Updated: October 20, 2022
Pool Screen Repair DIY
Have you gotten estimates on pool screen repair?
If you have a screen screened-in porch, or screened-in pool cage that’s in desperate need of repair and have received estimates then you’ll know just how expensive it can be.
In Florida we have bugs and having a blown-out screen is NOT good…
One of the main reasons that we have a pool cage is to keep the bugs and critters out. So we need to repair these holes with the help of some handy tools I’m going to share with you that you may or may not find at your local home improvement stores.
So if you want to get some of these really awesome tools, I’ll put the links in the description box below and it will make your life so much easier. So let’s get started fixing our screen.
Pool Screen Repair That screen
So we can keep these nasty love bugs that are in season right now out of our pool cage we will start repairing the screen. But before we can get started putting in our brand new screen, we’ve got to take care of some of the remnants of the old, and we want to start by pulling out this flat spline.
And it is a little bit tricky at first. But once you get it going, it pulls out just fine, so just use a pair of needle nose, pliers grab, ahold of it, and then start pulling and it should come. Out.
This is our workout for the day right. There we go so it likes to stick in there good and that’s a good thing. Because once you put in your new screen, you want it to stay put and not pull out.
You can do it and make sure you pull out all of the old screening that was underneath as well. Once you get it out, you should be able to pull it out. No problem We’re ready to start hanging our screen and I’ve got some magic tools to make your life so much easier.
Installing The New Screen To the Pool Cage
So let’s get started. So I’m going to start up on this right-hand corner here and I’m on a ladder. So you want to be careful. Hang it and overlap it. A little bit.
And we’re gonna start by hanging it on this right-hand corner here: … try to make it as level as you can in that corner, and then we are going to use these handy clips to hold this right in place…
So I’ve seen people use tape with this, but with how heavy this mesh screening is, I cannot imagine that that is very sturdy, so this is definitely what you’re going to want to use. You just shove it right in where the spline is going to eventually go And I’m going to get a couple of them in here to hold that into place right there, and so that’s pretty good.
Now we’re going to go to the opposite corner and we’re going to make sure this top is nice and secure. Okay. So we’re going to take our screen and pull it over here, make sure it’s nice and level, so we’re gonna put our little clip in place in this corner and see how nice that holds that you don’t have to worry about the tape coming undone and We’Re just gonna put one in the middle and then another one right here:
okay, so our top is pretty secure. Okay! So now we are gonna do the bottom just like we did the top, and I wanted you to see what these clips look like. So they don’t look like a whole lot, but they make your life so much easier when you’re changing out a screen.
So what we’re gonna do here is we’re gonna make sure we pull it kind of taut, and we start at the corner here, and then we’re going to put the clip right where you put the spline and push it in and then fold it down and that just holds it nice and tight.
So we’ll just do that across the bottom now and then we’ll move to the sides Shove it right in where the splines are supposed to go fold it down and there you go And then we’ll go into the middle kind of pull it down shove it in the fold.
Now we’re gonna just do that. All the way around this is gonna make it so much easier. Just trust me, this is awesome. You just want to make sure, as you do this, to make sure that you keep it pretty tight because this is what it’s gonna be. When you’re finished, you don’t want any loose areas or it’s just gonna weaken the integrity of the screen.
Final Check Before We Install The Spline And Make It Permanent
We’Ve got all our clips up and it should be essentially tight and how you want it to be when it’s finished. If you find that there are some areas that are that aren’t tight and you are not happy with you can just, just undo The clip and pull it a little tighter and redo the clip.
Just make sure that it’s basically how you want it to look before you add your spline and we’re ready.
You’re going to need a spline tool and I’ll show you how to use this in Just a second. You’re also going to need a utility knife. This spline tool that I have actually has a knife on it, I’m not sure if I’m going to use that or not.
But, it is there for your use, and that makes it handy if you need it. Then, in my case, I’m going to be using some flat spline and that’s what we use here in Florida for the pool cages.
So we are going to start installing our spline. I’ve removed one of the clips already And what we do is we take our spline tool and we kind of push in the area that we’re going to be installing our spline in first and get it grooved Into place.
