How to Replace a Window Screen

Don't keep a window shut on a beautiful day simply because the screen is damaged. Keep bugs out and cool breezes flowing with a DIY window screen replacement. Replacing a window screen is easy with a few simple tools and materials. Once you've gathered the necessary supplies, it's time to replace!

• Remove the old screen and rubber spline.
• Cut the new screen to size, with an inch to spare on each side.
• Lay the screen frame on a flat surface.
• Lay the new screen on the screen frame.
• Wedge the new rubber spline into the spline channel.
• Work your way around the perimeter with a spline tool.
• Remove slack from the screen as you install the spline.

Need more info? Keep reading for additional window screen replacement tips!

How to Replace a Window Screen in 10 Steps

Window screens come in varied materials, colors and sizes, so make sure you get a good match. Also, grab a piece of the rubber spline. The spline is the rubber hose-like material that is pressed into a groove around the screen frame.

If your pet keeps scratching the screen and you want a more durable screen material, consider upgrading to aluminum screen or pet screen. While you're there, grab a spline tool if you don't already have one.

1. Remove the screen window frame from the window. Pull spring loaded clips or tabs that hold it in place.
2. Remove the old rubber spline from the perimeter of the screen frame.
3. Remove the old screen.
4. Use scissors or a utility knife to cut the new screen to size or have the hardware store do it for you.
   • Cut the new screen one inch larger on each side than the screen frame.
5. Lay the screen frame on a flat surface. Lay the new screen material concave side down.
   • For a work surface, a kitchen table or a garage floor works great.
   • Use spring clips or a friend to temporarily hold the new screen over the frame.
6. Work on one side at a time
7. Use the convex roller on the spline tool to roll the screen into the spline track without the spline installed
8. Begin in a corner and use the concave roller on the spline tool to install the new rubber spline into the channel with the screen underneath it.
9. When one side is installed, pull the screen tight and install the opposite site to prevent wrinkles
10. Once the spline is installed and the screen is free of wrinkles, use a sharp utility knife to cut off the excess screen outside the spline.

Professional Window Installation

Need more than new screens? We can source the window screening or windows you want and professionally install window replacements for your home or business. Your new windows won't just look great, they'll come with new screens to keep the bugs out! Give us a call or request an appointment online.