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Window Screen Repair


Window Screen repair is a relatively simple job. You can easily patch a hole that is about 3 inches or less in diameter or, you can replace the entire screen if needed.

Tools you will Need

  • 18" x 16" or 18" x 14" new screen replacement rolls
  • Utility Knife or X-Acto Knife
  • Needle-Nosed Pliers
  • New Rubber Spline
  • Spline Tool
  • Rubber Cement
  • Flat Head Screwdriver
  • Heavy-Duty Scissors
  • Screen Patch
  • Straight Edge

Window Screen Patch

If the hole is ¼ to 3/8 inch you can simply fill it with a small amount of household rubber cement. Rubber cement dries fairly clear and the screen repair will be virtually un-noticeable.

If the hole in the screen is larger, a screen patch can easily be applied. You can either make your own patch from a piece of existing screen or, you can purchase ready made patches from most hardware stores.

The patch should be at least ½ inch larger than the hole. For the bigger holes, it should be about 1 inch larger.

Start by unraveling the stands one or two rows back all the way around the entire edge of the patch. Then, bend the strands down, place the patch over the hole and push the unraveled strands from the patch through the screen. Then from behind, press the strands flat and tight. Usually you can do this with your fingers but, if you cannot get them tightenough you can use needle nose pliers.


Tip 1: Be careful not to pull the strands too tight, it may cause the screen or the patch to tear.

Tip 2: If the patch is made of plastic, you may have to glue down the strands using rubber cement.


Window Screen replacement

Most window screen repair jobs can be done with a quick screen patch but, if the screen is damaged beyond a small hole, you may need to go for the entire screen replacement. Most window screens are designed so that the screen can be replaced.

First, you will need to remove the rubber spline that holds the existing screen in place. Use a flat-head screw driver to pry out the spline.


Tip: With time, spline material becomes brittle so, it is always a good idea to replace it with new spline. Be careful, as the spline comes in different sizes. Make sure you purchase the same size that you’ve taken out.


Second, roll out the new screen onto a flat surface. Then, place the empty screen frame on top of the new screen. Using a straight edge and a utility knife, trim the screen. You want it to be slightly larger than the frame. You will trim it later.

Third, lay the trimmed screen over the top of the frame. Take the new spline and insert it over the edge of the screen and push it into the channel located on the outer edges of the frame. Do this by using the spline tool. Start at one corner using small strokes, work all the way around the frame. As you work keep the screen tight. When you end up where you started, cut the spline.

Now for the final touch of the window screen repair job. Trim any screen that’s hanging over with a pair of heavy duty scissors. That’s it, you’re finished.

For more information on window and door screen repair visit www.all-about-screen-doors.com
Window Screen Repair

Cleaning Window Screens

How To Clean Windows


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