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Window Screen Replacement: When to Replace and What to Expect

You crack open the window on a warm June morning, let the breeze in and an hour later you’re swatting mosquitoes in the kitchen. A torn, bent, or missing window screen is one of those small problems that feels minor until summer is in full swing. Then it’s not minor at all.

Window screen replacement is one of the most overlooked home maintenance tasks in Ontario. Most homeowners don’t think about their screens until something — bugs, heat, or a sagging frame — forces the issue. This guide covers everything you need to know: how to tell when your screens need replacing, what your options are, and what it realistically costs.

Why Window Screens Matter More Than You Think

Screens do more than keep bugs out. A properly fitted, intact screen allows you to open windows for cross-ventilation without inviting insects, debris, or pollen into your home. In Ontario’s summers — humid, with plenty of mosquitoes and midges — that’s not a small thing.

But screens also protect against UV exposure at the mesh level, reduce glare inside the home, and give you the option to ventilate at night without compromising security in the same way an open, unscreened window would. When a screen is damaged or missing, you lose all of that. Most people end up keeping windows closed instead, relying on air conditioning, which drives up energy costs.

If your screens are in poor shape, it’s worth asking whether the problem is bigger than just the mesh. Sometimes, a deteriorating screen is a symptom of a deteriorating frame and that’s when a professional assessment becomes more valuable than a DIY patch.

Signs Your Window Screens Need Replacing

Screens don’t always fail dramatically. More often, they degrade gradually and homeowners don’t notice until summer arrives. Watch for these signs:

Visible tears, holes, or sagging mesh. Any gap large enough for an insect is too large. Small tears in fiberglass mesh can grow quickly with wind or repeated contact.
Bent or warped frames. A twisted aluminum frame won’t sit flush in the window opening, leaving gaps around the edges even if the mesh itself looks fine.
Mesh pulling away from the frame. The spline (the rubber cord that holds the screen in place) dries out and shrinks over time, releasing the mesh from the frame edges.
Corroded or brittle frames. Older screens, especially aluminum or steel, can rust or oxidize to the point where the frame itself breaks down.
Screens that won’t stay in place. If the screen falls out of the track or is difficult to reinstall, the frame or the track itself likely needs attention.

If you’re noticing any of the above across multiple windows, it may be more efficient to address all screens at once rather than patching them one at a time. A piecemeal approach often costs more in the long run and leaves you dealing with the same problem again next summer.

Window Screen Replacement Options: DIY vs. Professional

There are broadly two routes when it comes to screen replacement: doing it yourself or calling a professional. Both have their place, depending on the scale of the problem and the type of screens involved.

Window Screen Replacement Kits

For homeowners with basic handiness, a window screen replacement kit is a reasonable option for single-screen repairs. These kits typically include replacement mesh (usually fiberglass or aluminum), a new rubber spline, and a spline roller tool. You remove the old mesh, cut the new mesh to size, press in the spline, and trim the excess. It’s straightforward on a flat, intact frame.

The limitation: kits only make sense when the frame itself is in good condition. If the frame is bent, corroded, or nonstandard in size, a kit won’t solve the underlying problem; it just puts new mesh in a compromised frame.

Professional Window Screen Replacement

For multiple screens, sliding window screen replacement, or any situation where the frame is damaged, professional replacement is the better call. A professional can assess the frame condition, source the right mesh type and weight for your window style, and ensure the screen fits properly — flush, tensioned correctly, and seated in the track without gaps.

This matters especially for specialty windows: casement windows with integrated screen channels, large picture windows, or older sash-style units. Getting the fit right on non-standard windows requires experience and access to custom-cut screen frames.

A window already showing frame wear or hardware issues might be telling you something bigger is coming. It’s worth having it evaluated. A screen replacement visit is a good opportunity to check the overall condition of the window while someone is already on-site.

How Much Does Window Screen Replacement Cost in Ontario?

Window screen replacement cost in Ontario varies based on screen size, frame condition, mesh type, and whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring a professional.

DIY kit: $15–$40 per screen for materials, assuming the frame is intact and standard-sized.
Professional re-screening (existing frame): $50–$120 per screen, including labor and materials.
Full screen unit replacement (new frame + mesh): $80–$200+ per screen, depending on size and style.
Sliding door screens: $150–$350+, as sliding door screen replacement involves larger dimensions and specialized track hardware.

Volume discounts are common when replacing multiple screens in one visit. The per-unit labor cost drops when a technician is already at your home. If you have five or more screens that need replacing, ask about package pricing.

