Get matched with top window and door contractors in Lavaca, AR

The most affordable way to screen in a porch is to add a base track system to an existing wooden frame. The whole process should cost around $2,000 for supplies, depending on the size of your porch. It’s much pricier to build a screened-in porch or sunroom from scratch—and you’ll probably need to hire a contractor for a project like that.

Solar screens use a thick mesh of polyester to block out the UV waves and solar heat. While they are more expensive at about $7.50 per square foot, they can protect your porch or hardwood floors from sun damage and keep the room or porch on the other side of the patio cool.

Window screen repair costs an average of $310, with a typical range of $100 to $480. The final price depends on several factors, including the window size, accessibility, screen type, whether the frame needs replacement, and especially the screen material.

The cost of window screen materials varies widely based on durability and features:

• Fiberglass: $35–$200

• Aluminum: $50–$300

• Copper: $90–$850

• Stainless Steel: $45–$400

• Brass: $100–$900

• Solar: $55–$850

• Security: $100–$1,000

• Vinyl: $25–$120

Costs also differ by screen type. For instance, a prefabricated screen might cost only $40, moveable screens typically run $25 to $75, and retractable screens range from $300 to $900. To save money, you can choose more affordable materials like vinyl or fiberglass, opt to rescreen instead of replacing the entire frame, and have multiple screens repaired at once to reduce labor costs.

It’s possible to make minor screen repairs yourself using a waterproof adhesive for small tears or a screen patch kit for larger tears and holes. However, it’s usually a better option to call in a professional window technician. It’s very easy to use too much waterproof glue, resulting in a messy appearance that might demand a full replacement anyway. A screen repair technician will not only be able to carry out clean repairs and patches that aren’t obvious, but they can also let you know if replacing your screen is a more cost-effective option.