How To Replace a Window Screen

Window screens are used to keep dirt, debris, and insects from entering the home when the window is open for ventilation. The window screen 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 is missing or damaged it’s hard not to notice the difference when flies are suddenly buzzing around your home!There are a few reasons why the window screen needs to be replaced: It was torn due to usual wear and tear over time or it was damaged by someone or something hitting it. Sometimes the whole frame and screen falls off and is damaged along the way. If the vinyl or aluminum frame is still intact and can be secured back onto the window firmly, you can just change the screen itself which would cost less than repairing the whole part. Here’s are the basic steps to installing a new screen onto the frame:

• Remove the entire window screen frame from the window and lay onto a flat surface.
• Starting with one corner, using 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 and if this happens, simply repeat the first two steps and until the entire screen is removed from around the window frame.
• Check for cracks or holes in the rubber spline. If it is damaged you will need to purchase a new spline with the same exact measurements as the one you removed. You can find this at your local hardware store.
• Purchase a new roll of window screen from your local hardware store.
• Measure and cut a section of screen wide enough to cover the entire section of the frame with an excess of 4-6 inches all the way 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 towards the bottom of the frame.
• Once you are 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 blade screwdriver, push the remaining spline into the screen corner.

So, whether you had to install a new screen into the window screen frame as described above or you purchased an entirely new window screen frame altogether, here are 3 easy steps to installing your new window screen frame back onto the window:

1. With the slider window fully open, place the bottom of the screen back into the window frame.
2. Push the screen into the window frame to depress the springs.
3. Using the screen tabs, pull the window screen back into place one side at a time.

If you need the help of window professionals to replace a window screen, contact Clera Windows and Doors today. One of our expert staff would be more than happy to assist you with all your window installations and repairs.