Fixer Upper Tip Series I: Window Screen Repair
So the house we're renting is a fixer upper. I know that's not too common, but it's kind of an agreement between friends. It's tucked into the Northern Maine woods and needs some repairs. But for $500, we can do some repairs.
The first one was pretty easy. Many of the window screens were torn. (Are window screens a thing where you are? I love having fresh air coming in and I was sad they weren't so common in New Orleans. But they are in Maine.)
So if you love fresh air, have a torn screen, and hate bugs, it's an easy fix! You'll want to pick up a roll of new screen, which can be anywhere from a few dollars to around $50, depending on how much screen you need and how durable you want it. You'll also need a screen roller, which costs between 6-10 dollars. Kits are available as well. (A kit will likely come with a device to remove the old screen too.)
Steps
Remove the frame with the torn screen from the window.
Use a butter knife or flat screwdriver to remove the spline (the rubber gasket which holds the screen in place). The screen will come free from the frame. Check the spline for any damage. If it is damaged, you will need a replacement, if not, feel free to reuse it.
Lay the screen frame on a large, flat surface. Roll out the replacement screen over the frame. Start at one corner, press the end of the spline into the channel (little ditch in the frame where the spline came out of) with the spline tool so that the spline secures the screen to the frame.
Continue using the spline tool to go around the frame, securing the screen to the frame with the spline.
Using an Exacto Knife, cut the screen. Be sure not to cut into the spline.
Hang your frame back up and enjoy fresh air, bug-free!
Notes
Note: you can use your butter knife or screwdriver in lieu of the spline tool, but the latter makes it super easy.
Make sure your screen is pulled tight so there’s no waves.
A few of the frames in our windows were bent. In this case, it's easiest to buy a new frame complete with a screen. You can also do this if you live in a house with no screens at all.
You can also get small screen inserts for windows which push up. I used these in New Orleans! They're cheap but easy to use. The one negative to these is that, though you can adjust them horizontally, they don't get any taller or shorter.
Thanks for reading!
💜
Laura
