How to Rescreen a Screen Door — Even If You Never Have

Is your screen door looking more like a puzzle with missing pieces? Over time, screen doors develop holes, loose mesh, and tears that compromise your home’s comfort. You can either tackle this as a weekend DIY project, with the learning curve that comes with it, or have professional window rescreen services complete the job quickly and correctly.

This guide covers both approaches to help you decide what works best for your situation.

Signs That Signal It’s Time to Rescreen Your Door

Before diving into the how-to, let’s talk about why rescreening your screen door is worth the effort. Most homeowners face several common issues that make rescreening necessary:

Visible Damage

• Holes from everyday use or accidents
• Pet damage from cats and dogs scratching
• Small tears that have become large gaps
• Sagging or bulging screen material

Performance Problems

• Loose mesh that’s lost tension
• Insects getting through damaged areas
• Reduced airflow due to clogged mesh
• Door binding or not closing properly

Material Deterioration

• Faded or brittle screen material
• Screen pulling away from the frame edges
• Visible daylight through worn areas

The longer you wait, the worse it gets — and the more expensive the fix becomes. Address these issues now to keep your home comfortable and energy-efficient.

Door Screen Replacement: DIY or Call a Professional?

While rescreening a door is definitely a manageable DIY project, it’s worth considering your options before diving in.

If you have multiple doors to rescreen, lack the proper tools, want a warranty on the work, or simply prefer guaranteed professional results without the learning curve, it’s better to apply to professional screen door repair services.

How to Rescreen a Screen Door: Step-by-Step Process

Ready to get started? Follow these detailed steps for professional-looking results, even if this is your first time rescreening a door.

Step 0: Make Preparations

Gathering the right materials upfront will make your project go smoothly. Here’s everything you’ll need with time estimates for each step:

Total estimated time: 30-60 minutes for beginners, 20-30 minutes for experienced DIYers.

Step 1: Remove the Screen Door

Start by taking the door off its hinges or sliding track, depending on your door type. This step is crucial for working comfortably and achieving good results.

Lay the door flat on a stable surface like a workbench, sawhorses, or even a clean garage floor. Having the door at a comfortable working height will save your back and give you better control over the process.

Remove handle hardware if it interferes with your work area. Some handles can stay in place, but others may need temporary removal for easier access to the screen area.

Step 2: Remove the Old Spline and Screen

Use a flathead screwdriver to carefully pull out the old spline from the groove around the frame. The spline may come out in sections, which is perfectly normal.

Toss the worn-out screen material once you’ve removed it completely. This is also a good time to inspect the frame for any damage that might need attention.

Clean debris from the frame groove using a brush or cloth. A clean groove ensures your new spline will seat properly and hold the screen securely.

Step 3: Cut the New Screen to Size

Roll your new screen material over the door frame, ensuring it covers the entire opening. This step requires a bit of patience to get the screen positioned correctly.

Leave 2-3 inches of excess material on each side. This extra material gives you room to work and ensures complete coverage even if your cuts aren’t perfectly straight.

Cut the screen with scissors or a utility knife, depending on your preference and the type of screen material you’re using.

Step 4: Set the Screen into the Frame

Use your spline roller to lightly press the screen into the frame grooves before installing the spline. This preliminary step helps position everything correctly.

Pre-roll the right side, then the left side, followed by the top and bottom. This sequence helps maintain even tension across the screen.

Keep the mesh tight during this process to avoid ripples or loose areas that will affect the final appearance.

Step 5: Install the New Spline

Press the spline into the grooves, starting at one corner and working systematically around the frame. Take your time with this step since it determines how well your screen will look and function.

Work in L-shapes rather than trying to do entire sides at once. This technique helps avoid waves or uneven tension in the screen material.

Keep the screen taut as you roll the spline into place. You may need to pull gently on the screen material to maintain proper tension.

Step 6: Trim the Excess Mesh and Spline

Use your utility knife to carefully cut off the excess mesh material, following the outer edge of the spline. Make smooth, confident cuts for the cleanest appearance.

Cut the spline ends and press them securely into the corners where they meet. Properly finished corners prevent the spline from working loose over time.

Step 7: Reattach the Door and Handle

Reinstall any handle hardware and screws you removed earlier. Make sure everything is tightened properly but don’t overtighten and risk stripping the holes.

Hang the door back in place on its hinges or sliding track. Take a moment to ensure it’s properly aligned and secure.

Test the door’s movement and fit. It should open and close smoothly without binding or gaps that affect your home’s thermal performance and energy efficiency.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Fixing a Screen Door

Learning from others’ mistakes can save you time and frustration. Here’s what our technicians see most often:

• Cutting the screen too small is the most common error. Always leave 2-3 inches of excess material on each side since you can trim excess but can’t add material back, and even slightly uneven cuts won’t matter with extra material.
• Using an old spline might seem economical, but old spline lacks the flexibility needed for a tight fit and often breaks during installation. The new spline is inexpensive and ensures longer-lasting results.
• Forgetting to clean the groove prevents the new spline from seating properly, leading to loose areas where insects can enter. Take time to remove all debris with a brush or cloth before installation.
• Not checking screen tension before installing the spline results in a loose, wavy appearance that looks unprofessional and may not function properly. Ensure the screen is taut but not overstretched before securing with spline.

If you want to avoid these common issues and ensure a clean, secure installation, it’s best to call experienced door repair professionals who can get the job done right the first time.

Make the Most of Summer — Fix That Screen Door Today

A properly rescreened door enhances your home’s comfort, appearance, and functionality. Whether you want a quick DIY weekend win or prefer a guaranteed professional finish, you now have the knowledge to tackle this project successfully.

Whether you decide to DIY or call in the professionals, Apex Window Werks can rescreen any patio or storm door with quality materials and a perfect fit. Schedule your free consultation or call (847) 557-9600 to get started.