Blog

How to Fix a Window Screen

Getting your window screens in shape for spring and summer is an important step for both safety and appeal. It is a simple repair project that only requires a few simple steps. Window screens can get punctured or torn, but as long as the frame is in good shape window screen repairs are easy and can be done in a few minutes. Here’s how to make your screen door or window look good as new.

What You’ll Need

Tools

  • 4-in-1 screwdriver
  • Awl
  • Cordless drill
  • Scissors
  • Screen roller
  • Utility knife

Materials 

  • Brick
  • Screen
  • Spline
  • Wood stop block

Step One

Pry Out Spline 

  • Pry out the old spline with an awl or a narrow-tipped screwdriver.
  • Throw it away — spline gets hard and brittle as it ages and shouldn’t be reused.

Step Two

Secure The Frame

  • Place wooden blocks along the inside of the two longest sides of the frame and secure them to the work surface.
  • The blocks keep the frame from bowing inward when you install the new window screen repair material.

Step Three

Position New Screen 

  • Lay the new screen material over the frame. It should overlap the frame by about 3/4-in. to one inch.
  • Cut each corner at a 45-degree angle just slightly beyond the spline groove. The cuts keep the screen from bunching in the corners.

Step Four

Push In New Screen

  • Begin installing the new spline at a corner.
  • Use the screen rolling tool to push the spline and screen material into the groove.
  • Continue around the frame. If wrinkles or bulges appear, remove the spline and re-roll.
  • Small wrinkles should tighten up as you get back to the starting corner.

Step Five

Trim The Screen 

  • Trim excess screen material using a utility knife with a new sharp blade.
  • A dull blade will pull the material, not cut it.
  • Cut with the blade on top of the spline and pointed toward the outside of the frame.