When your window screen gets a tear or starts to look tired, one of the first questions that comes to mind is, "How much is this going to cost me?" The good news is, rescreening is one of the more affordable home maintenance tasks out there.

On average, you can expect the cost to rescreen a window to fall somewhere between $50 and $100 if you hire a professional. If you're feeling handy and decide to do it yourself, the cost for materials drops significantly to just $10 to $30 per window.

Of course, the final price tag depends on a few key things, like the type of screen material you choose, the size of your window, and whether you're paying for labor or providing it yourself.

Your Quick Guide to Window Rescreening Costs

Think of pricing a window rescreen like ordering a pizza. The basic cheese pizza is your baseline cost, but adding premium toppings like prosciutto or truffle oil will naturally increase the price. The numbers above give you a solid starting point, but let's look at what drives that cost difference.

Going the DIY route is incredibly budget-friendly. All you need is a small investment in the screen mesh, spline, and a simple rolling tool. It's a straightforward project if you have an hour or two to spare.

On the other hand, calling in a professional adds labor costs, but you're paying for their expertise and a guaranteed, drum-tight finish without any of the hassle. This is often the best choice if you have a lot of windows to get through, are working with trickier materials, or simply value your time.

This quick visual gives you a great snapshot of what to expect for rescreening costs.

As you can see, doing it yourself keeps the cost at a bare minimum. The wider price range for professional service accounts for different screen materials, window complexities, and regional labor rates.

It's also interesting to see how these costs have shifted. Back in the early 2000s, you could get a window rescreened for about $25 to $45. Fast forward to today, and factors like inflation and the availability of newer, better materials (like tough, pet-resistant screens) have pushed that average up. You can find more historical data on sites like HomeAdvisor.com.

Key Takeaway: For a standard window with basic fiberglass mesh, a professional job will generally cost about three to four times more than doing it yourself. That extra cost buys you convenience, quality assurance, and the time saved.

Knowing these basics is the perfect first step. If you want to dive even deeper, you can check out our complete overview of window screen installation costs.

For a quick reference, here’s a simple breakdown to help you figure out which path makes the most sense for your project.

Average Window Rescreening Costs at a Glance

Service Type	Average Cost Per Window	Best For
DIY Rescreening	$10 – $30	Homeowners who enjoy hands-on projects and want to save the most money, especially for just one or two windows.
Professional Service	$50 – $100	Anyone wanting a perfect, guaranteed finish, tackling multiple windows, or who simply lacks the time or tools for DIY.

Ultimately, whether you choose to DIY or hire a pro, rescreening is a small investment that makes a big difference in how your home looks and feels.

What Drives Your Final Price?

Ever wondered why one rescreening quote comes in at $30 while another is closer to $100? It really boils down to a few key variables. Think of it like buying tires for your car—a standard all-season tire gets the job done affordably, but if you need high-performance or all-terrain tires for specific conditions, you're going to pay a premium. The same exact principle applies to your window screens.

Getting a handle on these factors is the secret to decoding any estimate you receive. The final cost to rescreen a window isn’t just a number plucked out of thin air; it’s a careful calculation based on your material choices, your home's unique layout, and your specific needs.

The Screen Material Makes the Biggest Difference

By far, the single biggest cost driver is the type of screen mesh you choose. Not all screens are created equal, and their prices directly reflect their durability and special features. Standard fiberglass is the most common and budget-friendly choice, but upgrading to a specialized material can offer some serious benefits for a higher initial investment.

So, let's take a closer look at what you're choosing from. Each material offers a different balance of price, performance, and longevity, and knowing the differences is key to making the right call for your home.

Comparing Window Screen Material Costs and Benefits

Screen Material	Average Material Cost (per sq. ft.)	Key Benefits	Best For
Fiberglass	$0.25 – $0.50	Affordable, flexible, doesn't crease, good visibility	Standard residential use, budget-conscious projects
Aluminum	$0.50 – $0.75	Durable, won't sag, crisp appearance, long-lasting	High-traffic areas, homes where durability is a priority
Pet-Proof	$1.00 – $1.50	Tear and puncture resistant, heavy-duty construction	Households with cats, dogs, or small children
Solar/Sun-Control	$1.25 – $2.50+	Blocks 70-90% of UV rays, reduces energy costs, glare reduction	Sunny climates, south/west-facing windows, energy efficiency goals

Ultimately, the right material for you depends on what you value most. Are you trying to protect your screens from a playful cat, or are you more focused on cutting down that intense afternoon heat? Your answer will point you toward the best option.

