How to Replace Window Screens

WWindow screens act as the first line of defense for your home, keeping the breeze in and the pests out. Over time, UV rays turn fiberglass mesh brittle and tension causes splines to lose their grip, leaving your home vulnerable to tears and sagging gaps that defeat the purpose of an open window. Restoring a screen is one of the most rewarding small-scale repairs you can undertake. It requires patience and a steady hand, but once you master the art of seating the spline without buckling the frame, you will save a fortune compared to ordering custom replacements. A job well done leaves the mesh taut, flat, and perfectly aligned with the window frame.

1. Mark and Measure First. Push the screen frame up or toward you to release the spring-loaded pins, then pull it clear of the window. Measure the width and height of the existing frame to ensure you purchase enough replacement mesh.
2. Pry Out the Old Spline. Use a flathead screwdriver or a utility knife to pry the end of the old rubber spline out of the frame channel. Pull the entire length of the spline out and remove the old, damaged screen mesh.
3. Center the New Mesh. Lay the frame on a flat, clean surface. Roll the new screen mesh over the frame so it overhangs all four sides by at least one inch.
4. Roll the Spline Home. Starting at one corner, use the concave wheel of a screen tool to press the spline and mesh into the channel. Keep the mesh taut as you work your way around the perimeter, pressing the spline firmly into place.
5. Trim Flush with Precision. Once the spline is fully seated, take a sharp utility knife and trim the excess mesh along the outside edge of the spline channel. Hold the blade at a 45-degree angle against the frame for a clean cut.
6. Snap It Back Into Place. Slide the bottom of the frame into the track first, then compress the spring-loaded pins to snap the top into position. Check for any gaps between the screen and the window frame.