Choosing the Right Screen Mesh for Your Ontario Home

Not all screen mesh is the same. The three most common options for residential use in Ontario are:

Fiberglass mesh: the most common and affordable option. Flexible, resistant to corrosion, and easy to work with. Good for most standard windows.
Aluminum mesh: more rigid and durable than fiberglass, but prone to denting and harder to work with. Better suited to high-wear areas.
Pet-resistant mesh: a heavier-duty fiberglass or polyester mesh designed to resist puncturing from pet claws. Worth considering in homes with cats or dogs that frequent windowsills.

For Ontario homes in wooded or lakeside areas where no-see-ums (tiny biting midges) are a problem, a finer-weave mesh — sometimes called ultra-fine or insect screen — is worth asking about. It blocks smaller insects but does reduce airflow slightly, so it’s a trade-off worth discussing based on your setting.

When a Failing Screen Points to a Bigger Window Problem

Sometimes a failing screen is the first visible symptom of a window reaching the end of its life. If the frame around your screen is soft, cracked, or rotting — or if the window itself has condensation between the panes, difficulty opening, or visible seal failure — a screen replacement alone isn’t the right answer.

In that case, a full window replacement is often the more cost-effective solution, where the entire unit — frame, glass, and screen — is replaced at once. This avoids investing in a new screen only to need the whole window replaced a season later. If you’re unsure whether you’re looking at a screen issue or a window issue, a professional assessment before spending anything can save you significantly.

Small Screen Problems Have a Way of Becoming Bigger Summer Regrets

A damaged window screen is easy to overlook in spring, but by the time mosquito season hits in Ontario (typically June through August), the cost of ignoring it is measured in sleepless nights and closed windows on evenings you’d rather have open. The window you can’t use because the screen is broken is the one you’ll think about every warm night all summer.

Whether you’re dealing with a single torn screen or a whole house that hasn’t been properly screened in years, getting it sorted now is the practical move. A professional can assess the full picture quickly and give you a clear path forward — no guesswork, no wasted money on a temporary patch that won’t hold through the season.

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FAQs

How do I know if I should repair or fully replace my window screen?

If the frame is intact and the damage is limited to the mesh, re-screening is usually the better value. If the frame is bent, corroded, or doesn't fit properly in the window track, full replacement is the more practical option. For multiple damaged screens, replacement is typically more cost-effective than repeated individual repairs over time.

Can I replace window screens myself?

Yes — for standard-sized windows with intact frames, a DIY window screen replacement kit is a reasonable option. You'll need replacement mesh, a rubber spline, and a spline roller tool, available at most hardware stores. For sliding window screens, specialty frames, or multiple windows at once, professional replacement is faster and produces consistently better results.

How long do window screens typically last?

Fiberglass screens typically last 10–15 years under normal conditions. Aluminum screens can last longer but are more prone to denting and corrosion over time. UV exposure, pet contact, and harsh Ontario winters can significantly shorten screen lifespan. Screens stored indoors during winter generally hold up considerably better than those left installed year-round.

What is the most durable type of window screen mesh?

For most Ontario homes, heavy-duty fiberglass mesh strikes the best balance of durability and cost. In homes with pets, pet-resistant polyester mesh is significantly more puncture-resistant. Aluminum mesh is highly durable but dents easily. For fine insect protection in cottage or lakeside environments, ultra-fine mesh provides better coverage against small insects like no-see-ums.

How much does window screen replacement cost in Ontario?

Professional screen replacement in Ontario generally costs $50–$120 per screen for re-screening an existing frame, or $80–$200+ for a full replacement unit. DIY kits run $15–$40 per screen. Sliding door screens cost more — typically $150–$350+ — due to their larger size and specialized hardware. Multi-screen jobs often qualify for volume pricing.

Do window screens help with home energy efficiency?

Window screens support energy efficiency indirectly. By allowing you to safely open windows for cross-ventilation, intact screens reduce dependence on air conditioning during moderate summer temperatures. Some solar screens also block a portion of solar heat gain, keeping interiors cooler. However, screens are not a substitute for proper window insulation or energy-efficient double-pane glass.

Is sliding window screen replacement different from standard screen replacement?

Yes — sliding window screens run in a dedicated track channel and are designed to move horizontally. Replacing them requires matching the correct frame height, track width, and hardware for smooth operation. Sliding door screens follow the same principle but are significantly larger. Professional replacement ensures proper fit and tension, preventing the screen from jumping its track during use.

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