Then we take it and push it in with our spline tool. It kind of takes a little muscle, putting it in at first, but once we get started, it should be much easier. Yep, that’s going in just fine and we’ll do this all the way around and I’ll give you some close-up shots when I am done.
Alright, so I got the spline in up there and now I’m going to show you how to do it down here, so you can get a little bit closer shot. I have to be honest with you. I am breaking a sweat, but it’s probably because it’s a little humid out here. But it’s Florida and humidity comes with the territory. I’ve never been known for my physical strength.
In fact, I’m pretty much the wimpiest person, you know …, but I am doing this all by myself and I’m just wondering is this something that you would attempt to do to save a lot of money?
…, I’m being attacked by red ants, AAghh
They hurt Okay, Let’s get this thing done.
All right So we’re going to do the same thing as we did at the top and we are just going to take our spline tool, run it in the channel right here to kind of create that indentation that we need, and then we’re going to take our spline and our Spline tool and just …
I’ve got to put a little weight into it. For me getting it started was the hardest part, So you kind of put it in at a 45-degree angle, and then you take the spline tool and just kind of push it into place.
Time out, I got to kill some ants!! This is what it should look like after you install your spline correctly.
I wanted to show you how I’m finishing this off because the screen is fully installed. The spline’s in there nice and secure, and now all we need to do is trim off the excess screening.
So I’m just taking a utility knife and running it really close up against the edge trying to be careful to avoid scratching your metal cage, but you just take it off like that and we’re done. That’S it.
My screen’s installed it’s already blocking out some of those pesky bugs. I am no worse for wear other than several fire ant bites on my feet and legs.
I wouldn’t even attempt to do this project without buying these clips, so you must get them if you want your project to go smoothly and turn out nice and tight. This is definitely something you can do yourself and save yourself a ton of money.
What To Know Before Getting Your Pool Enclosure Rescreened
When pool screens reach the end of their useful life, experience tears, or require continual cleaning to prevent algae build-up, you may need to repair or replace them. There are several questions you can ask to inform yourself about what to know before getting your pool enclosure rescreened.
What Is the Most Durable Pool Screen Material?
Pool screen technology has advanced considerably over the past several years. Newer screen materials are far stronger and more durable than ever before. For example, Super ScreenTM is made of polyester yarn with a PVC coating. It resists mildew, UV rays, bugs, pets, and errant golf balls, and has been found to retain its tensile strength for years with little degradation.
Does Replacement Require a Permit?
Permit requirements generally vary by location. Minor repairs may not require a permit, while a full replacement will. Pool screen replacement companies should be experienced and hold any required licenses to get the job done. They should know if your job requires a permit, and ought to help you with the permitting process, if necessary. They should carry liability and worker’s compensation insurance as well. Pool screen replacement is a major job that involves several risks.
Does Insurance Cover a New Pool Screen?
Read your homeowner’s insurance policy carefully and ask questions if you don’t understand the terms. Although your policy may cover framing that attaches to the house and isn’t made of aluminum, it’s unlikely that the policy will cover screening, especially if you haven’t maintained it in the same condition as when it was installed. If the fasteners have deteriorated substantially and you have not had them replaced, your insurance company may deny your claim. However, policies differ, and some companies offer riders to cover pool enclosures, sheds, and carports for an additional fee. Rescreening a pool enclosure due only to age and wear is unlikely to be covered.
How Much Will It Cost?
If you’ve decided to look for pool enclosure rescreening companies, be sure to get a clear and specific estimate in writing. This document should clearly define all aspects of the work, circumstances that might result in additional charges, and the timeline for completion.
For pool cage replacement in Lakeland and surrounding communities in Central Florida, contact Pool Screens R Us. We offer free estimates and are happy to answer all your questions. Ask if a full replacement is truly necessary or if a repair of just damaged panels will suffice. Sometimes, replacing all the screening will be more economical over time, as it uses newer, more durable materials.
Call us today for FREE estimates! You won’t pay until we complete the job. See Our Google Reviews
We proudly serve the Central Florida Area including Orlando, Lakeland, Auburndale, Winter Haven, Tampa, Davenport, Kissimmee, and all towns in between.