How to Order Window Screens

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parts

1Researching before You Shop

2Determining the Proper Window Screen Material

3Purchasing Your Window Screens

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Expert Q&A

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The stains, rips and sags of an aged window screen can leave a bad impression on passersby and let unwanted pests into your home. The Internet has made it easy to order window screens from the comfort of home, but there are many available options regarding size and material. Choosing the right screen requires a little digging.

Steps

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Researching before You Shop

1. 
   1
   Determine the width of your current window screens. Screen measurements are typically displayed as width by length when shopping for screens, so start with the width when measuring. Using a tape measure, determine the width from one top corner to the other, and round down to the nearest 1/8th of an inch.

   • Have a pad and pen handy as you start the measuring process in order to write down the specifications of your existing window screen.
2. 
   2
   Measure the length of your current window screens. Find the channel (where the screen slips in to) at the top and measure from there to the bottom lip of the screen. Round that figure up to the nearest 1/8th of an inch.
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3. 
   3
   Find your brand. A brand name should appear somewhere in the framework of your existing screens. This is important to note, as some brand-name screens will only work with their own windows.
4. 
   4
   Ask your landlord for assistance. If you are a tenant, ask your landlord if he or she has any replacement screens on hand before buying one yourself, or if he or she knows exactly which model to buy. This could potentially save you lots of time and energy.
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Determining the Proper Window Screen Material

1. 
   1
   Choose vinyl-covered fiberglass material if you live in a coastal area. Vinyl-covered fiberglass offers a little less outward visibility but is essential if you live in a coastal area. Material like aluminum can oxidize quickly in such places.

   • Vinyl-covered fiberglass screens are significantly cheaper than metal ones.
2. 
   2
   Select a metal material if you want higher outward visibility. Screens made of metal, such as aluminum, are easier to see through from inside your home and are more durable than vinyl-covered fiberglass. However, they are higher-maintenance and typically cost more.
3. 
   3
   Opt for a higher mesh size if you live somewhere with "no-see-ums." If you live in an area with small, biting insects, sometimes referred to as “no-see-ums,” pay careful attention to the mesh size of the screen. The typical mesh size is 18 by 16, but 20 by 20 should be considered in areas with “no-see-ums.”
4. 
   4
   Purchase pet-resistant screening if necessary. If you have pets or small children, they can wreak havoc on your window screens. Pet-resistant screening is much more durable than standard mesh but offers less visibility, so you may wish to install it in only certain portions of your new window screens.
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Purchasing Your Window Screens

1. 
   1
   Compare prices. Make sure you are getting the best possible deal on your new window screens. Home Depot and Lowe’s are logical places to start, but online retailers like Amazon also carry window screens and may have them for a better price.
2. 
   2
   Stick to your budget. Have a dollar amount in mind when you begin browsing for window screens, and don't go too far above it.
3. 
   3
   Visit the store. If you are having trouble comparing window screens online or just want to see them in person, a trip to your nearest hardware store may be in order.

   • Once you are at a store, you may wish to seek out a knowledgeable staff member for assistance.
4. 
   4
   Ask about installation, if you would rather not install them yourself. Depending on how complex the job at hand is, you may wish to hire professional help to install your new window screens.

   • Get multiple estimates from screen installers to ensure that you're getting a good deal.
5. 
   5
   Checkout online or in-store. Once you're confident that you've determined the right size and material for your needs, buy those window screens!
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Expert Q&A

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• Question

  How do you repair a tear in a window screen?

  

  Michael Fox
  Window Repair Specialist

  Michael Fox is a Window Repair Specialist and the President at Window Repair Systems and WindowHardwareDirect.com, based in Westminster, South Carolina. With over 25 years of experience, Michael specializes in commercial window repair and service. He holds a business degree from Monroe Community College and SUNY Brockport. Michael has helped Window Repair Systems and WindowHardwareDirect.com become an industry leader in commercial window repair and hardware distribution, servicing schools and businesses and training large public school systems.

  

  Michael Fox

  Window Repair Specialist

  Expert Answer

  If the tear is small enough, you can use clear nail polish. That will glue it back together and you won't even be able to see it. If it's larger, like a slash, you could cut a smaller piece of screen and put it over the top of the tear. Use nail polish again to paint it on, or some sort of clear glue. Screens are also fairly easy to re-screen. You could always buy a roll of insect screen mesh, and then re-screen the window yourself.

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