View Full Version : How to Fix Screen Windows


sweetpea
09-19-2004, 10:14 PM
Ok, for all of us who have (and have not) been through hurricanes this season, I am sure this could help you or someone you know out! :)

Don't forget to wear gloves when working with either old screen or new screen materials. This will protect your hands from cuts.

What you need:

Cutting end nippers
Hammer
Staple gun
New screen material- from local home improvement store
Metal cutting shears or a razor knife- you'll choose either one depending on the screen material
Scrap of 2 inch by 4 inch lumber
Finish nails
Putty knife or flat-bladed screwdriver

What you do:

1. Remove the strips of molding that hold the old screen in place. You can do this by gently prying it up using the edge of a putty knife or the flat-bladed screwdriver. Using your hammer and nippers, carefully remove the nails from the old molding, and pull out any tacks if they are left.
2. Cut a new piece of screen material to fit your opening, allow for an extra inch on each side and cut the corners at 45 degree angles.
3. Staple one of the narrow ends of the screen in place first. If you use fiberglass screen material, fold the edge of the material over once before you staple, this will give you extra strength.
4. Bow the frame Stand up the other narrow end of the frame up on the 2 inch by 4 inch lumber to allow the long sides of the frame to flex slightly. Have an assistant push down gently to form a slight bow in the frame while you staple the screen in place along the remaining narrow end. The screen should be tight once it is released.
5. Straight & Trim Make sure the new screening material is straight, then staple along the two remaining edges. Trim excess screening and finish up by tacking the molding strips back in place, using the new finish nails.

http://pinksunrise.com/fixit/screenwindow.htm