Time it took: Me? I spent over an hour doing 1 window screen. Then my son took over and finished the job. It took him maybe 20 minutes per window. Note below why it took me so long...
My mother needs to have several screens replaced. This one's a very doable job and I've done it before. When my kids were very small, they poked holes in the screen door (several times) and garden mice occasionally chewed through her fiberglass screens.
This time, I'm using the metal screens to keep those mice out. Of course, the kids can still poke holes, but now they're old enough NOT to do it.
So... Starting with the list of supplies, you'll need:
- Window screen - comes in fiberglass or aluminum at Home Depot.
- screen tool - Don't try to use a screwdriver or something else... This is worth the investment and only cost a couple bucks.
- GLOVES if you're doing the aluminum screen, unless you're very careful and adept with home repairs (which we all know I'm NOT).
- x-acto knife or very sharp tool for cutting the excess screen.
- Rubbery Screen Spline - Bring a bit of your old screen spline so you can pick the correct size.
- Tape
If you read the back of the Spline packageyou'll find the instructions for replacing the screen. It's a rather simple proccess, basically remove the spline/screen. Cut a new screen piece abou 2" larger than the frame. Secure the frame by taping it to a table or something so it doesn't warp while you... um..."spline" it. Place the new screen on the frame, and push the spline in using the tool. Simple right?
Note: This job is not for weak hands. My fingers were tired and achy from doing lots of handsewing and gardening over the past weekend and the spline was a bear to push in. Eventually my son took over, but I did manage to get 1 screen done quite neatly. If you use fiberglass screen, the job is much easier. Metal screen'll fight back.... with teeth and claws, so use your gloves.
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