Re-Screening Existing Window Screens: Tips from a Company Providing Window Replacement in Alaska

Re-Screening Existing Window Screens: Tips from a Company Providing Window Replacement in Alaska

June 15, 2016

Windows have screens in place to prevent bugs or debris from getting inside your home. Therefore, as soon as you notice a hole, tear or snag, it’s important that you take the appropriate steps to either repair or replace your screen.

As specialists in window replacement in Alaska, we commonly help people to re-screen existing window screens that they have in their home. If you are interested in learning how to do this yourself, here are a few instructions to follow:

  • Get the correct tools and materials: You will need new screening for the window, a spline (which is basically plastic cording), a rolling spline tool (often sold along with a spline), scissors, a nail punch or flat-head screwdriver, a utility knife and either tape or small clamps.
  • Take off the old screen: Pull the damaged screen out of the window and then begin removing the screen itself. It is held in place with a spline that runs all along the metal frame’s perimeter. You can make this easier by using your screwdriver, nail punch or other sharp objects to get the spline out of the channel in which it is set. Toss the old screen and spline in the garbage, and wash down the screen frame before proceeding.
  • Cut the new screen to the correct size: With the metal frame lying down on top of a flat surface, such as a table or floor, roll out the screening material so it covers the entire frame. The frame will act as a guide for you to cut around. You will want to leave two inches of space around the entire perimeter. Cut the screen with the scissors.
  • Get the new screen into place on the frame: Once you have cut the screen to the appropriate size, lay all of the material on top of the frame and be sure you have enough so it will overlap on all sides. Once it is in place, pull the screening taut and then either clamp it or tape it to the bottom and top of the frame.
  • Put the new spline into place: Begin at one side of the frame, and then move it all around the perimeter. This is where the included rolling tool comes into play. It pushes the screen into the channel in the frame. Keeping the screen material taut is extremely important here, as you are essentially getting the screen into its final position. After you have rolled the screen into place all around the perimeter, you can cut off any excess material and put your newly repaired screen back into place in your window.

Re-screening a window is a relatively simple task that can be performed fairly quickly and inexpensively by novices and experienced do-it-yourselfers alike. If you have any additional questions about general window maintenance or would like to learn more about our services, contact Replacement Glass today for all your needs for window replacement in Alaska. We look forward to working with you.

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