Replace Window Screens...a Tutorial

Now that Spring has arrived, we like to open our windows and let some fresh air in the house. The problem is, we have old worn out screens with rips and tears which lets all kinds of flying insects into our home.
So today, I’m going to show you how easy (and inexpensive) it is to replace your window screens.

First you need to remove your screen (frame and all) from the window.
Next you will need to remove the spline (the rubber rope).





You can reuse the old spline or replace it with new spline. (We replaced ours with new spline.) The spline comes in different sizes so you will need to take a piece of the old spline to the hardware store to make sure you get the correct size.
Next, rip out the old screen. Once the spline is removed the screen comes out easily.





The screen comes in several different sizes. Measure your windows to be sure to get the right size screen. We bought a roll of 36 inches x 25 feet of fiberglass screen. Your new screen should be a inch or so larger than the window frame in which you are installing the new screen.





As you can see in the photo below, you need to cut the screen larger than the opening of the frame.





Next, you will need a special tool. The Rollerknife will make this project so easy! It costs between $10-$20 depending on where you buy but it is worth every penny.





Now take a piece of spline and lay it on top of the screen in one corner and firmly hold it over the groove in the frame. Use you the Rollerknife wheel to press the spline into the groove.





Continue pressing the spline into the groove all the way around the frame making sure your screen is pulled taut. As the spline is pressed into the groove, the screen will become more firm.
You can use one continuous piece of spline or cut it so you have one piece for each side of the frame. We cut one piece for each side because it made the corners easier to work with.





Your screen should look similar to this after your spline is inserted all the way around.





Now that the spline is inserted, it’s time to flip your Rollerknife over and use the switch on the side to push the blade out. Cut the screen close to the outside edge of the spline.





You are now cutting away the excess screen. Once all the excess screen is cut away, you might want to go over the spline once again with the roller. This really sets it into the groove and secures the screen.





That’s it! You’re all done.
Here’s one of the old screens next to the newly replaced screen. The circle shows where there was a gaping hole for insects to enter through.





Now, just pop your new screen back into the window.
We replaced 3 screens so far and we have plenty of screen and spline left over. We spent just under $30. and we have enough screen left over to replace the screens in the 7 remaining downstairs windows and enough spline for 3 more windows. So we will need to buy more spline or reuse the old stuff.
Replacing your screens is inexpensive and easy and it helps keep the insects outside where they belong.
For more DIY Home Improvement Projects, visit Our Secondhand House.






Original article and pictures take http://www.hometalk.com/14411985/replace-window-screens-a-tutorial site