What is the easiest way to keep bugs and mosquitoes away from your home? It can be done through the window screen mesh that acts as an effective barrier to keep insects and lizards away from home. The mesh screen also helps in getting natural light and air enter the house, making it look bright and fresh. It also partially blocks outside noise from entering the house.
However, if not handled properly, it tends to get easily damaged with time and due to environmental factors. If you have screen mesh with wooden frame, it may expand (during the rainy season) hindering its functions. If you have the window screen mesh with aluminium frame, the constant usage may cause its joints to lose, and result into mesh sagging.
If you face minor problems with respect to your window mesh, we share a few tips that will help you repair and replace screens easily at home.
See also: Shutters: What they are, their purpose and their types
Window screen mesh: Repair vs replace
If you notice any damage, such as holes or mesh wires ripped then it’s the time to replace the window screen.
Note, a small hole can be patched up, but the same is not true for extensive damage, where the entire screen needs to be replaced. Other signs that call for a replacement include too much noise coming from outside and the mesh appearing shiny instead of matte.
Window screen mesh: How to repair?
- Measure the size of the hole or tear on the window mesh screen. Cut a patch slightly bigger in size.
- Cut the existing hole portion into a square shape and bend edges so that the mesh can penetrate from the patch that will be fixed.
- Place the patch over the entire hole such that it is completely covered and secured by sewing the patch or fixing it with an adhesive.
Window screen mesh: How to replace?
The process to replace the screen is the same whether you have the wooden or aluminium window frame.
- Remove the frame from the window and put it on a flat surface.
- Use a flat screwdriver, remove the damaged window mesh screen from the frame. These may be by nails or stapler pins.
- Measure and cut the new mesh screen for the window.
- Spread the new roll of screen mesh over the window frame and cut a little extra from the existing frame size so that the mesh can be pulled and fastened tightly on the frame. A little extra can be cut later during adjustment instead of cutting a small size, which may get wasted. Note, you may need a helping hand to do this effectively.
- Start pushing the mesh inside the groove of the frame, using a spline roller. Once done, fix the mesh using stapler or nails.
- Use a spline roller to press the spline and screen into the frame’s retaining grooves.
- For a wooden screen frame, staple the mesh into the place, or nail it with wire brads.
- Once secured, the mesh should be taut, but not over-stretched across the frame.
- Once done, you can trim the extra window screen mesh.
- Fix the frame with the newly installed mesh on your window.
FAQs
What precautions should we take while replacing the window screen mesh?
While replacing the window screen mesh, always wear safety gears like gloves and glasses to protect your eyes.
What should be done if the window screen frame is bent?
If the window screen frame is bent, try to straighten it using pliers. If unable to do that, you need to replace it.
How can the window mesh be separated from the frame?
The window mesh can be separated from the frame, using a flat-head screwdriver.
Do you need to replace the window mesh screen in case of small holes or tears?
No, in case of small holes or tears, you can patch the area instead of replacing the window screen.
How often shall we check the window screen mesh?
It’s recommended to check the window screen mesh once in a month. This should be meticulously done before monsoons to prevent insects like mosquitoes and flies entering your house.
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