Screens work hard in Pinellas County. We open the windows on the nice days, the sliders stay open half the year, and the screens are all that stands between the living room and every mosquito, no-see-um and palmetto bug in the neighborhood. Add sun, salt air, storms, kids and pets, and sooner or later a screen gives out.
When it does, the question is simple: can it be repaired, or does it need to be replaced? Here’s how to tell, plus a few tips for getting your screens through hurricane season.
When screen repair makes sense
A screen is really two parts: the frame and the mesh (the screening). If the frame is in good shape, re-screening it with new mesh is usually all it needs.
Repair is usually the right call when:
- the mesh is torn, punctured or sagging, but the frame is straight;
- the spline (the rubber cord that holds the mesh in) has dried out or popped loose;
- small parts like tabs, pulls or corners are missing or broken;
- the screen is a hard-to-match size, and you’d like to keep the frame you have.
We re-screen and repair window and door screens, either on-site at your home or at our Clearwater shop. See our screen repair page for details.
When replacement makes more sense
Sometimes the frame is the problem. Replacement is usually the better value when:
- the frame is bent, twisted or kinked, so it won’t sit flat in the window;
- corners are broken or the frame has come apart;
- the screen is missing entirely (it happens, especially after a move or a storm);
- you want a different type of screen, like solar screening or a security screen.
Because we make screens in-house, replacement doesn’t mean hunting for a stock size that almost fits. We build custom screens for single-hung, double-hung, casement and sliding windows, and we can make screens for arched and other hard-to-fit windows. Frames come in white, bronze or mill finish, with custom colors on request, and our frame materials are made in the USA. More on our custom screen replacement page.
A quick way to decide
Take the screen out and lay it on a flat surface, like a driveway or a table.
- Does it lie flat? If it rocks or twists, the frame is bent, so lean toward replacement.
- Are the corners solid? Loose or cracked corners can sometimes be fixed; a broken frame usually can’t.
- Is the only problem the mesh? Then re-screening is very likely the answer.
Not sure? Snap a photo of the whole screen and a close-up of the damage, and we’ll tell you which way we’d go.
Choosing the right screen type
If you’re replacing anyway, it’s a good time to think about what you want from the screen:
- Standard insect screens for everyday airflow and bug protection.
- Solar screens for windows that take the full afternoon sun.
- Security screens for added peace of mind.
We work with all three. You can see the full range on our screens page.
Hurricane-season tips for your screens
Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, and in Pinellas we all know the drill. Screens aren’t storm protection, but a little preparation keeps them from becoming storm debris or a post-storm headache.
Before the season (or before a storm):
- Walk around the house and look for loose, bent or torn screens. They’re easier to deal with on a calm day than right before a storm.
- Take photos of your screens and windows. Having “before” photos on hand is useful if you ever need them after a storm.
- Know which screens come out. Some homeowners remove window screens and store them indoors before putting up shutters or panels. If yours come out, label them by window so they go back in the right place.
- Secure the sliding screen door. Lock it, or lift it off its track and store it inside if you’re expecting strong winds.
- Clear the tracks. Clean sand and debris from sliding door and window tracks so everything opens and closes when you need it to.
After a storm:
- Check every screen for tears, popped spline and bent frames.
- Look at the frames as well as the mesh. A frame that took a hit may not sit flat anymore, even if the mesh survived.
- Don’t force a bent screen back in. It can damage the window track or frame.
- Gather everything that needs work and get it to us in one go if you can.
Bring them in or have us come out
If it’s easier, you can drop off screens at our Clearwater counter, 14525 62nd St N #1, Monday to Friday, 7am to 2pm, and pick them up when they’re ready. We also offer mobile, on-site screen service across Pinellas County and western Hillsborough. If you’re fixing screens yourself, we stock screen parts and materials at the counter too.
Get a screen quote
Sailer Window Repairs has been making and repairing screens in Pinellas County since Arthur Sailer founded the company in Clearwater in 1968, and we’re still family-owned.
Call (727) 447-4250 (Monday to Friday, 7am to 5pm), or request a quote online and add photos from your phone. A shot of each screen, rough measurements and the number of screens help us quote faster.