How to Repair or Replace Screens

Severe damage to your window screen is a clear sign that you need to replace them. Screens with large holes and rips should be replaced, not patched. There are signs that your screen mesh is old and worn and should be replaced. For instance, it may be shiny, rather than dark and matte, or you’re noticing more outside noise than usual.

Replacing window screens will improve both the look and security of your home.
The steps to learn how to replace window screen mesh are similar for both wood windows and aluminum windows.

Depending on the window type, screens may be removed differently. For instance, to remove screens over sliding windows, press gently on the screen’s top corner to depress the hidden spring. Pull the screen tab on the opposite side, so the upper screen portion pops out. For the screen’s bottom, push the bottom corner into the frame, depressing its hidden spring.

Tip: If the window is difficult to open and close, the window screen's frame may be bent out of place.
In this case, you may need to replace both the frame and screen mesh with a pre-framed window screen.

• Remove the screen from the window and lay it on a flat work surface.
• Wooden screen frames may use staples or nails to hold the mesh in place.
• Use a staple remover or screwdriver to pry out the staples, or a claw hammer to remove nails.
• Remove and dispose of the damaged screen mesh.
• Using a slotted or flathead screwdriver, pry the window screen spline from the grooves around the frame’s edge. A type of cording, spline securely and tightly holds screen fabric to the frame.

Tip: Once finished installing the new tab, you may want to clean the screen. While you'll need a low-pressure hose, soap isn't necessary.

• Roll out and stretch a new roll of screen over the window frame. Be sure to place the screen frame on a flat surface.
• Pull on the material, so that it overlaps the frame’s retaining grooves.
• Leave extra screen overhanging the frame, about a ½-inch overlap on all sides. This allows you to secure it tightly in the next step.
• Cut the screen using scissors. Cutting toward the outside of the spline groove can prevent damage to the fabric.

Tip: You may need another person to help you hold the screen mesh in place while you cut.

To insert the screen mesh, staple it to the frame or nail it with wire brads. The secured mesh should be taut, but not over-stretched, across the frame. If inserting new or existing spline, here are the steps:

• Measure the spline’s diameter and the width of your frame's spline channel. In most cases, this is the same measurement.
• Use the tip of a screwdriver to edge out damaged spline.
• Lift the spline and push out as much as you can, with force, if needed.
• Grab the spline and pull it out of its groove.
• With a spline roller, insert the fabric snugly and securely into the screen frame groove and each corner. A screwdriver or utility knife may be needed. Make sure you hold the fabric straight while rolling.
• Once secured, the mesh should be taut, but not over-stretched, across the frame.

• If working with mesh, after securing all four sides, trim away the extra material using a utility knife or scissors.
• For spline, after inserting the entire screen, use a utility knife to cut away remaining segments. Take care not to cut into the spline.

Tip: Now’s a good time to reinforce any loose joints on wooden frames with fasteners, angle plates or screws.

Reinstall the completed window screen to your window. When replacing a screen, you may find issues with the pull tabs. These flat plastic squares help you pull one side of the screen. To replace the pull tabs:

• Remove the screen, placing it flat on hard surface.
• Use a small, pointy object, like a pick, to pull the spline out of the frame.
• Slowly and carefully, pull the screen mesh out.
• Take the new screen tab and clip it into the frame.
• Gently push the screen and spline back into place in the frame. Using a spline roller, tightly tuck in the mesh around the new screen tab. This prevents the mesh from pulling out when you reinstall the screen.

Minor holes and tears in window screening are easily fixed with glue and pre-manufactured patches. You usually won’t have to remove the window screen unit to make the repair.

• Measure: Big holes in window screens are much harder to repair. Measure your patch to ensure it can be repaired effectively and won't affect screen functionality
  or appearance.
• Cut the hole: Cut the screen’s hole into a neat square. Bend the hole's edges, so that the cut ends of the mesh will penetrate the patch.
• Cut a patch from screening mesh: Using your measurements, cut a mesh patch that is about 1/2-inch
  bigger than the hole on every side. If you’re using a patch kit, use one of the pre-cut patches or cut it to size, as needed.
• Affix patch over hole: Place the screen patch over the hole in the plastic or fiberglass screen. The hole needs to be completely covered.
  While wearing work gloves, press the bent edges of the screen
  hole flat, so it holds the patch in place.
• Secure patch: The edges of the patch should be secured with waterproof glue used sparingly. Wipe away any drips before the glue hardens. You can fix a fiberglass screen by sewing a patch over the hole and securing it with glue.

Tip: Tiny holes in window screens can be fixed without a patch. Use waterproof
instant adhesive
to close a hole
in nylon or fiberglass screens. Use epoxy to repair a
small hole in metal screens.