crimsafe window safety screen

How to Replace a Window Screen and Why It’s Important

5 minutes read

Replacing window screens is something not often thought about for household maintenance until they become broken. As the summer weather continues to get warmer, it’s important to look out for warping. Once a window screen becomes warped it can make the screen much more difficult to open. Warping can be caused by the sun, rain, or inclement wind. If warping occurs and is not immediately addressed, it will reduce the longevity and lifespan of your window screens.

Moreover, replacing your window screen once it becomes broken or damaged is important as they protect against dirt, pests, and debris. With that in mind, it’s just as important to clean your screens as too much debris built up over time can make the view through your screens appear grungy and reduce your curb appeal. It is often recommended that you replace security screens on average every 10 years.

 

How to Know it’s Time to Replace Your Window Screen

If you need to replace a window screen, we’re here to help! Good indicators that your screen is due for replacement would be:

 

  • The window is difficult to open or close
  • Large holes or rips in the screen
  • An increase of more outside noise than usual
  • The window screen appears to be shinier rather than matte or dark in color.

 

If you’re experiencing any of these indicators, use our guide as an easy step-by-step process on how to replace a window screen from start to finish.

 

Recommended Tools & Supplies:

  • New window screen material
  • Flathead screwdriver
  • Hammer
  • Staple gun (optional)
  • Scissors
  • Utility Knife
  • Staple remover for wooden frames (optional)
  • Spline roller (for non-wooden frames)
  • Staples or Wire Brads (for wooden frames)

 

Step One: Remove the Damaged Mesh Screen

  • You’ll want to begin by removing the screen from the window and laying it on a flat work surface.
  • The screen is held in place around the perimeter of the window by a spline. You’ll want to use a flathead screwdriver to pry the window screen from the grooves around the edge of the frame.
    • If your window has a wooden frame, you’ll want to remove the staples from the window screen by using a staple remover or the tip of your flathead screwdriver carefully remove the staples. If you need to remove nails, use the claw of the hammer to do so.
    • Pro Tip: If your window frame looks dirty after removing the screen, now would be a good time to wash it to increase its longevity.

 

Step Two: Stretch, Cut, and Position the New Screen Mesh

  • Once the old screen has been removed, you’ll want to take the new window screen material and roll it out over your window frame on a flat surface.
  • Once the screen material has been rolled out over the frame, go ahead and cut the material to size with scissors, making sure to leave a bit of material overhanging the frame so it can be securely tightened (about 2 inches).
    • Pro Tip: When unrolling the new window screen material, place the curved side down to make it easier to work with.

 

Step Three: Secure Screen Mesh to Frame

  • Use a spline roller to press the spline and window screen into the grooves of the frame. Make sure to keep the material taut as you work your way around the perimeter.
  • For a wooden frame, staple the mesh into place using a staple gun or nail it into place with wire brads. Again, you’ll want to ensure that you’re keeping the material taut as you secure the material around the perimeter.
  • Once the new mesh is secured to the frame, it should be taut and not over-stretched across the frame.

 

Step Four: Trim Excess Screen Mesh

  • Once the old screen has been removed and all sides have been secured to the frame, trim away any excess mesh still overhanging using scissors or a utility knife. When completing this step, be careful not to cut the new spline.

 

Step Five: Reinstall the New Window Screen

  • Once the old screen has been replaced, reinstall the new screen to your window.

 

Upgrade with Crimsafe

While replacing an old screen is an option, sometimes an upgrade can be the better option. If you’re looking to increase the security of your home, consider adding Crimsafe security and storm screens to your home. The technology behind our screens doesn’t just meet local standards, it beats them! We back all our products with a 10-year standard warranty and guarantee you’ll have more peace of my mind while protecting you and your family in your home.

To learn more about Crimsafe product options available for your home and the benefits they provide. If you’re ready to take the first step to make your home even safer or want more information about which Crimsafe product is right for your home, reach out to our team and we’ll get you into contact with your nearest Crimsafe dealer to set up a consultation.