Expert Insight: While fiberglass is easy on the wallet upfront, investing in a more durable material like pet-proof or solar screening often provides better long-term value. You'll spend less on future replacements and can even see a return on your investment through lower energy bills.

How Size and Location Play a Role in Your Quote

Beyond the material itself, the physical characteristics of your windows have a major say in the final price. It’s pretty straightforward: larger windows require more material and more time, which drives up the cost. For instance, a small 18×18 inch bathroom screen might only cost $30, while a huge 32×55 inch picture window could run up to $550 for a professional job with premium solar screen.

Accessibility is the other big piece of the puzzle. A ground-floor window is simple for a technician to work on. But what about a screen on the second or third story? That’s a whole different ballgame.

The job gets more complex and often requires:

• Ladders or Scaffolding: This adds setup time and introduces new safety considerations for the technician.
• More Labor Time: It simply takes longer to safely remove, service, and reinstall screens from a significant height.

Because of this added complexity and risk, you can almost always expect to pay more for upper-story windows. By keeping these key drivers—material, size, and location—in mind, you can better anticipate your costs and make smarter decisions for your project.

Decoding a Professional Rescreening Quote

When you get a quote from a pro, you’re not just paying for a roll of screen mesh. You're investing in their experience, the convenience of having it done right, and a final product that looks and performs perfectly. Understanding how they arrive at that final number helps you see the real value in the service and avoid any sticker shock.

Think of it like getting your car detailed. You aren't just paying for soap and water; you're paying for the technician's time, their specialized tools, and the skill needed to get that showroom shine. It's the same deal with a rescreening quote, which usually boils down to a few key components.

Typically, a professional will give you a straightforward, per-window price that bundles both the materials and the labor together.

Breaking Down the Labor Costs

Labor is almost always the biggest chunk of any professional quote. This covers the technician's time and skill to do the job properly—carefully removing the old screen, installing the new mesh so it’s drum-tight, and getting the frame back in place without a scratch.

Contractors usually figure out labor costs in one of two ways:

• Per-Window Fee: This is the most common approach by far. The pro has a set price for a standard window, which keeps the quote simple and easy for everyone to understand.
• Hourly Rate: You'll see this less often for simple jobs. An hourly rate might come into play for more complicated projects, like those with unusual custom frames or significant repairs that are hard to estimate ahead of time.

This labor charge also covers the "service call"—the cost of getting a trained professional with a truck full of tools and materials to show up at your house.

For a standard window screen up to 15 square feet (like a 3'x5' window), you can expect to pay anywhere from $40 to $100 per screen for a professional job. This price typically includes the new screen material, spline, and all the labor involved.

Understanding Materials and Extra Fees

While the screen mesh and spline are the main materials, their cost is usually baked right into that per-window price. You won't see "fiberglass mesh" listed as a separate line item unless you ask for an upgrade. Opting for a premium material, like a heavy-duty pet screen or a solar screen, will naturally bump up the base price.

Beyond the standard rescreening, a few things can add to your final bill. It’s always smart to ask about these potential charges when you’re getting a quote.

Here are a few common add-ons:

• Trip or Travel Fees: If you're located far outside a contractor's normal service area, they might add a travel fee of $50 to $100, especially for a small one- or two-screen job. Many companies will waive this fee for larger projects.
• Difficult Access: Got windows on the second or third floor? If the job requires tall ladders and extra safety measures, expect to pay more. The extra risk and time involved will always add to the cost.
• Frame Repair: If a window frame is bent, cracked, or has broken corners, fixing it is a separate job from just rescreening it. This repair work will be an additional charge.

Going DIY to Cut Your Rescreening Costs

If you're handy around the house and want to keep your cost to rescreen a window as low as possible, rolling up your sleeves and doing it yourself is a fantastic option. When you take on the labor, you can get a great-looking result for just a slice of what a professional would charge.

The biggest savings, by far, come from cutting out the labor fees. Professionals often build in costs that account for 50-75% of the total bill just for their time and skill. By going the DIY route, your only real expense is the raw materials, which are surprisingly cheap.

