Install a Replacement Window Screen

If you want to look forward to a bug-free living (unruly kids don't count), here is a quick and easy guide for installing a replacement window screen.

Steps

 * 1) Purchase screen (aluminum or vinyl), piping and any tools you don't already own or can't borrow.
 * 2)  Remove the piping from the trench the screen is secured in  carefully, using the screwdriver or awl, all the way around.
 * 3)  Using a paint brush clean the trench.
 * 4)  Lay the cut screen over the area to be screened.
 * 5)  Carefully using the roller, indent the screen into the trench, making sure not to puncture the screen.  It will take 4 to 5 passes around before the screen will be securely indented, without damage to the screen.
 * 6)  Take your piping, and gently lay it into the trench.
 * 7)  Now take your screen roller and gently press the piping into the trench. This will take 2 to 3 passes.
 * 8)  If the screen sets to your satisfaction, carefully trim the excess screen off all around.
 * 9)  Now you are ready to re-install your re-screened screen into its place.
 * 10)  Stand back and admire your work.

Tips

 * Before removing the old screen, you should do the following:
 * Measure the opening the screen covered. Add a minimum of 2 inches (50.8 mm)on each side.  This is 4 inches (101.6 mm) to the width and length of each area.
 * If replacing more than 1 screen: Find out the width of screens available at your local hardware/home improvement store.
 * Make a layout, insuring that your measurements fit inside the width of screen available, including the added 4 inches (101.6 mm).
 * Add an extra 4 to 6 inches (101.6 mm to 152.4)to the length of the screen for safety.

Warnings

 * If you use your kitchen table to cut the screen, cover it with cardboard to protect the surface.
 * The screen will tend to bow inward in the middle as you set the new screen.   To control this, place a board of similar thickness to the screen frame in the  interior middle section of the screen.  It must be cut to fit snugly keeping the middle of the screen from being pulled inward.

Things You'll Need

 * A double wheeled screen roller; available for under $5.00
 * A small slot/flat screwdriver or awl; to help you remove the old screen piping.
 * A utility knife
 * A small paintbrush(doesn't have to be new)
 * A tape measure
 * A ruler or straight edge to use as a cutting guide
 * A sturdy worktable

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