Replace Your Storm Door Screen

There’s nothing like opening up a door to let in some fresh, clean air. But if you have a storm door screen with a tear or hole, a delightful breeze isn’t the only thing that’s going to come inside. Here’s how to replace the screen on a storm door so that the fresh air comes in while the insects stay out.

Preparation

The following instructions are for replacing the screen in a metal storm door frame, but you can follow them for replacing or reinstalling screens in window frames too. The replacement is a quick and easy task.

TIP: It’s a good idea to replace the screen, retaining spline and pull tabs every 5 to 10 years—before they become brittle and fail. Also note that the screens installed in some new homes are the least expensive available. Inspect them and consider upgrading sooner.

01 Gather needed materials and tools, referring to the list on the left.

02 Select the replacement screen material.

  • Both fiberglass and aluminum screens offer excellent insect protection and ease of installation. Since frames are made for specific types of screen, use the same material as the kind you are replacing. Special screen material can be installed to protect against pet damage. You also can choose among weave size and limited colors depending on whether you want the material to reduce the sun’s rays through the door or window.

TIP: In addition to screens designed to allow air flow, you also can purchase solar screen material that can reduce interior temperatures by as much as 15° F and save in home energy costs. These materials are most effective on doors and windows on the sunnier side of your house in warmer climates. Ask a Lowe’s associate for more information.

03 Purchase enough screen material so that it measures at least 2" wider and 2" longer than the frame opening.

04 Purchase enough retaining spline for the size of the frame, plus a few inches extra.

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  • Make sure that the spline is sufficiently wide to snugly fit into the frame channel and retain the screen. Retaining spline is compressible, so purchase a size that is slightly wider than the channel to ensure a tight fit.

TIP: For best results, take a sample of the old screen and spline along to match the material, color and fit.

Removing the Screen

01 Remove the screen frame from the door. See the manufacturer’s website for more information.

02 Place the screen frame on a flat work table with the spline side up.

03 Carefully use a screwdriver to pry the old spline loose at one corner of the storm door frame.

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04 Pull the spline out of the groove around the screen frame’s perimeter.

05 Remove the old screen.

06 Use a clean towel, brush or compressed air to clear any dust and debris from the groove.

Installing the New Screen

01 If your door (or window) screen frame uses pull tabs, insert them into the spline groove now, at either the bottom or the side of the frame.

TIP: The pull tabs assist you in removing the screen frame from the door track. It’s a good idea to replace the pull tabs at the same time as the screen, as the tabs often become brittle with age and exposure to the sun.

02 Lay the replacement screen on top of the frame.

TIP: If necessary, temporarily tape the screen in place.

03 Use scissors, shears or a utility knife to trim the screen so that there’s an extra inch all the way around the frame.

04 Cut the corners of the screen material. Locate the center of spline groove corner and cut the screening at a 45° angle to this corner. This prevents buckling when you install the new screen.

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05 Select the appropriate spline roller.

  • Most rollers have two ends—concave (with a groove) and convex (rounded). Use the type appropriate for compressing the selected spline into the channel. If in doubt, ask a Lowe’s associate for advice.
Image4

06 Start at one corner of the screen and roll the screen and the spline into the groove at the same time.

  • Make sure the screen stays parallel to the edge of the frame. If the screen wrinkles or looks crooked, you can remove some or all of the spline and re-roll.
Image5

07 When the screen and spline have been inserted, use scissors, shears or a utility knife to carefully trim off the excess. Be sure to cut the screen toward the outside of the frame, to avoid cutting into it by mistake.

TIP: Once purchased, store the spline roller in your toolbox. You can use it to quickly repair door and window screens where the spline has simply come loose.

08 Place the frame back in the door.

As you can see, replacing a storm door screen is easy. Now you’re ready to enjoy an insect-free breeze. For other popular and easy home improvement how-tos, visit the many practical projects at Lowes.com/Videos.

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