Repairing Window Screens

We love to leave our windows open during the summertime to catch a breeze. Not to mention during the Fall and Spring to bring in the lovely outdoor weather. Unfortunately, a damaged or torn screen can ruin the atmosphere by allowing bugs, flies and spiders to creep inside...

In college, we remember our roommate easily fixed the front door of our screened in porch (after her dog tore right though the mesh door). And while we recall the process being easy, we couldn't exactly remember how she made the repairs. We turned to Bob Villa and found simple instructions on how to repair three levels of a damaged screen (from a teeny rip to replacing the entire window screen). Our current window screen needs a facelift and we're thinking about installing a brand new screen. According to Mr. Villa, all we'll need is a flat screwdriver, scissors and some tape (and of course the replacement screen).

Apartment Therapy readers--have you had experience replacing screens? Any added tips or tricks to make this process seamless?

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(Image: Beth Zeigler)

Comments (8)

I found a place that does screen repairs nearby. Google window screen repair and your city name. A lot of small hardware stores will do it. Take out the section that has the screen (for the screen on the door I unscrewed that section), bring it to the repair place, and they'll do it for probably less than $20.

posted by josie6 on October 20th 2009 at 10:48am
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Re: Bob's most "intense" repair (the whole screen)...instead of a flat bade screwdriver, you can buy a pizza cutter-type tool with a grooved edge. They're cheap and you can wheel along the spline in no time.

posted by katalyst on October 20th 2009 at 11:01am
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i replaced the screen of a door this summer using these instructions. the spline tool is essential and easy to use.

http://www.popularmechanics.com/how_to_central/home_clinic/1394652.html

posted by robinp on October 20th 2009 at 11:34am
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I could so see someone using their artistic skills and making a pretty pattern with Embroidery thread :)

posted by Lizzykewl on October 20th 2009 at 11:44am
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Thanks for this! My BF had to break into our apartment once by ripping the screen off the bathroom window, so we'll need to replace that come spring :-).

posted by michpc on October 20th 2009 at 12:33pm
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Wouldn't it have been more helpful to run this a couple of months ago? Before the big bug seasons?

posted by kushkush on October 20th 2009 at 12:38pm
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We've got a new puppy and have had to replace our back door screen three times this past summer. Hubby and I are getting really good at doing it. Hopefully the puppy has broken the habit by now.

posted by NYKate on October 21st 2009 at 2:30pm
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For Screen repair, replacement or new custom screens you can call Pete's Windows @ (760) 855-4000

posted by screenguy1 on October 23rd 2009 at 4:26pm
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