Replacing Window Screens a Simple DIY Project

Replacing window screens is a fairly simple DIY project if you have the right tools.

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Here’s a quick DIY post for you, replacing window screens.  When we moved into our current house there was a lot of work to do.  Over the last few years, we have been slowing finishing up all the remodeling projects.

For some reason when we moved in more than half of the window screens were completely gone and most of the others were full of holes and needed to be replaced.  This was one job we didn’t get to last summer so most of the summer we kept the windows closed and just let the A/C run.  Turns out that’s not a very budget friendly method of cooling your home!!

So this spring I was determined to get the new screens up and the old torn up ones repaired.  Turns out it’s really a fairly simple project.  Not a lot of brain power or technical knowledge needed.

Replacing Window Screens

Supplies for Replacing Window Screens

Here’s a list of the tools and supplies you will need:

• A hack saw
• A small regular screwdriver
• A pair of scissors
• A screen rolling tool (should be available at any home repair store)
• Eye Protection
• A box cutter, utility knife or razor blade
• Aluminum Frame Pieces
• Screen Spline
• Screen Corners
• Top Tension Springs
• A roll of window Screen
• Screen Pull Tabs (optional)

Measure Your Windows

The process of replacing window screens is pretty quick and easy.  First, you need to measure your windows.  Be sure to take the measurements at the portion of the frame where the screen is going to fit.  Most modern windows have a track that holds the screen in.  Older windows may need to have additional hardware to hold the screens in place.

Transfer Measurements to the Frames

Next transfer your window measurements to the aluminum frame pieces.  You need to subtract 1 1/2 inches from each measurement to account for the corner pieces.  So for example, if your window is 40″ by 24″.  Then you would cut your pieces to 38 1/2 inches by 22 1/2 inches.  If you are also using top or side tension springs (see below) then you should also take off an additional 1/8 inch but only on the sides, you are putting the springs on.

Cut the Frames

Cut the Aluminum Frame Pieces pieces with a hack saw being careful to keep the cut square.

Assemble the Frames

Assemble the 4 pieces using 4 screen corners.

If you are using tension springs you install them before you put the corners together.

Lay out the Screen

Next, lay the frame out on a work table and roll the screen over the frame.  You want the screen to overlap the frame by roughly an inch on each side.

Cut the screen to length with the scissors.

Install the Screen Spline

Get a screen spline that is the appropriate size for your frames.  Start the spline in the channel in the screen frame using a small flat head screwdriver.  You will also use the screwdriver to press the spline firmly into the channel at the corners.

Using the screen rolling tool, roll out the spline into the channel.  While rolling the spline into the channel be sure to hold the screen tight and strait on the other sides.

This is kind of a two-person job, one rolling the other holding the screen tight and in place.  If you don’t have two people then you can use some tape to help hold the screen tight and in place.

Cut off The Excess Screen

Once the spline is in place, cut off any excess.  Then use your utility knife to trim off the excess screening.  Use the top of the spline as a guide and the outside edge of the spline channel as the cutting surface.

And that’s it!!  Replacing window screens is pretty quick and easy.  After doing the first one and getting the hang of it the rest only took me about 15 minutes each!  I had all the screens replaced in just a couple of hours.  If you already have a frame that is in good shape then just skip the frame building steps and simply put in new screens after removing the old ones.  Check the splines if they are still soft and pliable you may even be able to get away with just reusing the old splines!

Replacing Window Screens isn’t the cheapest project but it wasn’t too bad.  We ended up rebuilding 7 frames and then replacing the screens on another 7 frames for about $120.  But we will make up that amount quickly with the savings on our electric bill.  Instead of having to run the air conditioner in the late spring and fall, now we can just open the windows.  And in the hot summer months, we will be able to open the windows at night to keep the a/c off then as well!

To see some of our other DIY projects check out this page!

Was this post helpful?  If you have any other suggestions or questions please feel free to leave a comment!  I’d also love any suggestions for future projects you would like help with!