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The screen on many screen doors is held in place by screen spline. Screen spline is typically a thin vinyl tubing that fits into the groove of the door’s frame and holds the screen in place. To install the spline on a screen door, you’ll need a spline roller—a tool that presses the spline and screen into the door’s narrow groove. Note that old spline can crack and break, so replacing your screens is a good time to replace the spline, too.

Rescreening your porch can take a few hours to a whole day, depending on the size of the enclosure and the amount of screen that needs replacing. If you decide to have a professional handle the rescreening, be sure to get a timeline and a cost estimate so you know how long you’ll be without the screened-in space.

If you’d rather repair your screen door mesh than replace it, you can patch it. Purchase a mesh patch for screen doors with small holes or tears, especially if the mesh is pretty new. Hardware stores and websites sell mesh patches that are easy to apply with an adhesive or a warm hair dryer. Keep in mind that repairs won’t look as aesthetically pleasing in most cases as a full replacement. 

Window screens are available in several standard sizes. Common dimensions include 24 to 36 inches wide by 36 to 48 inches tall, as well as sizes like 18 by 14 inches and 20 by 20 inches. These often correspond to standard window sizes, such as 2 feet wide by 3 feet tall or 4 feet wide by 6 feet tall. Screens are also sold in replacement rolls to accommodate various dimensions. It is always best to measure your windows for accuracy before a repair or replacement. If your windows are a non-standard size, you will likely need to order custom screens, which can increase the cost. However, a screen does not necessarily have to fit the entire window, so you may be able to use a standard-size screen even if your window is slightly larger.