thisplace.com.au - Repairing Window Screens

Repairing Window Screens - Replacing a damaged section or an entire screen can be done with tools usually found around the home and by do-it-yourselfers. Several different materials are available for screening including aluminium or plastic which are nearly permanent against weather. Galvanised iron screen was used in the past but this material will rust over a period of times and should be replaced before it discolours the window frame and wall. Screen fabric comes in different widths so choose the width that will cover your frame with the least waste.

Repairing Holes in Window Screens - Repairing holes to keep out insects can be done in the following steps:

Method 1

Cut a patch of screen which will cover the hole at least 2-3cm (1 inch) on all sides.
Unravel a long piece of screen wire or several pieces and lace it through the patch and screen.

Method 2

Cut a patch large enough to cover the hole with about 4cm (1-1/2 inch) around all sides and unravel all sides of the patch about 1-2 cm (1/2 inch).
Bend the ends of the wire 90 degrees to the patch and push them through the screen covering the hole. Bend over the wires projecting through on the back side to hold the patch.

Replacing Screen on a Wooden Frame -

Remove wooden strips covering the edge of the screen. Be careful not to break them. Pry up with the screwdriver close to the nails to prevent cracking the strip.
Remove the old screen material by taking out the tacks or staples.
Cut the new screen to the width between the shoulders on the frame and 12-15 cm (5 or 6 inch) longer than the frame.
Attach the new screen fabric at one end with regular 2-3 cm (1/2 inch) carpet tacks. A stapler works well also.
Stretch the screen over the frame so it extends beyond the frame at the opposite end. Stretch it tight. One way is to nail two 3 x 3 cm (1 x 1 inch) strips to each side of the screen and to the workbench or large piece of plywood. Be sure the frame is snug up to the 3 x 3 cm (1 x 1 inch) with the loose end of the screen extending over the end of the frame. Another procedure is to clamp the frame to a board or table.
Drive a wedge between the frame and the 3 x 3 cm (1 x 1 inch) on both sides of the frame so it tightens the fabric over the frame.
Nail or staple the screen fabric on all four sides of each panel about every 10-15 cm (4 to 6 inch). Work from centre to each end to prevent a bulge from developing.
Cut off the excess screen with a knife, household shears, or tin snips. A razor blade will also work for plastic. Nail the loose end.
Replace the wooden strips around each panel. If they were broken when removed you may have to buy new ones. Paint the entire screen. Keep screen frames painted. When the paint peels off moisture gets into the wood. This can cause the frame to swell and will eventually cause the frame to rot.

Replacing Screen on Aluminium Frames -

Remove the aluminium or plastic retainer strip from around the frame that holds the screen fabric. Be careful not to tear the plastic or break the aluminium strip. An ice pick or other sharp pointed object works well to remove either type of retainer.
Using the torn screening as a pattern, cut the new screening. Plastic screening is usually used with aluminium frames. Cut the screen at least 1.5 cm (1/2 inch) wider than the pattern to be sure there is enough to hold when you put the retainer strip back. Cutting the screen even with the outside of the frame is a good size.
Spread the screening over the frame and press the retainer strip into the groove. Temporarily fastening the screen with masking tape keeps it in place on the frame. You may need a hammer to force the retainer strip into the groove. Do not strike the metal strip directly with the hammer but use a wood block about 8 or 10 cm (3 or 4 inches) long between the hammer and the strip. If a plastic strip is used it can be forced into the groove by hand pressure on a wooden block 8 or 10 cm (3 to 4 inches) long.
Trim off excess screening with a kitchen scissors or a knife or razor blade.