--- title: "How to Replace a Window Screen" description: "Replacing a damaged window screen is a easy, inexpensive project that even novice DIYers can do." date: "2012-06-26" modified: "2025-07-10" authors: - name: "Larry Bilotti" job_title: "Former Executive Editor" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/larry-bilotti/" - name: "Bob Vila" job_title: "Founder" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/bob-vila/" - name: "Tony Carrick" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/tony-carrick/" url: "https://www.bobvila.com/articles/2503-how-to-replace-a-window-screen/" categories: - "DIY" - "Exterior" - "Repair & Maintenance" - "Windows" tags: - "doors" - "How To" - "summer" - "windows" --- # How to Replace a Window Screen ![A main repair the window screen with a spline roller.]() *Photo: Anchalee Phanmaha via Getty Images* Window screening is there for a purpose. If it gets a snag, a tear, or a hole, it is much less effective at keeping insects and debris out of your home than it is if it is intact. Should your screens fail, however, understand that it’s easy to change them out—and doesn't require much outlay in terms of cash or materials. All you have to do is follow these easy instructions for window screen replacement. ### Tools & Materials Bobvila.com may earn a commission from purchases made through these links. - [Window screening]() - [Spline]() - [Screen rolling tool]() - [Nail punch]() - [Small flathead screwdriver]() - [Scissors]() - [Small clamps]() - [Utility knife]() ## Replacing Window Screens in 5 Easy Steps ### Step 1: Remove the old screen from the frame. The screen is held in place with a plastic cord, called a spline, that runs in a channel around the perimeter of the metal frame. Use a small flat-head [screwdriver](), nail punch, or sharp object to lift the spline out of the channel. Keep the spline, but remove and discard or [repurpose the torn screen](). If the frame is dirty, this is a good time to wash it. While it dries, bring the old spline with you to a home improvement store to ensure that the replacement spline you buy is the proper size. ### Step 2: Size the new window screening material. ![Person sitting on the floor, sizing new window screening into a window screen.]() *Photo: iStock* Place the metal frame on a flat work surface, and roll out a length of screen material to cover the entire frame. Leaving an extra 2 inches of screening material on all sides, cut the screen to size. ### Step 3: Position the new window screen in the frame. Lay the new window screen material over the frame, making sure that the material overlaps the metal on all four sides. Screen material is usually sold on a roll. When you unroll it, place it curved side down—it’ll be easier to work with. Pull the screening taut and tape or clamp it to the top and bottom of the frame. ### Step 4: Install the new spline. ![Person pushing replacement spline into a new window screen.]() *Photo: iStock* Starting at one side and working your way around the perimeter of the frame, use the convex wheel of the screen rolling tool to push the screen into the channel of the frame. Be sure to keep the material taut as you work your way around, then use the concave side of the same tool to insert the plastic spline. ### Step 5: Remove excess screening material, and replace the new screen in the window. Once you have installed the spline, trim the excess screening material with a [utility knife](). Cut the screen on the outside of the new spline, angling the utility knife blade away from the new spline to avoid cutting it. Finally, install your new window screens. ## Window Screen Maintenance ![Woman wearing rubber gloves scrubs window screens lying on a blue tarp.]() *Photo: Tom Fenega for BobVila.com* - Part of ensuring that window screen or [patio door screen replacements]() last a long time involves properly maintaining them. - It’s a good practice to remove your screens in winter and store them in a dry place, such as an attic or basement, to prevent snow and ice from damaging them. - [Window screens should be cleaned]() at least once a year to remove dirt and pollen that collect on them. Apply a mild soap-and-water solution and lightly brush the screens before rinsing them with water and wiping them dry. - Screens are most often damaged while being installed or removed. Learning how to remove a screen from a window properly will help you avoid bending the screen frame or tearing the screen, and ensure that it will block bugs and debris from your home for a long time to come. ## Final Thoughts When shopping for a roll of replacement window screen material, be sure to buy screens made of a material that's appropriate for your household. Most window screening is made of fiberglass, but households with dogs or cats might want to consider heavy-duty, pet resistant screens that are less prone to snagging. Solar screens are useful on patios, or in sunny areas of your home, because they reduce the amount of heat and sunlight indoors (and thus, the amount it costs to cool your home). By following the simple steps above, you can learn how to rescreen a window, saving you the expense of costly replacement window screens. (The screen repair process is the same for screen doors—now you know how to fix those too!) With an inexpensive replacement mesh and a couple of simple tools, replacing a torn screen takes less than an hour. While installing a replacement window screen may be a relatively simple job, it isn’t a repair you should have to take on regularly. Extend the life of your window screens by properly storing them in the winter and by cleaning them before reinstalling them in the spring. ## FAQs ## Author Larry Bilotti is former Executive Editor of BobVila.com and an avid DIYer. Previously, he served as Executive Editor for [Country Living](). Nowadays, Larry spends most weekends updating a 1890s house in The Catskills, New York.