Window and door screens your last defense against the blood sucking horde

Hey Folks Welcome to the next issue of our lovely little Blog. I should start this one with an apology.I realize it has taken an extraordinary  length of time  to write and post this installment....I have no excuse except, that there is only one of me and lots of demand for my time and knowledge....I hope they perfect cloning technology some time soon.....In the meantime, sit back relax and read on.

Window and door screens are your homes first and last line of defense against a myriad of bugs and critters. Mosquitoes, Gnats, fly's, and any number of other insidious creatures out to feast on your barbecue, or worse yet you....... I think it is safe to say we have all been there at some point, Sitting innocently on the porch; enjoying a nice cold drink on a hot summers evening, only to look down at your drink and realize that a Gnat or fly has turned your frosty beverage into their last resting place. Annoyed at the ruined drink, you ask yourself "how the heck did that get in!" 
in frustration you get up to survey your screens, only  to find that little cousin Johnny, or one of your own kids has poked a hole in the screen material....Disaster,.... the flood gates have been opened....You can almost picture the epic army of insects amassing to invade  your porch or living room.

But fear not, for there is hope all is not lost... your screens can be repaired or replaced, And  generally speaking, repairing or replacing your insects screens is not that difficult. With the right tools and knowledge even the gnarliest of tears can be remedied.
Bear in mind, screens normally come in two different flavors  Aluminum and or vinyl and also  several different color variations to boot., however most screens I come across today, are the black vinyl variety. just make sure you are purchasing the correct color and type when attempting your own repairs.
There are quite a few kits available to repair holes in screens. lets explore some of your options.

• Screen repair tape- Available from your local hardware store - usually around 9 0r 10 dollars a roll.. Simply cut and stick over affected area very simple to use. but will leave a tell tale sign of repair. and there are complaints of poor adhesion. still a good option in a pinch for small holes or tears.
• Screen mend Kit- Also available from your local hardware store. will cost about 15 dollars a kit. Very easy to use. Simply apply patch over affected area and heat with a hair dryer or heat gun on low setting. Screen mend does a nice job, although still leaves a slightly visible repair. 
• Prime line repair patch- Available online at Amazon and in some retailers, this product is more like a sticker than a patch and is will not allow air flow through it. It costs about 5 dollars a package, you simply cut to size and peel and stick over affected area. It isn't a bad product however, the repair is noticeable and it isn't  screen material. still OK in a pinch.
  

• Replacing Screens- if a quick fix isn't your thing, and you are going for a more polished look, then maybe screen replacement is a better option for you. This is just my humble opinion, but I think any hole in a screen over 3 inches warrants replacing the entire screen, This is especially true, if the tear or hole is close to the edge.. Screens can be replaced in their entirety, with just little knowledge and a few simple tools.although, there is a definite learning curve to the process.  Here is a list of the tools you will need.

1. Utility Knife.
2. Tape measure.
3. Spline tool. (looks like a mini double sided pizza wheel)
4. Replacement Spline- make sure you match the existing spline diameter to the replacement spline you intend to purchase.
5. Work gloves.
6. heavy duty scissors or tin snips.
7. replacement screen roll- available at any hardware store- again make sure it matches the existing screen material and color.
8. flat head screwdriver and needle nose pliers.

 Steps to replace Screen -

• Find the end of the spline in the spline channel. The spline should start and stop in roughly the same area. Use the small headed tool to dig the end of the spline out of the channel and work the entire length of the spline out of the channel. Note: Over time the spline can dry rot so take your time as you remove it. Grip firmly with needle nose pliers and pull firmly but slowly.
  

• Remove the damaged screen and clean the channel out. This can be done either by simply blowing the channel out or using a paper towel. I prefer WD-40 and a paper towel the tip of the needle nose pliers fits nicely in the channel..
  
  
• Roll the replacement screen over the frame and cut it using the scissors so that there is approximately one inch of excess on all sides.
  
  
• Using the convex edge of the spline tool work the screen into the channel. Start on one edge first to get the edge lined up properly.
  
  
• Using the small headed tool, (flat head screw driver) push an inch or two of the spline into the channel. (I suggest starting on the long side of the screen to keep the screen as square as possible)
  
  
• Once the spline is started, use the concave edge of the spline tool to work the spline into the channel along the first side. Take your time to make sure you keep the screen as straight as possible. Make sure not to pull the spline as you work it into the groove because even though it makes it easier to insert the spline in the channel it will later retract leaving a gap in the channel.
  
  
• As you reach the corner, use the convex edge of the spline tool to work the screen into the next side.
  
  
• As you begin the spline down the next side of the frame use the small headed tool to work the spline into the corner. As nice as the spline tool is to use it is difficult to get the spline into the corner.
  
  
• Continue this all the way around the frame until you reach your starting point. Using the utility knife cut any excess spline off.
  
  
• Finish removing any excess screen by cutting the screen along the outer edge of the screen channel.

While replacing the screen is not labor intensive, there is a learning curve to the task.. It is easy to over-tighten the screen material, while trying to remove any slack in the screen, Don't pull the screen too tight as you work it into the channel. This can, in some cases, pull the frame in. I would suggest not taking this up as your first DIY project.
I hope you have found this post useful. As always please leave me your comments and suggestions stay safe enjoy the summer.
Cheers
Bruce

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