DIY Network

Replacing Screens Learn the proper way to replace a window screen. From "Home Made Easy" episode DHME-122

Guest Allegra Bennett, editor of Renovating Woman magazine, joins host Stephanie Lydecker and shows how to replace the entire screen on a window.

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	Allegra shows you how easy it is to replace a torn window screen.
	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

Materials:

wide screwdriver
roll of screen fabric
scissors
utility knife
roll of screen spline
splining tool or screening tool

Replacing a Screen

1. When a tear is too large to patch, the screen should be replaced. The first step is to remove the screen from the frame.

2. Place the screen on a flat surface and remove the spline. The spline is a thin, continuous cord that is pressed into the edges of the screening material and into the groove of the frame to hold the screening in place (figure A).

3. Wiggle the tip of a screwdriver along the spline and pry it up. Once an end is loosened, the rest can be easily rolled up. Sometimes if the spline is really old it turns brittle. If that is the case, you may have to work a little longer to remove the broken pieces and free the screening.

4. Next, roll the replacement screen across your work table and under the frame. Make sure that between one and three inches of excess screen is hanging over all four sides of the frame. Next, cut the replacement screen with scissors from the roll. Lay the replacement screen with the curved or concave side down on top of the frame.

5. The next step is to place the spline in the inside groove of the frame. Begin in one of the corners and use your fingers to push the spline into the groove (figure B) and all around the perimeter of the screen.

6. Once you have the spline in place, use the screening or splining tool's flat roller end to push the screen down into the frame's channel (figure C). You will need to take the screen frame to the store with you in order to purchase the correct size splining tool.

   Note: Spline can harden as it gets older—it can become brittle or even crack. So, if you are working on an older screen you really should replace the spline too.

7. Trim the excess screening from the frame with a utility knife. Be very careful when cutting the excess screening so that you don't cut yourself or damage the screen. Be sure to just cut along the frame on the outside of the spine.

Note: Now that you know the process, you can do the same thing to repair sagging screens or if your child, dog or forgetful adult has accidentally walked through the screen door.

GUESTS :

Allegra Bennett
Editor, Renovating Woman magazine

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Website: www.renovatingwoman.com