Many homeowners open their windows for fresh air, only to notice a gaping hole in their screen that they swore wasn’t there before. “It’s a small hole,” you think, “how hard can it be to repair myself?” That’s a good question, and this guide will help you determine whether this is something you can DIY or if it’s best left to the professionals.
Why Healthy Window Screens Matter
Window screens are vital for allowing you to enjoy the beautiful weather without the drawbacks, one of which is insects. An undamaged screen deters most insects from seeing your open window as an invitation. But screens also protect the integrity of your windows, shielding them from bits of debris that could dirty or damage them.
Unfortunately, screens degrade over time, with many getting small rips or holes in them. The screen isn’t the only part vulnerable to wear and tear. The frame can sag or bend, letting bugs in and causing energy inefficiencies.
If you ignore the damage, you risk a home invasion from local pests or even moisture damage to your window and the surrounding area.
Check the Condition First
The easiest way to see if repairing screens yourself is possible is to start with an assessment. Minor issues, like small holes or rips, are often easy to patch. Larger rips or shredded mesh are much more involved.
If the frame is bent or damaged, window screen repair isn’t usually the best angle, anyway; it’s often much more cost-effective to buy a new one.
Once you have a better idea of the damage, you can think about the next steps. It’s always smart to at least consider professional repair, as it’ll guarantee your window screens are healthy and save you precious time, especially if you have to learn to DIY the fix.
Have the Right Tools
Another thing to consider when asking this question is whether you have the necessary tools to repair the windows in the first place. Some tools, like a utility knife and a flathead screwdriver, are staples in most homeowners’ toolkits.
However, you’ll likely have to buy replacement mesh and maybe even a screen rolling tool if you want the best results.
These supplies aren’t necessarily expensive or difficult to find, but it’s another argument for professional window screen repair. The professionals already have these tools, so you don’t have to worry about spending more money to achieve the right finish.
Know When You Need a Pro
There are some circumstances where a professional is a clear winner over the DIY approach. Extensive damage to screens or frames is usually much too involved for a novice DIY homeowner to handle on their own, especially with limited time.
Another situation would be if you have a custom or unusual window size. This often involves some creative license with the repair, which is challenging to do when your entire breadth of knowledge is an online tutorial.
Window screen repair doesn’t have to be difficult, and many minor rips are easily managed without calling in the big leagues. But if you want the peace of mind that comes with expert screen repair, there’s no substitute.
Call Complete Window Care for Window Screen Repair
No matter what your window damage looks like, our team can find a solution! Reach out to Complete Window Care today to learn more and book your appointment with a window repair specialist.