How to Replace a Broken Window Screen

Home Remodeling and Repair 317-454-3612

Home Remodeling and Repair 317-454-3612

Routine window maintenance is important to achieve quality indoor climate control, as well as, whole-house energy efficiency and value. One of the most common, and frustrating, window casualties is a ripped or torn screen. When this happens, it is wise to replace the screen as soon as possible. Window screens serve many important purposes so it is important to keep them in tact all year long.

The idea of replacing a torn window screen may seem tedious, but it is in fact quite simple. With the right tools and a little instruction, anyone can install a new window screen on their own! Continue reading to how to replace a broken window screen in your home or office.

Getting Started…

First gather all the necessary tools and supplies for the job. Fortunately, everything you will need is easily attainable (any local hardware store) and inexpensive. This includes a new window screen of course. Here is a list of materials you will need to replace a window screen:

• New Window Screening
• New Spline (Rubber String)
• Two-Sided Rolling Spline Tool (Should Come with Spline)
• Utility Knife
• Flathead Screwdriver
• Clean Cloth or Rag
• Duct Tape
• Scissors

Once you have accumulated all the necessary tools and materials, you can get started by removing the window screen with frame from the window. Find a hard flat surface to work on and place the screen and frame there. Continue with the following steps:

1. Remove the existing spline from the window frame.

2. Once the spline is removed, the screen detaches easily. Use the head of the screwdriver to pry the screen from the frame if you have trouble disconnecting it.

3. Take your clean cloth and wipe down the bare frame, removing all the dirt in the grooves. To do this, place the cloth over the tip of the screwdriver and drag the flathead along the inside of the grooves.

4. Use the duct tape to secure the frame in place on all sides so that it cannot move.

5. Now you are ready to measure out a piece of new screen. Cut it larger than the surrounding width and height of the window frame.

6. Position the new screening over the window frame so that the entire frame is covered and then some. Hold in place with duct tape on the top side for added stability for the next step.

7. Use the convex side of the rolling spline tool to guide the new spline along the spline grooves in the window frame. Do this for the entire perimeter of the frame. For corners, use the flathead screwdriver to push the spline into place.

8. Once you reach the end, cut the spline with scissors.

9. Now go back over the perimeter of the spline again but with the concaved side of the roller tool.

10. Trim the excess screen off with your utility knife right above the top of the spline while holding down the screen as you cut. Hold the knife at a 45 degree angle and cut in a steady firm motion.

11. Slip the frame back into the window by pushing up and in, securing the metal window clips.

Professional Window Repair and Replacement

If you have a large-scale window repair and replacement project on your hands, call a licensed general contractor for professional and prompt service. They retain the proper tools, training, labor, and resources to undertake a window replacement and repair job in a time frame that’s convenient for you.

Restoration By L and B, LLC

General Contractors Indianapolis Indiana 317-454-3612

General Contractors Indianapolis Indiana 317-454-3612

Call Restoration By L and B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for window installation, repair, and replacement services in Indianapolis and its surrounding towns. Owner and general contractor, Lee Elliot, is happy to answer your questions about residential or commercial window repair and replacement anytime. Additionally, we offer a wide range of remodeling and renovation services for the entire property! Call 317-454-3612 for prompt and professional window repair and replacement in Indianapolis, IN today.

Simple Guide to Phone Jack Installation

Home Remodeling and Repair 317-454-3612

Home Remodeling and Repair 317-454-3612

Phone jacks come in two styles, surface-mounted or flush. Knowing your style of phone jack is the first place to start before replacing your old one. Although phone lines are low-voltage, minor (but painful) shocks can occur, so it is strongly encouraged to disconnect the power before making any adjustments to your phone lines. If you cannot access the interface box to do so, simply take all other phones off the hook to avoid receiving any incoming calls.

It should also be noted that you should never attempt phone jack replacements, or any type of electrical work, during a storm. This greatly increases the chances of electrocution by lightning.

Let’s get started.

1. Disconnect the telephone line by locating the interface box. This is usually attached to the exterior of a property, in the area where the phone lines enter the house.

2. At the telephone interface box, open the customer access panel so you can unplug the test jack. (If your box is older and does not have a test jack, simply unscrew the terminals to reveal the wires, and then detach them, remembering which wire went to which terminal.)

3. Once the test jack is unplugged, pick up the phone to ensure there is no longer a dial tone.

4. Now unplug the phone from the jack and then completely remove the jack from the wall. Be sure to remember which wire connects to which terminal.

5. Look for four wires, colored red, green, yellow, black, blue, and white. Only two wires are generally needed to connect a phone line; the other wires are used for extra lines or if a line fails. Red and green are used for the first and primary phone line most often.

6. Attach the new wires to the replacement phone jack. At this point, you can choose to use a utility knife to cut and strip the ends of the wires to expose fresh, untouched wire if they look brittle or discolored. Be careful to not cut into the wire. Do not cut more than ½ to ¾ of an inch back.

7. Using needle-nosed pliers, shape the ends of the exposed wires into a U.

8. Wrap each wire clockwise around each appropriate terminal.

9. Re-tighten the terminal screws and replace the jack to the wall.

10. Now you can re-connect the interface box and plug your phone back in!

Restoration By L & B, LLC

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for home remodeling and renovation services in Indianapolis. Owner and general contractor, Lee Elliot, is happy to answer your questions about home repairs and more. We offer a wide range of residential and commercial restoration and remodeling services at the most competitive prices in town. Call 317-454-3612 to learn more about home repair and remodeling in Indianapolis, IN and its surrounding counties.