Your DIY Shopping List and Upfront Costs

Getting started is pretty straightforward. You only need a handful of specific items, and you can find everything at your local hardware store, either sold separately or bundled into a convenient kit.

Here are the essential tools and materials you'll be looking for:

• Screen Mesh: This is where you have some choices, but standard fiberglass mesh is the most common and easiest on the wallet.
• Spline: Think of this as a rubbery cord that wedges the screen tightly into the frame's groove. Getting the right diameter is crucial.
• Spline Roller: This is the one non-negotiable, specialty tool for the job. It has two wheels—one to push the spline into the channel and another to seat it firmly.
• Utility Knife: A sharp blade is essential for trimming the extra mesh at the end for that clean, factory-finished look.

You can often find a complete DIY window screen replacement kit for $20 to $40. That usually gives you enough fiberglass screen, spline, and a basic roller tool to tackle two or even three standard-sized windows.

Pro Tip: Before you head to the store, use a small screwdriver to pry out a little piece of your old spline. Take it with you! This ensures you buy the exact same diameter. If your new spline is too thin, the screen will be loose and saggy. If it’s too thick, you’ll fight to get it into the channel and might even bend your frame.

A Quick Look at the DIY Process

The actual process isn't complicated, but it does require a bit of patience to get a tight, smooth finish without any wrinkles. If it’s your first time, expect to spend about 30 to 60 minutes per window.

Here’s a bird’s-eye view of the steps:

1. Remove the Old Guts: Use a small flathead screwdriver or an awl to dig out a corner of the old spline and pull it out. The old, damaged screen will come right out with it.
2. Lay Out the New Screen: Roll your new screen mesh over the frame, making sure you have at least a couple of inches of overhang on all sides.
3. Start Installing the Spline: Pick a corner and use your spline roller to press the new spline down into the channel, right on top of the mesh.
4. Keep it Taut: This is the most important part! As you work your way around the frame, pull the screen material gently to keep it tight. This is the secret to avoiding sags and wrinkles.
5. Trim the Excess: Once the spline is pushed in all the way around, run your utility knife along the outside edge of the spline to slice off the extra mesh for a perfect finish.

For a more in-depth guide with pictures, you can follow our step-by-step tutorial on rescreening a window screen. Deciding between DIY and hiring a pro isn't just about this one project; it's always helpful to consider the hidden costs of professional versus DIY projects to see where the true value lies for you.

Should You Repair a Small Tear or Replace the Whole Screen?

So, you've spotted a tiny hole in your window screen. Does that automatically mean you’re on the hook for a full replacement? Not necessarily. Knowing when to patch versus when to replace can save you a surprising amount of money and a whole lot of hassle.

It's a lot like deciding whether to fix a small chip in your car's windshield or replace the entire thing. For a minor flaw, a simple, targeted repair is often the smartest and most economical solution. But if the problem is bigger, a patch is just a temporary band-aid on a wound that really needs stitches.

When a Quick Patch Is Your Best Bet

For those small punctures, little snags, or tiny tears, a simple screen repair kit is your best friend. These kits are incredibly cheap—often less than $10—and you can fix minor damage in just a few minutes. Most come with adhesive patches you can just cut to size and press right over the hole.

A patch is probably the right move if:

• The damage is a clean hole or tear smaller than a quarter.
• The screen mesh around the hole is still strong, flexible, and in good shape.
• Your screen is fairly new and hasn’t gotten all faded and brittle from sun exposure.

This approach is perfect for those little accidents, like when a branch pokes through or a pet's claw gets caught. The decision really comes down to the overall age and condition of the mesh. For example, small holes up to three inches across are great candidates for a patch, but only if the screen itself isn't too old. If that mesh has been baking in the sun for 8-10 years, it's likely become brittle. In that case, even a small tear is a sign that the whole screen is ready to fail.

Clear Signs You Need a Full Replacement

While a quick patch is great for minor issues, some problems are clear signals that it’s time to replace the entire screen. A patch is just a cosmetic fix; it won't solve deeper structural problems with the mesh.

A full rescreening is the only real solution when the integrity of the entire screen is compromised. Patching a large, brittle, or sagging screen is like putting a bandage on a broken bone—it doesn’t address the root problem.

