The essentials in 30 seconds
To replace a window screen, you keep the frame and change the mesh and the spline (the cord that wedges it into the groove). You need spline the same size as the frame groove, a spline roller, scissors, a utility knife, masking tape and a flat work surface. Lay the frame flat, pull out the old spline and torn mesh, and tape the frame's outside edges to the surface, without covering the groove. Lay the new screen over the frame overlapping about 1/2 in (1.3 cm) on all sides. Then roll the spline over the screen into the groove with the roller, keeping the mesh straight and taut; push it into each corner with a screwdriver or gently with the knife. Finally trim the excess with the utility knife, cutting toward the outside edge of the groove. Fiberglass and aluminum screening are fitted slightly differently.
- Phifer sells kits with a 36 × 84 in roll of screen, a spline roller and spline.
- Re-fit any tension springs, pull tabs or latches before you start.
What you need
| Item | What for |
|---|---|
| Screen mesh (fiberglass or aluminum) | The new screen; Phifer's kit roll is 36 × 84 in (91.4 × 213.4 cm) |
| Spline the same size as the groove | Holds the mesh in the frame |
| Spline roller | Presses mesh and spline into the groove; the smooth end creases aluminum mesh, the grooved end rolls in spline |
| Scissors | Cutting the mesh and the 45° corners on aluminum |
| Utility knife | Trimming excess spline and mesh |
| Masking or heavy-duty tape | Holding the frame and mesh in place |
| Screwdriver (optional) | Pushing the spline into corners |
| Flat work surface | The frame must lie flat |
How to replace a window screen
-
01
Remove the screen
Take the screen frame out of the window and lay it on a flat surface. Check that the attachment hardware (tension springs, pull tabs or latches) is on the frame.
-
02
Strip the old screen
Pull out the old spline and remove the torn mesh. If the spline is stuck, ease out one end with the utility knife.
-
03
Tape the frame
Tape the frame's outside edges to the work surface with masking tape. Don't cover the spline groove.
-
04
Lay the mesh
Unroll the new screen over the frame, align it squarely and leave about 1/2 in (1.3 cm) overlapping on every side. Trim the edges straight if needed.
-
05
First two sides
Align the mesh with two adjacent sides of the frame and tape it there, without covering the groove.
-
06
Roll in the spline
With the spline roller, roll the spline over the mesh and into the groove on the sides opposite the taped edges, holding the mesh straight.
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07
Finish the frame
Remove the tape and roll in the rest of the spline and mesh, keeping the screen taut so it doesn't wrinkle or flap.
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08
Corners
Press the spline firmly into each corner, using a screwdriver or the knife gently.
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09
Trim
Cut off the excess spline and mesh with the utility knife, cutting toward the outside edge of the groove so you don't slice the new screen.
-
10
Refit
Put the screen back in the window.
What changes with aluminum screening
- Fiberglass: roll the spline and the mesh into the groove together with the spline roller.
- Aluminum: first cut the mesh corners at a 45° angle on two corners with scissors. Use the smooth end of the roller to gently crease the mesh into the grooves, then the grooved end to roll the spline in.
- In both cases, Phifer says to start on the sides opposite the taped edges, then remove the tape and finish the other sides.
Common problems
- Wrinkles or a flapping screen: the mesh wasn't held straight and taut while rolling; Phifer stresses keeping the fabric straight and stretching it tightly.
- Spline won't stay in: check that it is the same size as the groove, as Phifer specifies.
- Cut screen at the edge: trim toward the outside edge of the groove, not toward the mesh.
- Screen door or patio: the method is similar, but Phifer suggests two people for pool and patio panels.
Replacing a window screen: FAQs
Can I replace just the mesh in a window screen?
Yes. Keep the frame, remove the old spline and mesh, and roll new mesh and spline into the groove.
What size spline do I need?
Spline the same size as the frame's groove, Phifer says; compare it with the old spline.
Do I need a special tool?
A spline roller; the rest is scissors, a utility knife, tape and a flat surface.
Is aluminum screen harder to install than fiberglass?
It takes one more step: cut the corners at 45°, crease the mesh with the smooth end of the roller, then roll in the spline.
How do I avoid wrinkles?
Tape two adjacent sides, start opposite them, and keep the mesh straight and taut as you roll.
Sources
Manufacturer instructions, checked on 2 November 2026 (02/11/2026).
- Phifer · How to replace a window, door or patio screen ↗Kit with 36 × 84 in roll, spline roller and spline; scissors, masking tape, utility knife, optional screwdriver; frame on flat surface, remove spline and torn screen, tape outside edges not the groove; overlap 1/2 in; roll fabric straight; corners with screwdriver or knife; trim toward outside edge; door: stretch tightly; patio: two-person job. Read.
- Phifer · Rescreening instructions, fiberglass and aluminum (PDF, hosted by The Home Depot) ↗Spline same size as groove, spline roller, scissors, utility knife, heavy-duty tape, flat surface; attachment hardware before rescreening; tape two adjacent sides; fiberglass: roll spline and screen opposite taped edges; aluminum: cut corners at 45°, smooth end then grooved end; remove tape and repeat; trim. PDF read.
Screens done?
Keep the new mesh clean with a soft brush and gentle washing, and check the spline when you take screens out.