Windows truly make a home. After all, nothing feels quite as good as opening up the windows on the first warm day of spring and letting your house fill with the smells of a new season. For our windows to really offer the maximum comfort, however, it’s crucial to have screens on them to keep out insects and more. Unfortunately, these screens are easily torn and punctured. The upside? It’s actually quite easy to DIY window screen repair! Apache Junction homeowners who are interested in fixing their windows themselves should keep reading.
Get the Right Stuff
The first step in window screen repair is selecting the right screen material. The most popular option is fiberglass due to its flexibility, which makes the installation process much easier. It’s also a great option for someone doing this repair for the first time, as you can take the material out of the frame and start again. Aluminum is technically sturdier, but you only get one chance to get it in. Another popular option is sun-shading fabric. It blocks more sun than other options and is very strong, so it’s a good option for pet owners. You’ll also need a cordless drill, 4-in-1 screwdrivers, utility knife, the screen itself, a spline, a wood stop block, and a brick.
Take Out the Spline and Secure the Frame
Start the window screen repair by prying out the old spine with a narrow-tipped screwdriver. You can just throw this old spline away, as it often gets hard and brittle and can’t really be reused. Then secure the frame by placing wooden blocks within the inside of the two longest sides of the frame, then secure them to the work surface. These blocks are used to block the frame from behind inward as you’re installing the new material.
Position and Push
Now, get the new screen in position. Lay it over the frame, letting it overlap it by ¾ to 1 inch. Cut each corner at a 45-degree angle slightly beyond the spline grooves. This cut prevents the screen from bunching in the corners. Start installing the new spline at a corner, using the screen-rolling tool to push it and the screen material into the groove. If it bulges, just remove the spine and reroll.
Final Details
Complete this simple process by trimming the excess screen material with a utility knife. Make sure to use one with a new blade and to cut with the blade on top of the spline, pointed toward the outside of the frame.
