There are a few things more annoying than having a torn window screen. A simple hole in a window screen and a hot summer day are an open invitation for flies, mosquitoes, and other bugs.
Or, if it’s chillier outside, a hole in your window screen can bring in a cold wind, which is also unpleasant.
The good news is that, if the actual frame of the window hasn’t been affected, you will most likely be able to repair the window screen yourself with a few supplies that you can find at a store near you- and for a relatively cheap price.
You’ll want to be sure to fix the hole as soon as possible in order to avoid it getting larger, according to Home Tips. And, even better, if you take good care of your windows, the screen will last you a long time!
Let’s now talk about how you can fix your window screen and what parts are necessary.
A spline roller, flat blade screwdriver, duct tape, scissors, and utility knife are typically all you need to replace damaged window screens in your house.
Quick DIY Video Guide
This do it yourself video below shows you the best way to fix your damaged window screens.
The vlogger also demonstrates how to get rid of a window screen that has broken tabs.
Window Screen Repair Parts
First, you’re going to need to take a trip down to your local home supply store in order to buy some material to repair your window screen.
Video Guide: Repair Parts List
The material that you will need to buy and how much you will end up spending ultimately depends on the size of the hole or tear.
Small Holes & Tears
If the hole is smaller than one inch or so, you aren’t going to need to change the whole screen. But, if the hole is bigger, then you’re going to need to buy a new screen.
But don’t worry- whether fixing a small hole or the entire screen itself, the process is simple and doesn’t require a handyman to do it.
Complete Replacement
If you need to buy a new screen, make sure that you purchase the right material. The Family Handyman website lists three different materials for a window screen: fiberglass, aluminum, and sun-shading fabric.
The last one is considered to be the sturdiest, it blocks out a lot more sunlight, and is best for those who have pets.
You also need to make sure to find a window screen in a color that will match the other screens in your home.
Make sure to measure the size of your window so that you can get the right size screen.
The other tools that you will need are a:
- utility knife,
- drill,
- screwdriver,
- as well as spline (the part that attaches the screen to the window frame).
If the tear in the window screen isn’t that big, then all you’ll need are a pair of tweezers or a needle, fishing line and superglue.
How To Fix a Window Screen
Fixing a window screen may seem daunting, but it really isn’t all that difficult! You’re going to need to take out the spline using a tool such as a screwdriver.
Then, take the screen that you just purchased and place it over top of the window frame.
The screen should overlap the sides of the window frame by about an inch or so. Take the new spline that you bought and start pushing the spline and the screen into the frame using a screen rolling tool. And finally, take a utility knife to cut any extra parts of the screen.
If the tear is really small, you might not even have to change the screen at all.
You can grab a set of tweezers, as described by Sunset, and twist the strands of the screen that came apart back together and seal them using superglue.
If you have a screen made of fiberglass material, you can also take a needle and fishing line to sew up the tear and then put it together with superglue.
Repair Cost
Believe it or not, you aren’t going to need to call a handyman for this, which will save you lots of money! If you do choose to call a handyman, however, Home Advisor estimates the cost at being a little less than $70 for one window screen.
If you think that the tear is easy enough for you to fix on your own, then the entire process should cost you less than $30 for one window screen. Depending on what type of material you choose to use, it can cost between $6 and $20. The roller tool and utility knife together should be around $5.
Overall, the process of repairing a window screen is rather simple and an easy do-it-yourself project!
Hi, my name’s Elena Coolidge. I’m a DIY enthusiast who loves building fun woodworking plans. These DIY plans are fun hobby projects for enthusiasts or even more advanced builders that want to build things like bunk beds, end tables or even a duck box!
