Problem: Broken, torn or ripped screen doors and window screens. Expensive to replace, and REALLY expensive if your screens are not a standard size.
Solution: Repairing your own screen for under $20!
During one of my early remodels, I had a 3 bedroom, 2 bath home that was about 1200 square feet, where all of the screens were either falling apart or missing. I had a repair man come to my property and quote me $4600 to replace the screens on the windows around the house, and the sliding glass door screen. Almost $5,000? Are you kitten me right meow? I was at a loss though… I didn’t know how to do it myself and felt like I really had to hire this company to do it for me. This was before the internet (yes – total dark ages), so I parked myself inside Home Depot and asked if there was an easier way. I spoke to an amazing salesperson there who told me that I could pick up a kit that I could do it myself. What? Little ol’ me? All screens? The task seemed daunting…but I went away from the hardware store, kit in hand, and gave it a try. I was SHOCKED!!! Easy peasy lemon squeezy! I couldn’t believe that this knowledge wasn’t readily available to all of us out there… so I started teaching friends and family how to do it. Now I get the great opportunity to show you at home how to do it too! Oh… and by the way…. I replaced all the screens for $700. QUITE THE SAVINGS!!!
So for you out there… if you have pets, clumsy house guests, or a windy day, you will most likely have at least ONE screen around your house that needs some love and attention. So here it is!
You Will Need:
- Window screen repair kit
- Spline (usually black plastic cording)
- Spline tool
- Tin snips/metal shears
- Roll of screen material
- Flat head screwdriver or an awl
- Scissors
- Utility knife
How To:
There are 3 different step-outs for this… one if you are keeping the old frame you have, one if you are starting from scratch, and one if you just have a small hole to repair.
To Reuse Frame
- Pry out the spline with a screwdriver or an awl. You may be tempted to reuse the old spine, but take it from me – DO NOT! It gets old and crusty, and won’t hold like new spline will, so splurge for new….it’s really inexpensive.
- Secure the screen down on a flat surface. You can use clamps to keep it in place, or little wooden blocks to hold it into place.
- Take your new roll of screen material and lay it over the frame. Leave an overlap of about 1”. Cut the screen material at an angle on each corner (to prevent it from bunching up when you lay it into the groove.
- Using your screen rolling tool, push the spline and screen material into the groove, with the spline on top. Keep on going all the way around the other sides. Don’t worry if there are gaps or wrinkles in your screen – you can always pull out the spline, tighten it and try again. The process is very forgiving!
- Take your utility knife and go around the entire frame to remove the excess screen material that sticks out past the spline. Make sure you have a NEW blade. A dull blade will pull and snag your nice new screen job!
- Voila! Nice new screen for a fraction of the cost!
To make a Frame from Scratch
- Get an aluminum frame kit from your local hardware store. This should come with sides and four corner pieces.
- Measure how big you need your screen to be, and cut that length with metal shears, keeping in mind that the corners add a bit to the length (each kit is different so check the manufacturer’s directions for that).
- Put the four sides together with the corner pieces like a puzzle.
- Then…look up and follow the remaining steps above. The directions are the same from here!
To Patch a Small Hole:
- There may be no need to replace the entire screen for a tiny hole or run. They have tape that bonds to the screen material. Follow the manufacturer’s directions since each are different. Hole fixed! Yay!
Are you screens in need of some TLC? Share with us in the comments below your DIY’s. Remember we want to see your DIY’s so follow us on Instagram and Twitter @paigehemmis & hashtag #DIYfengshui
If you missed the episode check it out by heading over to Home & Family!
XOXO,
Paige