Replacing your aluminum window screens can make your home look more attractive and make it more enjoyable and safer to leave your windows open.
Getting Ready to Replace Your Window Screens
Before you head off to the home improvement store, measure all of your aluminum screens and make a note of the widest screen that you will be replacing, as well as the approximate overall length of screening you will need. Screening is sold in roles of varying widths, and purchasing the right widths for the job will save you money and time.
Typically, you will be reusing your screen' s aluminum frame and possibly the gasket or “spline” that holds the screen in place, but all of the screen material itself will be changed out.
Know the Basics
Your window screen is composed of three pieces, the frame, screening material, and gasket or spline. The window screening is pulled taut across the frame and held in place by the length of spline, which is rolled into a groove around all four sides of the frame.
In order to replace the mesh screening material, you will have to remove the spline and old screen, cut a new piece of screening material, and install the new screen, reinserting the length of spline into the groove around the frame.
Evaluate the Spline
Once you have the proper dimensions for all of your screens, take a look at the existing spline on the screens that have the most wear. The spline should be smooth and free of cracks. If this is the case, then your spline is reusable and you can go on to the next step. If not, evaluate all of your screens for spline wear. If it looks as though some or all of the spline will have to be replaced, remove a sample to take to the store with you.
Understanding Screening Material
Windows screening is available in aluminum, fiberglass, reinforced pet, and UV filtering mesh. If you are not replacing all of your screens, you will want to take a sample with you in order to make the best match possible. If you will be replacing all of your screens, fiberglass mesh is a little easier to work with, although aluminum is less expensive.
The Spline Tool
The one specialized tool you will need in order to replace your window screens is a spline tool. A spline tool is a handheld roller that looks a little like a pizza cutter and forces the spline into the groove around the window frame. It is a universal tool that works with all sizes and types of spline.
Other Tools and Materials
Your frames will have to be cleaned thoroughly, so you will need a bucket, sponges, and mild detergent. Make sure that you wash your frames well in advance in order to give them plenty of time to dry before you begin installing screen.
To remove the old spline, you will need a small flat head screwdriver, and if you will be cutting new lengths of spline, you may also want a good utility knife.
In order to cut new screening you will need a good pair of shears, a measuring tape, and a marker that will show clearly on the screen mesh, like chalk.
Cut a length of screen the size of your frame plus an overlap of about two inches on all sides. Excess screening material should be trimmed from around the edge of the frame after the spline has been installed.
Installing Spline
Position screening material over the frame and begin rolling spline into the frame' s groove about an inch from one of the corners, keeping the screen fabric straight and taut. Roll the spline tool slowly, using even pressure. Use a flat head screwdriver to help you maneuver the spline into the corners, continuing around all four sides until you come back your starting point. Once you've finished, the screen should be smooth and flat.
Finishing Up
If you are using new spline, once you've made the circuit around the frame, overlap the spline at your starting point, and then trim it with a utility knife. Use the utility knife or shears to trim the excess screen from around the frame.
Replacing your window screens is an easy and economical way to add value to your home, and bring the outdoors in.
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