Screen repair is a job that you can do yourself, and at a considerable savings over what a professional would charge. Tom Silva shows Steve how to build a replacement window-screen using inexpensive parts and materials purchased from a home center. Materials: Screen frame-stock
Frame corners
Screen mesh (fiberglass or metal)
Vinyl spline
Spline tool
Flat-head screwdriver
Utility knife Steps: - Screen-frame stock (figure A) can be purchased in most home centers, and is fairly inexpensive. Begin by cutting the metal frame-stock using a hack-saw and miter-box (figure B). To save time, and ensure uniform lengths, you can cut two lengths of stock together, at the same time. Cut the equally long top and bottom pieces together, then the two identical side-pieces.
- The lengths of frame can be cut to length with a straight cut -- without the need for miter-cuts -- since the corners of the frame are joined together with L-shaped corner clips (figure C).
- The corner-clips simply slide into the ends of the frame stock (figure D).
- Once you've cut and assembled the frame, you're ready to install the screening wire. In our demonstration, we used fiberglass mesh. Metal screening is also available. The screen material is also available in a variety of colors or shades.
- Lay the screening wire over the frame, and use clips to secure it (figure E) and hold it flat and tight while you work.
- The screen is held in the frame by vinyl spline material, also available at home stores. Unspool a length of spline, and install it by pressing it into the frame's groove using a rolling spline-tool. Gently pull the spline tight with one hand, as you carefully press it into the groove with the roller (figure F). Be careful not to allow the roller to slip out of the groove, as it could damage the screen mesh.
- Upon reaching the corners of the frame -- where the roller won't reach -- use a flat-head screwdriver to press the spline into the corner (figure G) and continue on with the spline tool (figure H). As the spline goes into the groove, it helps pull the screen taut.
- Tip: When installing the spline using the roller, always work in the same direction. Don't back the wheel up.
- When you have installed spline all the way around the frame, and come back to the starting point, trim the spline to length using a utility knife.
- Also use the utility knife to trim off the excess screen mesh from the outside of the frame (figure I). Allow the blade to ride along the outside of the frame's groove to ensure a straight, clean cut.
RESOURCES :
HGTV's Complete Fix-It
Author: HGTV
Ask This Old House web site
Ask This Old House web site
Website: www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/asktoh/
Ask This Old House online episode guide
Ask This Old House online episode guide
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