Name: Windows and Doors
Brand: Clera Windows + Doors
Rating: 4.7 (2557 reviews)

Window screens are used to keep dirt, debris, and insects from entering the home when the end vent slider window is open for ventilation. It also provides another layer of protection to keep objects or sometimes even people from falling out of the window when the window is open.

Although this part of the window is easily overlooked, when it’s missing or damaged it’s hard not to notice it’s damaged when flies are buzzing around your home. But don't worry!

Learning how to replace window screens is a surprisingly simple and cost-effective DIY project that offers a great sense of accomplishment. In this blog, we'll walk you through every step of the process, from gathering the necessary tools to installing your brand-new screen.

Tools and Materials You'll Need

Before learning how to replace a window screen, ensure you have all the necessary tools and materials on hand:

Flathead screwdriver: For prying and removing the old screen
Utility knife or scissors: For cutting the new screen material
New window screen replacements: Choose a mesh size that suits your needs Consider a finer aluminum screen for areas with smaller insects. Make sure you have enough material to cover the entire screen frame with some extra for folding
Replacement spline (rubber cord used to secure the screen material): Match the spline size to your existing frame
Spline or screen rolling tool (optional, but recommended): This handy tool makes reinstalling the spline a breeze
Work gloves: Provides added protection for your hands

Image Source: Canva

How to Remove Window Screen Frame

With your tools gathered, let's get started by removing the old window screen.

1. Identify the Attachment Method

Window screening can be attached to the casement window frame in a few different ways, which dictates how to remove it. To safely remove the screen for DIY window screen replacement, you’ll need to identify how it’s attached to your window frames. Here’s how they differ:

Spring clips: These small metal clips typically run along the sides of the window frame and hold the screen in place. Look for these along the edges of the frame.
Push-in tabs: These are small tabs on the frame that you press in to release the screen. They might be located on the top and bottom of the window frame.
Screws: Some screens are secured with screws at the top and/or bottom of the frame. You'll need your trusty screwdriver for this method.

2. Remove the Screen

Once you've identified the attachment method, follow these steps to safely remove the screen:

For Spring clips:

Using your fingers or a flat-head screwdriver (be careful not to scratch the frame!), gently pry open the spring clips on both sides of the frame, starting from one corner and working your way around.
Once all the clips are released, carefully pull the screen frame towards you to remove it.

For Push-in tabs:

Press down on the tabs located often on the top and bottom of the frame to release the screen. You might need to press both tabs simultaneously.
Once released, gently pull the screen frame towards you.

For Screws:

Using your screwdriver, unscrew the screws holding the screen in place. Be careful not to drop them!
Once all the screws are removed, gently pull the screen frame towards you to detach it from the window frame.

💡Safety Tip: Screens can be surprisingly large and awkward to handle. Hold the screen securely with both hands, especially on upper-level slider windows, to prevent it from falling and causing injury.

Now that you've successfully removed the old screen frame, let's move on to replacing screens on windows.

🚪Related: How to Bug-Proof Windows and Doors

Person using a spline roller on the window screen

Image Source: Canva

10 Steps to Replace a Window Screen

With the old screen frame removed, it's time to know how to install a window screen. Here's what you'll need to do for your window screen replacement:

Starting with one corner, use a flat-head screwdriver to pry the screen out from one of the corners and firmly begin to pull the rest of it out from the frame.
The screen may tear into sections. If this happens, repeat the first two steps until the entire screen is removed from around the vinyl window frame.
Check for cracks or holes in the rubber spline. If it’s damaged you’ll need to use the new spline with the same measurements as the one you removed.
Purchase a new roll of window screen from your local hardware store.
Measure and cut a section of a screen wide enough to cover the entire section of the frame with an excess of four to six inches around the perimeter.
While measuring and fitting your new screen, use two clamps to hold the top of the screen firmly to the frame for the most accurate fit and measurement. This will keep the screen firmly in place so you can work toward the bottom of the frame.
Once you’re satisfied with the fit, cut the screen.
Starting at the opposite side of the clamps, start rolling the screen into the window screen frame ensuring the screen is straight and no bubbling is apparent.
Ending where the clamps were positioned, continue rolling the screen into the frame.
After all the sides have the screen tightly rolled into them, cut the excess spline from the screen. Using a flat-head screwdriver or spline roller, push the remaining spline into the screen corner.

Now that the new screen is secured, reattach the window screen to the frame using the original attachment method (spring clips, push-in tabs, or screws). Refer to the removal steps for guidance on reattaching based on your specific method.

🚪Related: How to Replace Screen Door Mesh

Image Source: Canva

Breathe Easy with Clera Windows + Doors

Learning how to replace a window screen and doing it all yourself instead of paying someone for it saves you money. But what if the window damage is more than what a replacement can fix? Secure your comfort at home with window replacements with built-in, easy-to-maintain screens.

Clera Windows + Doors can help! We offer a wide selection of high-quality windows with beautiful and functional screening options. Our windows are designed for easy maintenance and long-lasting performance—you won’t need to worry about screen replacements anytime soon.

Contact Clera today for a consultation and discuss the perfect window solution for your needs. Breathe easy knowing your windows won’t let insects in, look their best, and allow you to enjoy the fresh air all year round.

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