Window screens are like any other seldom-thought of item in your house: you don’t realize how much you rely on it until it is broken. Though the life-expectancy of screen material is approximately 10-12 years, this is greatly affected by many factors including wind, sun, pets and children. When a screen does become torn, cut, rusted, or simply too old, it needs to be replaced to perform its job properly. Though this task may daunt those who are not familiar with screen replacement it is a fairly easy task to learn. With a little bit of time, and patience, even the most un-handy person can replace a screen.
Before replacing a window screen you need to do a little bit of planning. The first thing you will need to do is decide what kind of screen material you are going to use. There are many types of materials that screens are made of. These are aluminum, fiberglass, pvc, steel, bronze, copper, stainless steel, galvanized steel, vinyl-coated polyester, vinyl-coated fiberglass yarn and pvc-coated fiberglass. There are other materials available; however, these usually must be special-ordered. Depending on what your screen is being used for, you can also consider the gauge and weave of the material.
To decide what type of screen material you are going to use you need to decide what you want your screen to accomplish. All screens are used as insect barriers between the outside world and your inside world. Other functions of screens, thanks to technology, include solar screens to reduce heat transfer, color for unique or tailored looks and privacy functionality to keep unwanted eyes from prying.
The two most common types of screen material are aluminum and fiberglass. Aluminum screening is rustproof, melt proof (to the temperature of a match), dependable and long lasting. Colors of the screen are bright silver, charcoal and black. The black screening is preferred as it allows for better visibility and matches with bronze and other dark window framing.
Fiberglass screening is similar to aluminum screening in that it is rust and corrosion resistant, fireproof (at cigarette temperature) and stain resistant. Fiberglass screening won’t shrink or stretch and is impact resistant. The two most popular colors are silver gray and charcoal although other colors are available.
When you have decided which type of screen material to use, take measurements of your screen frame to nearly any hardware store. Most stores now have pre-rolled screening available in standard sizes that are ready and come with the spline material needed. Some smaller or family-owned stores may have the large 100’ rolls that they have to cut the material off of. If the latter is the case you will need to purchase the spline as well. Other tools you may want to have handy are a spline roller, screwdriver, hammer, utility knife (or tin snips if using aluminum screening) and a broom handle (if using aluminum screening).
To replace aluminum screening first you will need to remove the existing spline from the spline groove in the framing. You may need to use the tip of a screwdriver to get the edge up out of the groove but be careful not to bend the frame (if it is metal). Simply pull the spline up out of the groove. With the spline removed you can remove the rest of the old screen.
Place the screen frame on a flat surface such as the floor or the kitchen table. Starting at the top of the frame, unroll enough screen to cover the opening with about an inch extra on the opposite side from the roll.
Using the spline roller roll the screen material into the spline groove, being careful that there are no bends or bunching in the screen. Do this at the top and down both sides while leaving the extra material at the bottom rolled around the broom handle. Rolling the screen material into the grooves will help when you start rolling the spline as the aluminum will already be bent and will offer less resistance and shifting.
Once you have rolled the screen into the groove you can start rolling the spline. Beginning in a top corner place the spline along the groove at the top of the frame. Using the spline roller, roll the spline into the groove on top of the material being sure to hold the other side to keep the material from bunching or shifting. Roll the spline into the groove across the entire top of the frame. When you reach the end of the top groove cut the spline at the corner. Follow this procedure for the top and sides of your frame, cutting the spline at the corners. Finish the screen by rolling the bottom spline into place. Use the tip of the screwdriver to push the spline in at the corners being careful not to damage the new screen.
Finish your screen by trimming the excess material from the frame. Using your utility knife, place the blade at the outside edge of the of the splining and trim. Replace your frame where it belongs and you are finished.
To replace fiberglass screening the steps are basically the same. Remove the old spline and screen from the frame. Place the frame on a flat surface and unroll the material over the opening leaving an inch of material beyond the groove. If you cut the material off of the roll, use a broom handle to wrap the end of the material around it. This will help keep tension on the screen and reduce any bunching as you roll the spline into the groove.
Again, starting at the top of the frame roll the spline into the groove. You do not have to cut the spline at the corners however this will make it easier to get around the corners. Keeping tension on the screen, secure the screen into the sides with the spline and the bottom as you did with the aluminum screen. Fix any bubbles or bunches in the screen by easing up the spline and tugging on the material.
Now, with all the spline in the grooves and the corners (again using a screwdriver tip if necessary) use your utility knife to trim the excess material from the screen. Re-install the frame and enjoy your handiwork.
