Screen Door Mesh Replacement

Step 1 Mesh

• Place the screen door on a completely flat surface. Lay the new screen across the frame.
• Make sure that the mesh overlaps on all sides of the frame — you want to have a bit of extra material on every side.
• Use tape or clamps along the bottom edge of the screen to keep it taut against the frame.
• If the mesh isn't secured properly, it may become uneven or bunched up during the replacement.
Step 2

• Use the convex (pointy) edge of the screen rolling tool to gently push the mesh into the frame channel along the top of the frame. This will create a crease for the spline to be inserted into.
Step 3
• Use a pair of scissors to make a diagonal cut at the corner of the frame. This will give the mesh some "relief", and prevent it from bunching up in the corners.
• Make sure to cut only up until the corner of the channel frame. You do not want to accidentally cut a hole in your new mesh.
Step 4
• Start the spline in the top corner by pressing it into the frame channel with your fingers. Don't worry about getting it fully inserted — the screen rolling tool will handle the rest.
Step 5
• Use the convex (grooved) edge of the screen rolling tool to press the spline into the frame channel. Make sure to keep the screen taut while doing this.
• You may need to roll the tool back and forth over the spline a few times to get the spline properly seated.
Step 6
• When you reach the corner, use your hands to route the spline around the corner.
• Make sure that the spline doesn't get bunched up at the corner. It's important for the spline to be taut around the entire frame.
Step 7
• Once you reach the bottom (taped) edge, partially remove the tape to make another diagonal cut in the mesh.
Step 8
• Remove the tape section by section, and continue creasing and pressing the spline into the frame channel.
• Keep working in the same manner until you reach your starting point.
Step 9
• Once you reach your starting point, trim the spline so that it will fit snugly up against the beginning edge of the spline without any overlap.
Step 10
• The screen rolling tool does a great job of getting the spline into the frame channel, but it doesn't always get the spline fully inserted. Carefully use a flathead screwdriver to push the spline into the frame channel until it is snug.
• Take your time with this, because an improperly inserted spline may cause the screen to become slack—or a slip with the screwdriver can introduce a hole to your new mesh.
Step 11
• Carefully use a utility knife to trim the excess mesh around the frame. You can use the outer edge of the channel and spline as a guide to get a straight, clean cut.

Author

with 2 other contributors

Geoff Wacker

Member since: 09/30/13

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