Does Home Depot Make Window Screens in 2023? [A Complete Guide]
Yes, Home Depot does offer custom-made window screens! In this detailed guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about getting window screens through Home Depot – from DIY repair kits to made-to-order screens and professional installation.
Overview of Home Depot‘s Window Screen Options
Home Depot provides all the materials and services to address common window screen needs around the home:
Minor screen repairs – DIY kits with replacement mesh, spline, tools
Basic screen replacement – Pre-made screens in standard sizes
Custom screens – Made-to-measure for perfect fit
Professional installation – Screen measuring and installation services
This variety lets homeowners tackle screen issues at any level, whether you want to fix a tear yourself or have bespoke screens crafted for bay windows.
The Growing Market for Window Screen Replacement
Window screens are a $600 million market in the US, with steady growth expected. According to market research:
Over 3 million window screens are purchased annually just through home improvement retailers.
The average lifespan of a window screen is 5-10 years depending on climate and material.
Fiberglass is the most common screen material, making up 65% of the market. Aluminum screens account for 30%.
DIY repair kits make up 15% of screen sales, while 85% are full screen replacements.
As homes and windows age, window screen repairs and replacements will continue rising. Home Depot aims to capture this demand through convenient options instores and online.
DIY Window Screen Repair Kits
For minor screen issues, Home Depot‘s DIY kits allow basic repairs without replacing the whole screen.
Typical DIY screen repair kit contents:
Fiberglass or aluminum mesh
Roll of spline
Spline installation tool
Screen patching tape
Prices start around $12. Basic kits include enough materials to patch small holes or re-screen one average window.
DIY screen repair is a great option when:
You just need to patch a small hole or tear
The screen frame is intact – you just need new mesh
You want to save money and don‘t mind doing the work
Only one or two screens require repairs
Watch out for these common DIY screen repair mistakes:
Not cleaning and prepping the frame before installing new mesh
Trying to stretch old screen spline to reuse instead of replacing
Leaving mesh too loose instead of getting it taut in the frame
Rushing – screen installation works best with patience
Follow these steps for flawless at-home screen repairs:
Remove old screen mesh and spline completely from the frame.
Clean the frame thoroughly – use soap and water, then let dry.
Measure and cut your new fiberglass mesh 2 inches larger than the frame area.
Lay the mesh over the frame. Use a spline roller to press the new spline into the screen channel around the frame, keeping the mesh tight.
For holes, use screen patch tape on the back side to stitch mesh tears up to 3 inches.
Take it slow and check your work to end up with screens that look professionally repaired!
When To Replace Entire Window Screens
While minor repairs are easy, sometimes it‘s better to replace the entire screen.
Signs it‘s time to replace a screen completely:
Frame is damaged – cracked, warped, corroded
Numerous holes/tears in mesh
Missing or incorrect size screen
Easier and safer to replace than repair
Wanting new screen material like pet-proof mesh
Updating home and want fresh, uniform screens
Replacement screens from Home Depot are convenient for straightforward swap outs.
Home Depot’s Pre-Made Replacement Window Screens
For full window screen replacement, Home Depot stocks pre-made screens in many standard sizes.
Benefits of pre-made replacement screens:
No special measuring or customization needed
Available immediately in-store for same day install
Easy for DIY installation
Affordable option starting around $25 per screen
When getting a replacement screen:
Bring your old screen to match the size and type
Have window measurements handy if the old screen is missing
Consider upgrades like heavy-duty pet mesh
Replacement screen prices at Home Depot:
Basic fiberglass screens $25 – $60
Heavy-duty pet mesh $70 – $150
Obscuring film screens $55 – $75
Aluminum screening $45 – $85
Security window screens $55 – $100
Measure carefully, as a mismatch can complicate installation. Bring your old screen or window dimensions to ensure you get the right size, style, and features.
When You Need Custom Home Depot Window Screens
For windows above standard sizes or unusual shapes, Home Depot can make fully custom screens.
Custom screen benefits:
Perfect fit for any window dimensions
Choose specialty materials like solar screen mesh
Matched aesthetics if replacing custom home windows
But custom screens also have downsides:
Lead time of 2-3 weeks once ordered
Significantly higher cost than DIY or pre-made
Need accurate measurements to size properly
Custom screen pricing at Home Depot:
Small window under 16 inches – $50 to $95
Medium window under 3 ft wide – $75 to $150
Large window over 3 ft – $150 to $250+
Get precise measurements since mistakes can‘t be fixed after ordering:
For width/height, round to the nearest 1/8 inch
Note window shape – rectangle, circle, angled
Snap photos of the window area for reference
For new construction or full home window replacements, custom screens provide an integrated solution. But for a few screens, off-the-shelf options are much more affordable.
Should You Order Screens Through Home Depot or a Local Contractor?
Home Depot provides a convenient one-stop shop for screens, but local window contractors are another option, especially for custom screens.
Home Depot Pros
National pricing and warranties
Can bundle with other major home projects
DIY kits and pre-made screens readily available
Potential Cons
Quality of installers can be uneven
Not a specialty service (jack of all trades)
Focus on high volume approach
Local Window Contractor Pros
Specialized knowledge of windows
Quality often higher with experienced installers
Guide you on best materials and options
Potential Cons
Smaller selection of materials
Pricing varies company to company
There are good reasons to go either route. Home Depot can be ideal if you mainly need basic materials. For specialty needs or complex projects, a local window pro may be preferable.
Installing DIY Replacement Screens
When installing a new ready-made screen yourself, follow these tips:
Check the measurements twice before purchasing
Have a helper for large screens – make sure it‘s aligned
Use painters tape to hold the frame in place if needed
Insert top of screen frame first, then sides, then bottom
Take your time pressing frame into place for a snug, even fit
Ensure latches or tabs engage to hold screen securely
If the frame feels tight going in, lightly sand the edges. Test fit a corner before doing the entire screen. With care, DIY screen replacement can give a seamless fit.
Hiring Home Depot for Screen Installation
For those wanting professional installation, Home Depot offers in-home services for:
Window screen replacement and repairs
Measuring windows and selecting proper screens
Installing your new Home Depot or custom-ordered screens
Pricing averages $150 per window for basic screen installation. This includes labor – additional costs apply for actual screen materials.
For full window replacements including screens, total costs average $800 to $1,200 per window installed.
By handling measuring, ordering, hauling, and installation, Home Depot‘s pro installation takes the hassle out of the process. However, costs add up fast compared to DIY.
Key Takeaways – Repair vs Replace Home Depot Window Screens
Looking at the full range of options Home Depot offers, some key tips emerge:
Minor holes or tears – Use DIY kits for these localized repairs
Screen frame intact – Just replace the mesh yourself
Frame damaged – Look at replacement screens
Uncommon sizes – Consider custom-made screens
Unsure of work – Hire pro installers to handle it
Knowing whether to repair, replace, or go custom helps choose the most cost and time effective solutions.
For small fixes, DIY kits get the job done cheaply. But for upgrades or complex windows, you may want a specialist. Home Depot lets you decide based on your needs and skill level.
From basic DIY screen repairs to total window overhauls with custom screens, Home Depot provides all the necessary supplies and services.
Carefully assess whether your situation requires minor patched repairs, a new pre-made screen, or investing in tailored custom screens. Home Depot empowers you to fix your screens affordably or have new screens made and installed perfectly.
So if you‘ve been putting up with ripped screens, now is the time to stop by Home Depot and restore your windows to like-new condition.
