The screens on your windows and doors are very beneficial. They give you the option to allow the crisp fall air to come in while keeping pesky bugs out. Unfortunately, there will come a point where you must replace your faithful screen. Either time or a fly ball got the best of it, and it is time to move on and replace your trusty screen, making sure to build it better than ever. This article is going to give you the tools and how-to for replacing your window or door screens.
Before I jump into the specific details, there are different types of screens to be aware of and certain tools you will need before you start. Not all screens are the same material, and each material offers different perks. The most common screen material is fiber glass. It’s cheap and malleable, so if you do mess up when installing, you can re-install with ease. Aluminum screen is slightly more expensive and far less malleable, meaning you have to install the screen properly the first time. However, an aluminum screen will last longer and withstand any baseball. The last screen type is solar screen. It is a very dense screen that allows far less light into the area it surrounds, but it does come with a higher price tag. As for tools, you’ll need a flat head screw driver, the screen itself, screen spline window liner, a convex & concave precision roller, a sharpened utility knife or box cutter and perhaps a pair of scissors.
Replacing a screen for a door or window is a quick and easy project that can be accomplished in a single afternoon. Luckily, the process for windows and doors are roughly the same with the only difference being the ways you remove the frame. Before starting, remove the screen frame from its holding place. With your flathead screwdriver, pull the spline upwards, releasing its pressure upon the old screen. Once you’ve removed the old screen completely, lay the new screen down over the frame allowing two inches of excess. It’s okay for the screen’s dimensions to exceed the frame’s; you’ll be cutting off any excess screen once installation is complete. As stated previously, if you are using a screen material that is not fiber glass, be extremely cautious while installing because you only have one chance. Using the concave precision roller, roll the screen into the grooves that outline the frame. After being sure the screen is tightly imbedded in the grooves, use the convex roller to roll a line of spline over the screen, applying enough pressure to ensure it won’t come out but not too much that it creates ripples in the screen due to uneven pressure. After completing the installation, use your precision blade to remove any excess screen. If the screen appears to be flat with no bowing or ripples, reinsert the frame, and you are done!
Replacing the screens in your doors and windows can be a breeze with the right materials and preparation. Whether your screens have decayed with age or get damaged by an accident, you can now take on this project with confidence. Now, enjoy the fresh air filtered by your new screens. 
M.J. Kennedy
Home & Yard Magazine
