Get matched with top screen repair technicians in Rolling Meadows, IL

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.

There are different types of screen materials available when purchasing a screen door, but the two main options are fiberglass and aluminum. Fiberglass is lightweight and affordable, but can stretch out, so it needs to be replaced more often. Aluminum has a higher upfront cost, but is more sturdy. Aluminum can be more difficult to install, even if you know how to replace screen door mesh.

Some hardware or specialty window stores in your area may repair damaged screens, but it’s less time-consuming, more convenient, and potentially more affordable to hire a screen repair technician to come to your home to do the work on-site. The screen technician will have the tools and experience to get the work done the same day, and they can inspect other screens while there to help avoid repeat repair costs in the future.

Whether you should repair or replace a screen door depends on the type and extent of the damage. It is easy and economical to repair a small tear in the mesh using a widely available DIY patch kit. However, if there are large tears, multiple damaged spots, or if the screen is made of a specialized material, replacing the entire screen mesh might be a better long-term investment for a tidier appearance. You should also consider the condition of the frame; if the frame itself is damaged, it's likely time to replace the entire door. Other factors to weigh include whether you want a new style or need a more durable door.