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Replacing a screen on a wooden window frame? It’s a straightforward job. To get it done right, and with a minimum of hassle, here are some guidelines to help you along.
First, lay the screen flat on a work surface. With hammer and chisel, gently remove the molding around the edge of the screen. Meanwhile, cut a piece replacement screening material that’s a few inches larger than what you need. Lay the new screen over the frame and staple the top end, making sure the weave runs square to the frame.
Next, pull the screen a little beyond the bottom of the frame, then staple it across a pre-cut scrap of one-by-two. Stretch the screen taut by tilting the scrap wood against the frame while firmly pulling downward. Once satisfied with how tightly the screen fits over the frame, go ahead and staple the bottom to secure the mesh in place.
Proceed to staple the screen along both sides of the frame. Once finished, go back and, using a utility knife, trim away all excess material—that is, the extra mesh that sticks out beyond the staples. Finally, replace your trim.
When replacing a window screen, bear in mind that although aluminum mesh tends to last the longest, fiberglass works best in areas with salty air.