

Window screens often lose their efficiency when they get damaged. They stop being able to block out harmful UV rays and sunlight and leave your home vulnerable to unwanted rodents or bugs. Here are a few causes that might have caused the damage:

Old Age

The age of your window screen can be an important factor in deciding when to replace them. Over time, the window screens can become brittle and start to rust. This lowers the integrity of your windows and negatively affects your property's curb appeal.

Torn Mesh or Fabric

Another clear sign that your home needs window screen repair is a torn fabric or mesh. When this screen material is damaged, your window screens cannot do their job effectively. Sometimes, the mesh screen can be accidentally damaged during installation also. You have no option but to replace it in such cases.

Fading and Discoloration

When your window mesh screen begins to fade, it loses its purpose. The most long-lasting solution is complete window screen repair. Since the window screens are exposed to different elements, such as the harsh rays and powerful winds, they can get damaged.

Damaged Frames

Metal and wooden frames do an excellent job of holding window and door screens together. Over time, these frames might deteriorate and cause more damage to your window screens. You will not want to come back home to find your screen frame loose, unkempt, warped, or dented. These signs of damage are key signs to replace your window screen.

Now since you know when to replace your window screens, let's understand how to replace them. Window screen replacement is something that even novice DIYers can do. Follow the steps below to replace your screen:

Remove the Old Screen from the Frame

The screen is held in place with the help of a spline that runs along the frame's channel. Your first task is to lift the spline out of the channel. You can use a screwdriver, nail punch, or any sharp object to complete this task.

  1. CRL .090" Gray Screen Retainer Spline - 100'/Roll: SS090C
  2. CRL Black .125 Screen Retainer Spline - 500 Foot Roll: 5CBL125
  3. CRL Ratcheting Extension Screwdriver with Six Bits: H109

Size the New Window Screening Material

The second step is to place the frame on a flat work surface and roll out an entire length of screen material to cover the frame. After leaving an extra 2 inches of screening material on all sides, you need to cut the screen to size. You can also use the measuring rod for this purpose.

  1. CRL 30" to 60" Accu-Rule Measuring Rod: P8065

Positioning the New Window Screen in the Frame

The third step requires you to lay the new window screen material over the frame, ensuring that the material overlaps on all four sides. When you unroll the screen material, place it curved side down to make it easy to work with. Then pull the screening taut and tape or clamp it to the top and bottom of the frame.

Install the New Spline

The next step requires you to start at one side and work your way around the perimeter of the frame. You can use the screen roller tool to push the screen into the frame's channel. Kindly keep the material taut as you work your way around it, and then use the concave side of the roller tool to insert the spline.

  1. CRL Single Round Edge Nylon Wheel Screen Roller: 27S5N

Removing Excess Screening Material and Replacing the New Screen in the Window

Once you are done installing the spline, you need to trim the extra screening material with a utility knife. For this, cut the screen on the outside of the new spline, perfectly angling the knife blade away from the new spline to avoid cutting it. And the installation process is complete.

Here are some more popular screen fabrication tools and equipment to help you get through the installation process.

  1. CRL 1-1/4" Stainless Steel Sealed Ball Bearing Rollers - pack of 2: D2034
  2. CRL 72" Screen Table Carpet - 108" Long: P8099
  3. CRL 3/4" Screen Frame Jig Clips: WST927
  4. CRL 15" Hitachi 100 Tooth Carbide Tipped Saw Blade: CSB15X100AX

DK Hardware features a wide range of screen fabrication tools and equipment for your various commercial and residential needs. We are confident you will find your pick with different types of tools available. Click on any link on this blog to be redirected to some of the best options.  

For any specific questions, feel free to reach out to us!

For quotation contact via email: sales@dkhardware.com or

Toll-Free: 877-509-8040