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.