Home Repair – How to Replace Window and Door Screens

Replacing screens can be quite simple if done carefully and correctly. If not, the entire assembly will probably need replaced, including the frame.

Window screens and screen doors are the two most common types.

Screen doors that sit on rollers and springs can easily be lifted out with little effort. Just tilt the bottom of the screen out slightly after lifting. This will get it clear of the frame. Then simply lower the screen, and it's out. Always use great care while handling the screen. Avoid twisting the frame or tilting it too far when taking it out. This can lead to bending or breaking the frame or rollers.

Friction is what holds window screens in, along with a set of springs on the top or sides of the frame. Simply pull or slide the spring loaded tabs on the frame, and slide the screen out.

Since screens aren't removed very often, they sometimes have a tendency to stick. While you're trying to work one or more corners free, be careful to avoid twisting and bending. Patience is the key here, unless you want to ruin the frame.

Find a large, flat surface to lay the screen down on. If necessary, lay a blanket under it to prevent scratching. Next, remove all stays and screws in the mesh.

Screen frames have channels on the inside edges. The screen is held in these channels by a spline (a thin, round piece of rubber-like material). Use tweezers or a screwdriver to work the end of the spline free from the channel. Then you can gently pull the rest of spline out. You should now be able to easily remove the mesh screen. Remember to try not to bend the frame.

Your local hardware store or home building center should be stocked with a variety of sizes of replacement screen rolls. Replacement kits will also usually come with a certain amount of replacement spline. Measure the screen, allowing for some extra, just to be sure. You will also need a spline roller, which is a small, wood handled tool with a metal, dull edged roller on it.

Measure and remeasure the inner frame and the mesh screen. Cut the screen to size, allowing about ½ cm (2/10 of an inch) extra on all sides. This will give you enough to put in the channel with the spline, but not so much that you will have to trim later.

Clean any debris or foreign objects out of the channel before installing the new stuff. Tightly stretch the new screen over the frame, but not overly so. This step will go easier if you have help. Stretch and work the spline into the channel, making sure the screen does not slip or twist.

The spline does not need to be measured and pre-cut. You will have more room for adjustment as you go if you leave it long. Start working the spline into channel in the middle of each side and work it out toward the corners. Being careful to keep the screen flat and smooth, continue working around the entire frame.

Spline pieces should not be ended on the corners of the frame. This could cause the screen to work it's way loose due to the added tension in these areas. Also, try to keep the edges of the frame and the lines in the mesh parallel.

Of course, while you are doing all of this, make sure you do not bend or twist the frame.

To finish, cut the spline and push the end down into the channel. Before replacing the screen in the window, make sure that area is free of any debris that may have accumulated there. Put the screen into place and make any adjustments necessary by using the tabs on the frame to prevent gaps. And the final step – try not to bend or twist the frame.