How to Replace a Window Screen

Spring is here! Chances are you have opened the windows once or twice to let in the breeze, but did your check to see if your screens need replacing after the long winter months? Before the bugs start using the holes as a highway into your house, check to see if your screens have any tears in them and we can help you fix them.

What you will need:

  • Fiberglass screening, which costs about $8 a roll.
  • Spline, which is the rubber rope that holds your screen in. Now spline comes in a few different sizes. So bring a piece with you to make sure you purchase the right size. It costs about $5 a roll, and is enough to do two windows.
  • A spline roller, the tool that helps push the spline into the track. A car key works just fine just not as efficient as a spline roller. A spline roller costs about $6.50.
  • A box cutter
  • Scissors

Replacing the Screen:

  1. Unroll your screen to estimate just how much you need. Cut it off so you have a couple inches extra all around the window.
  2. Grab the spline, which will go over the screen, into this channel around the window.
  3. The spline roller has 2 ends. One with a grove in it, like you see here, and one without a grove. Use the end with the groove. The groove fits over the ridges in the spline and helps it go in straight.
  4. Hold your screen up to the window and stick the end of your spline into the corner of a channel. Push it in tight with the tool (or your key). Holding your screen tight, roll the spline roller along the spline, pushing it into the channel.
  5. Continue to push the spline in with the roller all around the window. Make sure you’re always holding the screen tightly so your finished product will be taut.
  6. Once the screen is in, use your box cutter to cut of the excess screen around the edges.

The same principal works for all window screens, old or new. This also works for a screen door. You might find it easier to take the screen out and lay it on the floor.


Can’t remove the screens and need a new windows?

Request a Quote or Give us a call today (630) 717-0007!