Top 3 screen repair services in Pittsburgh, PA

The best part about window screens is they allow you to enjoy the great outdoors from within. However, holes in screen windows bring outside bugs, dirt, and debris into your home. Whether there’s a slight tear in the mesh or a wide-open hole, it’s time for a window screen repair.Most window screens with small holes can easily be fixed by DIY, but the repair method differs depending on the type of screen material and the size of the hole. With super tiny, hard-to-see holes, you have a few repair options. If your window screen is nylon or fiberglass, use a few drops of instant adhesive to seal the hole. If your screen is a type of metal material, use epoxy to repair the hole. Typically, these materials are found in screen window patch kits, which are sold at most hardware stores.Bigger holes may be more complicated to seal but can usually be replaced with a patch. To cut your own patch, cut the hole to ensure it’s a neat square. Then, measure the hole in the screen and cut out a patch that’s about half an inch bigger than the hole. From there, secure the patch with waterproof glue and wipe away drips before they harden.Consider hiring a screen repair service if DIY isn’t for you.

Window screens can get ripped and worn out over time. While most large damages need a full screen replacement, smaller tears may call for a quick patch. The most common types of screen repair products include:

• Screen repair patch: Used for fiberglass screens and features a heat-activated adhesive
• Screen repair tape: Used for a variety of materials and features an adhesive backing to secure the material
• Aluminum screen patch: Used for metal screens and features wire strands intertwined through the material

If your window screen isn’t able to be repaired, then it’s time for a replacement. Find a local screen repair company near you to help.

To DIY a screen window replacement, you’ll need a flathead screwdriver, scissors, spline roller, and replacement mesh. The first thing to do with a DIY screen replacement is to remove the screen from the window and lay it flat. Using a flathead screwdriver, pry open the screen spline from the grooves around the edges. Wooden screen frames may need staples removed. Then, remove and dispose of the worn screen mesh.

Next, roll out and stretch the new screen over the window frame and ensure it overlaps the frame’s grooves. Leave extra mesh hanging over the frame and cut the material. Using a spline roller, press the screen into the frame. If you have a wooden frame, staple or nail the mesh into place. You’ll know the mesh is secure when it’s taut and not over-stretched across the frame.

Lastly, trim away the excess mesh material for a clean and polished look and reinstall the window screen to your window.

Typical costs for a window screen repair range from $135 and $480. The cost of the repair will depend on the type of window screen you need. Here’s a list of window screen prices by material:

• Fiberglass: $35 to $200
• Aluminum: $50 to $300
• Copper: $90 to $850
• Stainless steel: $45 to $400
• Brass: $120 to $850
• Security: $120 to $1,050
• Solar screens: $55 to $850

If you decide to hire local window screen repair services, you’ll also need to account for labor costs. The cost of labor will differ based on where you live and the size of the project. Typically, labor costs for a pre-assembled screen replacement are between $15 to $20 in labor. If the window screen repair just needs a new screening put in, labor can cost between $20 to $30 per screen. The most expensive option is to build and install a whole new screen, which costs around $25 to $50 per screen in labor.

That leads us to the big question: is it cheaper to DIY or hire screen repair services? Many homeowners hire a professional installer to avoid accidental damage to the window. Plus, at $15 to $50 per screen, labor typically costs less than a third of the total cost of window screen repairs.

DIY window repairs cost anywhere between $20 to $80 for pre-assembled standard-sized windows.

There are many types of window screen materials, but which is the best? Before you purchase your new window screen, do some research to find out the best type of window screen material for your home. The most important part about choosing your window screens is the style and material.

Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:

• Fiberglass: A flexible, economical, and easy-to-install screen option, fiberglass is the most commonly used window and door screening for new construction and replacement screens. This type of window mesh won’t crease, dent, or unravel. The downside to this type of screen material is it’ll stretch over time and need to be replaced more often.

• Aluminum: This strong, durable screen has a protective finish to prevent corrosion and strengthen the weave. Plus, aluminum screens resist rust and won’t sag over time. Since this material is UV-resistant, it’s recommended for homes in hot climates. However, aluminum is hard to DIY. They’re also prone to retaining moisture, which can cause rust and mold collection. To prevent build-up, aluminum screens need to be rinsed and dried every so often.

• Copper: Made from 90% copper and 10% zinc, copper mesh screens offer superior strength and are recommended for coastal areas. Copper is one of the most expensive screen mesh window options.

• Stainless steel: Corrosion and fire-resistant, stainless steel mesh screens are great for high-traffic areas in the home. Difficult to install, it’s best to hire a professional window repair service for these types of screens.

• Solar screens: This special screen features tighter weaves to block more than 90% of the sun’s heat from passing through, making it great for states in the southern U.S.

Picking the best screen material for you depends on many factors, including the window size, style, and location of your home. Your budget is also important when deciding which screen to buy. For questions about your home, contact a local window screen repair shop.

When it comes to porches, any of these screen materials could work. However, the best choice is going to be based on the type of porch screen you’re looking for. For example, is your porch fully enclosed? Or are there a few windows with screens that need to be replaced? Your answer will help determine which window screen material to choose.

The most common type of screen used for porches is fiberglass mesh. It’s inexpensive and provides adequate visibility with minimal glare from the sun. Plus, fiberglass won’t crease like metal screening, and its flexibility makes it easy to work with. The drawback of fiberglass mesh is that it stretches and tears more easily than other screen types, so it’ll require more repairs and eventual replacement.

Aluminum is another common type of screen used for porches. Although it costs more than fiberglass, aluminum offers excellent visibility. However, since it’s more rigid, this type of window screen material can be harder to install. In coastal areas, aluminum screens may oxidize.

If your porch or sunroom overheats in the summer, consider sun control window screens. Available in a variety of types, sun-blocking screens not only keep out most of the sun’s heat, but they also keep out pesky bugs and insects. While this is a costly screen option, it’s worth it if you have a fully enclosed porch or a lot of windows.

Pet owners may decide to go with a pet-resistant window screen for their porches. Stronger than standard mesh, this type of material is ideal for owners of cats, dogs, and small children. Since this material offers little visibility, many people install pet screening along the lower portion of screened walls to offer more durability.

No matter what type of screen material you go with, consider hiring screen repair services near you to help get the job done.