It’s time for a full replacement if you’re seeing any of these issues:

• Large Rips or Multiple Holes: If the damage is widespread, a patch just isn't going to cut it. A new screen is the only way to get it working properly again.
• Brittle or Faded Mesh: Years of sun exposure will eventually make screen material fragile. If it feels stiff or cracks when you gently press on it, its time is up.
• Sagging or Looseness: A screen that has lost its tension isn't keeping the bugs out. This usually means the mesh has stretched out or the spline holding it in place has failed, which requires a complete rescreen.

For these more serious problems, a full replacement is the only durable and reliable option. If you're facing this kind of damage, you can learn more about what's involved with our professional window screen repair services.

Smart Ways to Keep Your Rescreening Costs Down

So, you've got a handle on what drives the cost of rescreening a window. Now for the good part: how to keep more of your money in your pocket. A little savvy planning can make a huge difference in the final price, whether you’re calling in a pro or rolling up your sleeves to do it yourself.

Think in Bulk to Maximize Your Savings

One of the easiest ways to save is to bundle your projects. Think about it: a contractor has to account for travel time and setup for every single job. If they come out for just one small window screen, that overhead gets baked into that one price.

But if you have several screens that are looking a little worse for wear, get them all done at the same time. Most pros are happy to give you a better deal when they can knock out multiple screens in one trip. This simple move can turn a pricey one-off job into a much more affordable project. For a job of 10 or more windows, you might see a per-screen discount of 10-20%.

Timing is another factor you can use to your advantage. Most home improvement pros have a busy season. If you can schedule your rescreening during their slow period—say, late fall or winter—you might find they’re more flexible on pricing just to keep their crews busy.

The Best Money-Saving Tip: A little proactive care goes a long, long way. Gently washing your screens with mild soap and water a couple of times a year can be a game-changer. It gets rid of dirt and grime that can break down the material over time, potentially adding years to the life of your screens.

This same "buy in bulk" logic is a huge win for the DIY crowd, too. If you're tackling the project yourself, resist the urge to buy a small, pre-cut piece of screen for each window. You can slash your material costs by up to 40% per square foot just by purchasing a 100-foot roll instead of individual sheets. For more details on these kinds of savings, check out this guide from Today's Homeowner.

A Few Final Questions About Window Rescreening

It's totally normal to have a few last-minute questions before kicking off a home project. Getting these details sorted out will help you plan your window rescreening with confidence and make sure you're getting the best bang for your buck.

How Long Will My New Screen Actually Last?

This really boils down to two things: the material you choose and the weather it has to put up with.

Your standard, run-of-the-mill fiberglass screens will usually give you a good 5 to 8 years of service. But if you step up to a tougher material like aluminum or one of those specialty pet-proof meshes, you can easily expect them to hold up for 10 to 15 years, sometimes even longer. Of course, constant, harsh sunlight and wild weather will take their toll, which is why picking the right material from the get-go is so important.

Here's a pro tip: If your windows get blasted by the sun all day or you've got pets who love to climb, it’s worth spending a little extra on a better screen. That slightly higher upfront cost almost always pays off in the long run because you won't have to replace it again in just a few years.

Is It Cheaper to Rescreen or Just Buy a Whole New One?

Oh, absolutely. It is almost always cheaper to rescreen.

Think about it: rescreening just means swapping out the old, torn mesh for a new piece. You're keeping the perfectly good frame. A complete replacement is only needed when the metal frame itself is bent, has a cracked corner, or is otherwise damaged. As long as your frame is in good shape, rescreening is hands-down the more wallet-friendly way to go.

Do I Really Need to Take the Frame Out of the Window?

Yep, you do. The screen frame has to come out.

To get that professional, "tight-as-a-drum" finish, you need to lay the frame down on a flat, sturdy surface. This is the only way to apply the even pressure needed with a spline roller to stretch the mesh taut and secure it without any annoying sags or wrinkles. It’s a non-negotiable step if you want the job done right.

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Ready to get those windows looking fresh and new again? Sparkle Tech Screen Service offers quick quotes and can often get your job done the same week. Skip the DIY hassle and get a flawless finish by visiting us at https://sparkletechscreenservice.com today.