Cleaning your windows and window screens regularly can help to keep your view clear, but at some point the screens will become brittle and easily damaged. Window screens also fade over time due to exposure to the elements, negatively impacting your view! If you’re reading this blog, chances are you’ve just noticed that happening in your home. So, it’s probably time to replace your window screens. DIY window screen replacement is a great weekend project for two people! Afterwards you’ll see what a remarkable difference new window screens make in the overall look of your windows and the clarity of your view! In this DIY tutorial, I will detail DIY window screen replacement.
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What You’ll Need for this Project
For DIY window screen replacement, you’ll need new window screens like these ones that I use. I recommend going with black screens (not gray) for the maximum visibility through the screen. You’ll also need a spline roller like this one I use to push the spline into the groove of the window screen frame.
Depending on the age and integrity of the existing window screen frame and spline, you may or may not need to purchase replacements. If your window screen frames are bent or rusted, grab these window screen frame kits that come with screen frames and new spline. If your existing frames are fine but your spline is old and no longer pliable, I recommend grabbing this spline.
You’ll also want a pair of scissors and a utility knife like this one that you will use to slice off the excess screen at the very end.
Other than that, you’ll just need a clean, flat surface to work on.
How to Replace Your Window Screens
- After removing the window screen frame from your window sill, pull the spline out of the groove of the frame. Set it aside, because you’ll be reusing the spline if it is still in good condition.
- Throw away the existing window screen.
- Lay the frame down on a clean, flat surface with the groove side facing up.
- Roll the window screen out on top of the frame, leaving a few inches of excess on each side before you cut it to length.
- Starting on one of the short sides of the frame, use the spline roller to attach the window screen to the frame by pushing the spline into the groove of the window screen frame. Keep this technique going on to one of the long sides of the frame.
- Once you get to the third side of the frame, the second person will need to pull the screen taught (but not too tight) to ensure there are no ripples in the screen before continuing with the spline rolling technique. Finish all four sides.
- Run the utility knife just outside of the spline to remove the excess screen from all four sides.
- Pro tip: CLEAN your windows inside and out, and take this opportunity to vacuum out the window track before reinstalling the window screen frame!
- Reinstall the window screen frame into the window sill, and voila! You’re done with DIY window screen replacement!
The Cost of DIY Window Screen Replacement
If your existing window frames and spline can be reused, all you’ll need is new window screens and a spline roller. In my case, the roll of window screen needed for the average window size in my house costs $23.48 (about $25.59 with tax in my area). I can re-screen about five windows with one roll. That breaks down to a cost of about $5.11 per window. There is also the cost of the spline roller, which is about $6.84 after tax in my area. That is well worth it for the improvement in the look of my window and the view outside!
Should You Replace Your Window Screens, or Paint Them?
If your current window screens are faded, but in fairly good condition and functioning well, you may want to consider spray painting them to give them new life! This option is even less costly, and a little less labor intensive than DIY window screen replacement. If you are interested in learning more about this option, check out this blog post on this window screen replacement alternative! In the blog, I detail how I did it, what items you’ll need, and the approximate cost per window.
Watch: DIY Window Screen Replacement
I shared this short tutorial video about how to replace your window screens on Instagram and my YouTube channel.
