--- title: "How to Replace Window Screening and Keep Bugs Out of Your House" description: "Have holes or tears in your window screens that are allowing bugs indoors? Replacing a window screen is an inexpensive DIY that even novices can do." date: "2026-09-15" modified: "2026-09-15" authors: - name: "Larry Bilotti" job_title: "Former Executive Editor" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/larry-bilotti.md" url: "https://www.bobvila.com/exterior/how-to-replace-a-window-screen/" categories: - "DIY" - "Easy DIY Projects" - "Exterior" - "Windows" --- # How to Replace Window Screening and Keep Bugs Out of Your House ![Woman uses a spline tool to replace the material in a window screen.]() *Photo: Tom Fenenga for BobVila.com* 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, it’s easy to change them out—and doesn't require much outlay in terms of cash or materials. This easy guide for window screen replacement will help you get the job done right. ![A window screen and tools needed to replace the screen and spline.]() *Photo: Tom Fenenga for BobVila.com* ### Tools & Materials Bobvila.com may earn a commission from purchases made through these links. - [Spline]() - [Screen rolling tool]() - [Nail punch]() - [Small flathead screwdriver]() - [Scissors]() - [Small clamps]() - [Utility knife]() - [Window screening]() ## Steps to Replacing a Window Screen ### Step 1: Remove the old screen from the frame. ![Woman removes a torn window screen from its frame.]() *Photo: Tom Fenenga for BobVila.com* 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. ![Woman rolls window screen material over a window frame to prepare to cut it.]() *Photo: Tom Fenenga for BobVIla.com* 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. - ![Woman uses scissors to cut window screening to fit closer to window frame.]() *Photo: Tom Fenenga for BobVila.com* - ![Woman clamps window screening to the frame to prepare to install the spline.]() *Photo: Tom Fenenga for BobVila.com* [][][] 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. ![Woman uses a spline wheel to push spline into window screen channel.]() *Photo: Tom Fenenga for BobVila.com* 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. - ![Woman cuts excess screen after replacing window screen and spline.]() *Photo: Tom Fenenga for BobVila.com* - ![Woman replaces new window screen in window frame.]() *Photo: Tom Fenenga for BobVila.com* [][][] 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. Install the new screens back in your window frames. ## 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 replacement screening, look for screening 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 process above, you can save yourself the expense of buying new framed window screens. (The screen repair process is the same for [replacing the screen on a screen door]()—now you know how to fix those too!) Using just screening material and a couple of simple tools, replacing a torn screen usually takes less than an hour. While installing a replacement window screen may be a simple job, it isn’t a repair you should have to take on frequently. Extend the life of your window screens by storing them in the winter and cleaning them before reinstalling them in the spring. ## FAQ ## 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.