Monday, October 08, 2007 12:51 PM
Replacing screens?
When I first moved into my house, several years ago, one of the features I liked the most was its great sliding doors. The first summer I noticed a few unsightly tears in their screens. I thought it would be a problem to fix or replace them. It took a few unpleasant encounters with bugs and insects to change my mind. Turns out it?s pretty easy. Besides, holes and tears in window screens make a house look uncared for ? bad news if you are thinking of selling!
A minimal investment of time and a few simple tools get your screens in top shape. Work with a friend, who can help hold the screen taut while you work, and the job should only take about 20 minutes per screen.
All you need is screening (buy it for a few dollars at a home center), screen spline (thin, narrow piece of wood, metal or plastic that fits into or onto the edges of the window and holds the screen taut), a screwdriver, 1-1/4" putty knife, utility knife, clean paint brush, small clamps, and screening tool with a convex wheel at one end, and a concave wheel at the other.
Clear a flat, firm surface as a workspace and remove the torn screen window. Use a flat head screwdriver or putty knife to pry out the old spline. Remove the screen and clear the channel with a clean paintbrush. Cut a new piece of screen 2" larger than the opening. Use the screening tool's convex wheel to push the screen into the channel all around the window, keeping screen smooth and taut. Cut a piece of the spline 6" longer than the perimeter of the opening. Use the concave wheel on the screening tool to push the spline and the screen into the channel all the way around the window, maintaining tension. Cut any excess screen from outside the spline with a utility knife, and then reinstall the window.
Pour a glass of iced tea -- and enjoy the breeze. If I can do it, so can you!