All About Home Window Screen Repair

Just imagine, summer is finally here. You’ve been waiting all year to have the warm sunlight in your home and a breeze pushing through. But instead, you find your doors and windows are constantly shut. How else are you going to keep the harsh UV rays and bugs outside? The answer is, installing screens for your windows and doors.

Screens will let natural light in and act as a barrier from UV sunlight while allowing airflow through your home. No more shutting the doors; now you can enjoy the warm air without the bugs and fading carpet.

Door and window screens will make life better and add a sense of style to your home. In this post, we look at the different types of screens, how screens start to degrade, and what is involved with home window screen repair.

 

Different Types of Screens

 

Fiberglass: This is a common type of material used for making window screens. The bonus with this material is that it doesn’t corrode, stain, or rust. That means it will stand up to harsh weather. There are many different styles and sizes, which is appealing, and the mesh is small enough to keep pesky bugs out but the light and breeze in.

However, it is less durable than aluminum, will eventually stretch over time, and is susceptible to tearing more easily.

Aluminum: This thin metal mesh is an attractive and very durable, long-lasting material. There are plenty of options available with regards to colors and sizes.

However, it can bend easily and is sensitive to denting. It is also more expensive than fiberglass.

Solar: These kinds of screens, also known as sun screens, are more often found on patios, pool decks, porches, or homes in warmer climates. These are mainly used for keeping the heat of the sun out of your house. They can absorb heat, and as a bonus, they will help keep air conditioning costs down and your soft furnishing from fading in UV light. However, they will reduce the amount of natural light by close to 40%.

Bronze, Copper, Brass, & Stainless-Steel: These materials are by far the most expensive, but they are also the most durable. You can expect a beautiful golden shine on the bronze, copper, and brass screens when they are new. However, all but stainless steel will tarnish over time. Stainless steel will keep its shiny, silver look.

Retractable: These are more like shades, and you can adjust them up or down as you wish. They can fit any size window and are simply snapped into place, so installation is simple. These are usually made of PVC-coated fiberglass or polyester mesh.

Pet resistant: Made from heavy-duty, vinyl-coated polyester, they offer an additional layer of protection for screen doors. That means no more accidental knocking or pressure on your screen door from large dogs. It will also prevent other pets from clawing, scratching, or tearing your existing screens.

 

 

How a Window Screen Typically Becomes Broken

 

When your window screen is damaged, it’s not of much use any longer. That’s because you have a window screen to block sunlight or stop bugs from coming indoors. But if your screen is damaged, you’ll find the harsh sun and irritating insects making their way into your home. Here are a couple of reasons window screens fall into disrepair.

• Age: Over long periods, window screens may become brittle and even rust. Not only does this weaken your screens, but they will start to look unsightly too. So if your screens are heading towards 10 years of age, it’s time to look into replacement or repair.
• Tears: As we mentioned, if your window screens are damaged with a tear in the fabric or mesh, well, then they become pretty useless. This is more common on window screens placed on the outside of the frame, as you’ll find holes from bugs and rodents. Also, your pets and children will cause wear and tear on your screens too.
• Fading: If you’re facing a faded or discolored window screen, your best bet is a complete repair or replacement. The wind and sun are a constant threat to your screen until it eventually starts to wear down.
• Frames: Perhaps your frame has started to deteriorate. This can cause damage to your window screen, too, as a bent, dented, or warped frame will compromise the integrity of the screen.

What are Your Options for Home Window Screen Repair?

 

You can choose to go the whole DIY route and do a home screen repair on your own, or you can look into replacement options. Let’s look at what home screen repair involves.

Making a minor home screen repair
Aluminum and fiberglass window screens can be patched if the hole or tear is three inches in size or smaller. You should be able to find a patch kit at a local home repair store. Follow the material-specific directions, and your screen should be patched up in no time.

Replacing the entire screen
If your screen is loose or torn, you can replace the whole window screen yourself. And it shouldn’t take you very long. You’ll need some basic tools, including a screwdriver, utility knife, spline (plastic cord that holds the screen in place), tape, screen roller, and replacement window screen. Not sure where to start? Simply google some tutorials, and you’ll be set.

Building a new frame and adding a replacement screen
If you consider yourself a handyman, you can replace the entire structure and screen yourself. Using the same tools plus some clamps, spline tool, frame corners, and screen frame-stock. Again, there are plenty of tutorials online that will make DIY seem easy.

Replacing your screen
Let’s face it. Not all of us are good with tools. And if this is you, get in touch with us at Hurst Glass. We can handle your screen repair and replacement from start to finish. There’s peace of mind in knowing the professionals have been set to work.

 

 

How We Can Help

 

At Hurst Glass and Screen, we provide installation, repair, and replacement for glass and screens. Our installation services are available locally for the DFW area. We are excited to be offering online products so people all over the country can benefit from our custom-made, high-quality products. We’re happy to give you a free quick estimate based on your measurements.

At Hurst Glass and Screen, we are a family-owned business providing quality service to residential and commercial clients in Fort Worth, Dallas, and surrounding areas. Our services include commercial and residential glass installations, glass repairs, fogged window replacements, bug screens, solar screens, shower doors, shower enclosures, mirrors, and glass tabletops.

We are happy to answer any questions about our home window screen repair services and products. Give us a call or send us a message online.