Save Money by Repairing Your Own Window Screens

Decided to tackled the job of replacing window screens in my house today after receiving a vendor's estimate of $425 for 12 windows. Nothing like a recession to bring out your inner Do It Yourself and save some cash. Spent $30 on supplies. Saved $395. My husband did the first few screen replacements, then it was my turn. I was surprised how easy it is do and how you can save alot of money by doing it yourself. Once you know what you're doing, it takes about 20 minutes per screen. Check out my step by step instructions:

Materials List:
Buy a screen kit at your local hardware store which includes enough screening material to do a few windows (e.g., 3-4 windows).

Purchase the individual materials if you're planning on doing alot of windows:

Measuring Tape
Masking Tape
Replacement Screening
Screen Rolling Tool
Sharp Razor Tool

Step By Step Instructions

1. Remove the window screen from the window frame and clean it.
2. Place screen on a hard flat surface larger than the actual screen.
3. Pull the rubber edging out from the old screen.
4. Pull out the old screening.
5. Measure the new screening from a roll of replacement screening material. Measure to the outer edge of the screen frame, then leave 1 inch more all the way around the frame.
7. Place the new screening down on the frame. Tape down each side. Make sure screen is taunt.
8. Measure and cut 4 lengthes of new rubber edging. Each length should be sized to fit one length of the window.
9. Starting in a upper left corner, press the rubber edging firmly back into the frame's groove. The edging should rest on top of the screening material. Work all the way around the frame. Use a screen rolling tool (it looks like a small pizza cutter.) to push the edging into its groove. Note: I found it handy to use a screw driver to push the rubber in at the corners.
10. Trim any excess screen material using a razor tool.

Now you're ready to put the screen back in the window. Yes, it's that easy to save some money!