How To Repair Your Window Screen
Window screens add an important protective layer to your windows and keep insects from getting into your home when you want to leave your windows open on a hot summer day, making them an essential element to the full enjoyment of outdoor access. However when screens start to sag or have tears in them, it’s essential that they’re repaired before extensive damage is done.
There are several DIY solutions to temporarily fixing your window screen to hold you over until you can get it replaced.
Start by assessing the screens to determine what they are made of. Screens that are made from plastic, metal or fibreglass should be replaced with the same material. If the screens are metal, they should be replaced with the same metal as the frame. Plastic and fibreglass screens are perfect for wood frames because they will not stain the wood.
Take a close look at any damage on the screen to see what needs to be done. If there is a small hole or a tear that is ¼ inch or less, just seal it with a drop of household cement. If the hole is larger than 1/4 inch, you will need to weave in some wire strands before you apply cement. You can patch the tear with the same material as the screen.
If you are going to replace the whole screen, you should always consult a professional. While installing it improperly won’t effect your energy efficiency, it can lead to insects having an open gap to make their way into. However if you are temporarily changing it until your professional window installer arrives, you will need a utility knife, a flat blade screwdriver, duct tape, scissors, a spline roller, new screening and a new spline. You can find these items at your local hardware store if there are any that you do not have.
You will need to lay the framed screen down on a solid surface. Next, duct tape all four corners to the surface. Use a flat head screwdriver to pry the strip out that you see around the edge of the screen – also known as the “spline”. Next, pull the spline out of the screen and then remove the old screen. While you have the screen out it is a good opportunity to clean the grooves around the interior of the frame. Place the new screen on top and leave about 2 inches around the frame’s exterior.
Start in one corner and use your spline roller to roll the new spline into the screen. Take your flat edge screwdriver and use it to press the spline into the corners of the screen. Once the spline has been fully pressed in, make another pass over the spline using the concave side of the roller. Cut away excess spline using scissors or a knife and cut away extra screen with the utility knife. Install the new window screen on the window.
When it comes to projects including your windows, the professional solution should always be the first choice! Windows are one of the first defenses in home protection and should be handled by those who know them best. Contact our team for more information!