It happens: window screens get ripped, torn, or punctured. When you’re trying to show a house, you don’t want such an unsightly view. As long as the frame remains in quality condition, you can easily repair the screen in just a few minutes.
The most popular material used to repair window screens is fiberglass as it’s extremely flexible. If you make a mistake, you can remove it from the frame and start over. Although an aluminum screen is sturdier, it only affords you one chance to get everything right.
Before you head to the home improvement store to pick up the screen, measure the size of your window since the store sells pre-measured rolls. If the frame is taller than 36 inches, it should have a center support to keep the screen from bowing. Newer screens typically already have this feature; otherwise, you can make one out of aluminum frame stock.
Materials Needed:
- Awl or small screwdriver
- Fiberglass screen
- Bricks (optional)
- Scissors
- Screen roller
- Spline
- Utility knife
Directions:
- Use an awl or small screwdriver to pry the old spline away from the grooves around the frame’s edge. Throw it away.
- Lay the new screen over the frame. Make sure it overlaps the frame by about 3/4 to 1 inch. If you don’t have anyone helping you, consider placing bricks on top of the frame to keep the screen from unraveling.
- Use scissors to cut each corner at a 45-degree angle near the spline groove. Doing this step prevents the screen from bunching in the corners.
- Start at a corner, and use a screen roller to install the new spline. Push the spline and screen into the groove. Continue around the entire frame. If the screen bunches, remove the spline and fix it.
- Use a utility knife to trim the excess screen material. Angle the knife so it’s pointed toward the outside of the frame.
Sources: Diynetwork.com, Dummies.com, Familyhandyman.com, Home Depot
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