Is a Window Screen Worth Fixing?

Window screens are vital to keeping pests outside of your home. If any of your window screens are damaged, it’s important to get them fixed as soon as possible. It’s usually worth it to fix a screen rather than replace it with repair costs coming in at anywhere from just a few dollars to around several hundred for more serious cases.

Whether you decide to do it yourself or hire a professional, fixing your window screen is likely the cost-effective option instead of replacing it entirely.

How Do Window Screens Get Damaged?

Window screens are normally quite resilient, but damage from the elements, pests attacking them, or an object tearing through them can cause damage.

Why Do I Need Window Screens?

Window screens allow you to open windows in your home to nature without worrying about too much of it entering uninvited.  Window screens can keep the following out of your home:

• Neighborhood pets, such as cats or dogs
• Wild animals, such as birds, mice, or lizards
• Arachnids (spiders or scorpions)
• Insects (especially mosquitoes)
• Debris, such as leaves or twigs

In some cases, these pests aren’t just unsightly, but also dangerous. Mosquitoes, especially here in Florida, can carry a variety of diseases and can easily infiltrate a home if your window screens are broken. Spiders can cause dangerous and sometimes fatal bites. Keeping these pests out of your home is important for the health of anyone living in your home, especially if you have children.

How Much Does it Cost to Fix a Window Screen?

While it may be tempting to turn fixing your screens into a DIY project, hiring a professional can ensure that the job is done right. A pro might be necessary if your screens use newer materials. You may also need to obtain professional assistance to repair or rescreen screened enclosures in cases where the damage is extensive. Several different factors impact the price you’ll pay to replace your window screen.

Labor Costs

Home Advisor reports that the typical screen replacement or installation costs $133 to $459. They also report that labor costs to replace a screen typically range from between $15 to $50 depending on if you need them to insert a pre-made screen to replace the one currently there, cut a new screen and replace the old one, or build an entirely new frame.

Material Costs

Homeowners today have a wide range of materials to choose from for their window screens. The costs for some of the most popular materials are provided here per square foot:

• Fiberglass $ 0.25-$0.50
• Aluminum $ 0.35-$0.70
• Stainless Steel/Copper/Brass $1-$2.50
• Solar    $7.50-$15
• Safety    $10-$25

Safety or security screens add an extra layer of protection from intruders or large animals. Solar window screens are specially designed to block a high percentage of UV light from your home without reducing visibility. These two types are much more expensive than others but also offer more protection.

Movability

Movable and retractable window screens are typically more expensive to fix than those in fixed position. The cost to install one of these screens could be as little as $20 and as much as $150 or more.

Rescreening

If you simply need screen repair and your window to be rescreened, you’ll pay as little as $35 for pre-assembled frames and around %150 for custom-built ones. If you decide to go with a pro to rescreen your windows, it will save you money if you do multiple frames in one job. Be sure to carefully research potential contractors to find the one that you can trust with repairing this vital part of your home