Sunday, July 6, 2014

Rescreening Windows

So in a little while I'm hitting the highway for a road trip to get our kids who have had a fun last week visiting their grandparents. During the week this mama has been knocking off tasks from my To Do list. I've done multiple projects and I'll eventually share them all with you.

Here is one minor project that took about fifteen minutes, it was simply making the time and putting forth a little effort.

It is so simple to change out window screens. My mother-in-law taught me how easy it was a few years ago. I would have thought you'd have to fork out money to buy the entire framed screen or something but maybe that was just me and never putting much thought into it!


Supplies you need
Screen - it comes in a roll and is found at the hardware store - I used Clear Advantage and I got it from Lowe's or Home Depot.
Screen spline - I bought 140" Diameter and 25' long (for multiple screens)
Scissors
Box cutter
Screen roller tool - found in screening supplies at hardware store

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First you gently slide the screen out of the window.They are typically very easy to get out, just use common sense about how to pull it. It took me a few tries at first to figure out how to get one out of the window. HA! ;) Yes a few years ago, I replaced every screen on all the windows. I'm telling you it is an easy job and you can do it watching tv!


Okay, so next you slowly pull out the screen spline and the old screen will come out of the frame with a little force.




So once you are ready to install the new screen, cut a piece of screen and be sure to leave about an inch to an inch and a half extra overlapping the frame. I used this piece because this is what I had left from one roll but it worked. It wasn't quite an inch extra all the way around as you can see.


Lay the screen over the frame. Next cut your spline. I measure it out and wrap it all the way around the frame using only one piece. It's not necessary to make cuts and use four pieces for each side of the frame. The spline will curl around the corners with no trouble.


Once you have your screen laid out and your spline cut, start rolling the spline, keeping the screen taut as you go. It takes moderate pressure to get the spline in the slit.


After the spline has been inserted all the way around the frame, take your box cutters ( I couldn't find mine so scissors worked too) and watch those fingers cutting the excess screen!
There you have it! It's super simple and helps keep the bugs out when you open your windows. OR if you're like me and like uniformity and the "not so dry rotted" look, you might want to give this a shot!


I’m linking up to the Something to Talk About Link Party today.  Go on over and see all the fabulous diy, crafts, furniture makeovers and more.

4 comments:

Unknown said...

WOW, this is an awesome tutorial. We have a 93 year old home and there are some really old screens on the back of the house so this would be perfect for us. Hi this Spoon Mirror is adorable!! I love it and I'm sure it took a ton of time to make it. Thank you soooo much for linking up to the Something to Talk About Link Party and mark your calendar for next Monday 6 am est too. Have a great day, Lisa at Concord Cottage

Bluwatergal said...

This brings back so many memories of repairing screens for windows and doors at the lake house as a kid. It was one job we could always help with. You're right ~ it's not hard and so nice to do your own repairs. Thanks for sharing today at our "Something to Talk About" link party :-) Bwg ~~~

Less Is More said...

I seriously had no idea how easy it is to do and was pleasantly surprised! Thanks again!

Linda said...

You make it look so easy. I am still dreading it! We have 3 stories and 28 windows on our farmhouse plus 5 exterior doors. Waiting for the spring thaw to get going on this big project. I am actually encouraged by your tutorial. Thanks! Linda