While I’m fairly decent at doing the standard home maintenance items, the more nuanced ones are still tricky for me. Rescreening windows, for instance, is one that has illuded me for ages. I always thought it would be tricky and difficult, so I always put off learning how to rescreen window screens.
Finally, I tried it. It was so easy! I couldn’t believe I had spent so many years thinking it was something I couldn’t do.
I figured I’d pass along the knowledge I learned so you could learn how to rescreen window screens yourself!
Tools to Rescreen Window Screens
There are only 3 tools needed to rescreen a window screen.
- Razorblade
- Screwdriver (flathead)
- Screen rolling tool
Steps on How to Rescreen Window Screens
1. Remove the Spline
The spline is the rubber material that is holding the screen in the frame.
Use a flat nose screwdriver to lift it out. Start in the corner that has the seam.
Carefully pull it out once you get the end up. If it is old, it can be hard and may easily crack.
Replacement Spline
If this happens, you will need to buy a replacement spline to use. You can find spline at nearly any hardware store.
It comes in different sizes. If you need to replace it, measure the groove the spline goes in on the screen frame. The spline size should match the groove width.
2. Pull the Old Screen Out
Once the spline is out, it should be easy to simply pull the old screen out of the screen frame.
3. Cut New Screen
A new screen for your window can be found at most hardware stores.
Lay the new screen out on top of the screen frame. Cut it off the roll using the razor.
4. Place Spline into Screen
Starting in a corner, put in the spline using the screwdriver to get it pushed down initially. Then use the screen rolling tool to wheel the rest of it in.
Go around the whole window, making sure the screen itself is fairly taught, but not too tight as you go.
Push in the Corners
Using the screwdriver, push down the spline in the corners of the screen.
5. Cut the Excess Screen
Using the razor, cut the excess screen off from the edge of the window. Be careful not to cut too close to the spline because then the screen may fall out and you will have to start over.
Congratulations, You Now Know How to Rescreen Window Screens!
As you can see from above, the process to rescreen a window is actually really easy. I think my first one only took me maybe 20 minutes total.
The best part for me was that huge sense of accomplishment of learning how to do something I never knew how to do.
I’ve found out that oftentimes, these small home maintenance items aren’t quite so bad once you learn how to do them.
If you tried it out, let me know in the comments below how it worked for you.
