How to Replace Window Screen or Door Screen Easily

How to Replace Window Screen or Door Screen Easily

With spring arrives warm weather, making it the perfect time to prepare our outdoor areas for enjoyable activities. After a long winter, many elements often need fixing or refreshing. One common task homeowners face is repairing or replacing window and door screens. Screens can sustain damage in various ways, but replacing an old screen is surprisingly easy. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you accomplish it in just a few simple steps.

This spring, our screen door was in dire need of replacement. In the interim, I used tape as a temporary fix until my supplies arrived. While it wasn’t aesthetically pleasing, it served well for a couple of days.

We utilize a large sliding screen door on our back French doors. With two active dogs, the screen requires replacement after a couple of years of use. Exposure to sunlight can cause screen rot, and wear and tear can result in tears. The silver lining? It can be easily replaced. Learning how to replace a window screen is an invaluable skill; the materials and tools usually cost around $10, a small price compared to purchasing new screens. This is a simple DIY project any homeowner can tackle.

Over time, I have honed my expertise in replacing our screens. Many options are available in the market, including window screen replacement kits that provide all the necessary tools and materials. Alternatively, you can buy individual components if you only need screening material.

Key Terms and Components of a Screen Door or Window

• Spline: This component holds the screen in place within the frame. Ensuring the correct spline pairs with the screen and frame is crucial for easy installation and long-term durability.
• Spline Roller or Spline Tool: A small hand tool that helps press screen mesh into the fluted edges of a window frame or secures the retainer spline that holds the mesh in position.
• Screen Material or Screen Fabric: The most common materials for window screens include aluminum and fiberglass fabric. Aluminum can be found in a natural finish or applied colors like black or charcoal, minimizing visibility.
• Window Screen Frame: This is the structure where the screen material is installed, typically made of aluminum or wood.
• Channel of the Frame: This groove is where you install the spline over the screen to secure it within the frame.

The Tools and Materials Needed for Replacing a Window or Door Screen

I acquired all the necessary tools and materials from my local hardware store. Today, I’ll demonstrate how to replace the screen on a door. Our patio screen door sees a lot of use during summer, and it was time to replace it due to small tears and worn-out spline. Having this skill is quite beneficial.

Before replacing your screen, check the condition of the rubber spline, the frame channels, and ensure the frame is intact. If the screen frame is in good shape, proceed with replacing the old, worn screen.

Easy Steps to Replace a Window or Door Screen

1. Remove the Old Screen and Spline

Begin by finding a flat surface to work on; I laid my screen door directly on the ground. Removing the spline is straightforward: locate the spline channel and use a narrow tool to pull it out. A small flat-head screwdriver works well for this. Once the spline is removed, the screen will release.

If you’re working with a screen door, consider taking off the door handle, which is often removable with a screwdriver.

2. Unroll the New Screen Material

Next, unroll the aluminum screening and lay it over the door or window. If the piece is large, trim excess material, leaving 1-2 extra inches. This excess will be removed later, but having a bit to work with is helpful.

3. Install the New Spline

Start with the top frame, then move to the bottom, and finally from left to right. Press the top spline into the corner with your hand to initiate the installation. Ensure the screen is smooth and straight, using the spline roller to secure the spline and screen into the frame channel. Adjust the screen as needed to maintain a straight installation.

For the bottom, keep the screen taut to create the desired tension, giving it a smooth, tight finish. If you find it’s not tight enough, pull the spline out and redo the section.

Proceed to the sides, starting at one corner and pressing the spline into the channel while maintaining tension on the screen.

The last step involves finishing the final side for a consistent, taut look and feel. Be careful not to apply too much pressure to avoid damaging the screen. Once finished, trim any excess screen material from the frame using a sharp utility knife or X-Acto knife.

Your newly installed screen is now ready! If your screen door includes a handle, reinstall it, and then place the door back into its channel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reuse old spline?
You can reuse old spline as long as it's in good condition; it should remain soft and pliable.

Are different sizes of spline available?
Yes, spline comes in various diameters. Take a sample of your old spline to your hardware store when purchasing new materials.

Do I need a new frame?
Consider a new frame if the corners are broken or the frame is damaged in any way. Minor dents may not necessitate a replacement.

Are the tools expensive?
No, the tools required for this project are quite inexpensive, with the spline tool being essential.

For twenty dollars or less, I was able to renew my screen door for a few more years of use. If you want to learn more, please visit our website to buy fiberglass insect screen factories.