Hole in your screens from errant children? Don't call a contractor. Repairing window screens is a simple task any homeowner can perform. The materials and tools are inexpensive and easy to use. Basic carpentry skills of measuring and cutting are the only skills needed to properly repair window screens. Does this Spark an idea?
Supplies Needed
For small repairs, screen patch kits, household cement and possibly long-nosed pliers are all that's required. For replacement jobs, new screen material in width sufficient to cover the frame; new spline; a spline tool, screen installation tool or a putty knife; and a screwdriver should meet your needs.
Spline is the vinyl strip that secures the screen material to the frame. A spline tool is a plastic handle with a small wheel attached to each end. One wheel has a concave edge, and the other has a convex edge. The tool is used to press the screen material and the spline into the groove or channel around the frame.
Small tears
Small tears can be repaired with ready-to-use patch kits. Measure the size of the hole, and purchase a kit about .5 inch larger than the hole. If it is a large hole, the repair kit should be 1 inch larger than the hole. Remove several strands from the patch on each side. Feed the ends of the patch through the holes on the screen and bend them back, flush with the screen. If the gauge is thicker, you may need long-nosed pliers to bend the wires. A small amount of household cement will hold the edges securely and be nearly invisible.
Replacing Screens
First, you will need to remove the old splines and screen. Starting in a corner and using a screwdriver, pry up the edge of the spline. Peel the spline out all the way around the frame, and remove the old screen. The old spline may be reusable if it is not brittle or splitting. New vinyl splines can be purchased in rolls in varying thicknesses. Screen material can also be purchased on rolls and cut to fit. Cut a piece equal the outside measurement of the frame. Force the edge of the new screen into the upper edge and one side edge of the frame using the convex side of the installation tool wheel or a putty knife. Next, use the spline tool to roll the screen into the remaining two sides. With short strokes, use the concave side of the wheel to push the spline into the channel and secure the screen in place. When the screen is in, cut the spline from the roll, and fit the tail into the channel. Trim any excess screen material from the sides.
Tags: screen material, spline tool, around frame, frame spline, household cement, inch larger, inch larger than
