Having rips or holes in a window screen may not seem like a huge deal, but they do present problems in that they let bugs into the home and also just plain look bad. The good news is that old screens are fairly easy to replace. All you need is some basic tools and a large patch of new window screening.


Because the edges of window screening can be sharp, be sure to wear protective gloves as you’re cutting out your new screen. Once you have your gloves handy, follow these steps to replace a window screen.

Step 1: Remove the entire screen fixture from the window and close the window behind you (to keep bugs from coming in). Different screens are taken out in different ways, so if you’re not sure how your screen frame works, examine it closely to identify its removal mechanism before trying to remove it. Lay the screen out on a large, flat surface with your new screening nearby.

Step 2: Using a screwdriver, pull out the spline that runs around the edges of the screen frame and holds the screening in place. Set the spline aside, as you’ll be putting it back in place later. Remove and discard of the old screening.

Step 3: Wearing your protective gloves, place your patch of new screening over the window frame and use some sharp scissors to cut it so that it is an inch or two larger than the frame on all sides. Then, cut away the corners at a 45-degree angle.

Step 4: Use a screen-spline roller to force the new screen into the channel in the frame that holds it in place. You’ll notice that the screen protrudes through all the edges. Force the spline back in with the spline roller, and when the screen is perfectly centered, cut away the excess with a utility knife.

Step 5: Make sure the screening is fairly tight in the frame, and then place the frame back in the window.