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🕸️ Screens

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📋 About Screen Installation, Repair & Replacement ▾

Screens are a straightforward trade on the surface — mesh stretched over a frame — but the material science, frame systems, and code landscape underneath that mesh range from fiberglass spline work a homeowner can manage to engineered aluminum enclosure systems that require permits, licensed [general contractor](https://contractorsplanet.com/?service=general-contractor) oversight, and wind-load engineering in hurricane-prone states like Florida. The five sub-services below organize the screens trade by what the contractor is actually doing: new installation, patching or repairing what's already there, full frame-and-mesh replacement, specialty or performance screens, and ancillary services that don't fit cleanly into the other four buckets.

Q: Can I re-screen a window myself, or do I need a licensed contractor?
Re-screening a standard window or door screen is one of the more manageable DIY home repairs. You need a screen rolling tool ($8–$15 at any hardware store), a length of spline sized to your frame's spline groove (measure the old spline diameter — common sizes are 0.140, 0.160, and 0.175 inches), and fiberglass or aluminum mesh cut about two inches oversized on each dimension. The process takes 15–30 minutes per screen once you've done it once. Licensing becomes relevant when you're building or significantly modifying a screen enclosure structure — in Florida, that requires a licensed specialty contractor. For individual window and door screens on an existing frame, DIY is legitimate and saves $25–$60 per screen in labor.
Q: What does a screen contractor charge per hour, and how is the work typically priced?
Most screen contractors price by the unit — per screen, per panel, or per linear foot — rather than quoting a straight hourly rate, because production speed varies so much by job type. When hourly rates are quoted (common for repair work or enclosure inspections), expect $50–$90 per hour for a single technician. Per-screen pricing for window re-screening runs $25–$75 per screen including labor and basic materials. Pool cage panel re-screening runs $0.75–$2.50 per square foot of mesh area. Full enclosure builds are quoted as a project total. Travel fees of $35–$75 are common for small single-screen service calls. Mobile screen repair shops — contractors who work from a van with pre-cut stock — often have minimum service charges of $75–$100 regardless of scope.
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Screen Installation
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Screen Repair
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Screen Replacement
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Specialty Screens
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Additional Services
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Screens Hiring Guide

📖 Overview

[Screen Installation](https://contractorsplanet.com/?service=screens&subcat=screen-installation) covers new screen work where no screen previously existed — converting an open porch into a screened enclosure, adding a screen door to a patio slider opening, or framing out a pool cage from scratch. Screen enclosure framing uses extruded aluminum alloy (typically 6063-T5 for structural members and 6063-T5 or T6 for perimeter beams) fastened with stainless-steel or coated hardware to resist corrosion. Florida's Florida Building Code Chapter 30 and Miami-Dade NOA (Notice of Acceptance) approval requirements set the most stringent standards in the country; work in those jurisdictions requires licensed contractors and engineer-sealed drawings. Screen mesh is typically 18×14 fiberglass for standard windows, 20×20 no-see-um mesh for fine-insect control, or aluminum mesh where impact resistance matters. Full porch or lanai enclosure installation runs $4,000–$18,000 depending on square footage, ceiling height, and local permit fees. Single window screen installation by a contractor runs $75–$250 per screen including frame and mesh.

[Screen Repair](https://contractorsplanet.com/?service=screens&subcat=screen-repair) is the highest-volume segment of the trade — torn mesh, bent spline, a corner that pulled out, or a frame cracked by a lawnmower. Fiberglass mesh repair using spline and a screen rolling tool is a legitimate DIY project for individual window screens; a handyman or screen shop charges $25–$75 per screen for labor plus material. Frame damage is a different story: aluminum frames that are bent, twisted, or corroded at the corners typically require full frame replacement rather than true repair, since straightening aluminum work-hardens the metal and creates stress fractures. Screen door repairs — sagging hinges, misaligned latches, frame separation at the corners — run $50–$150 per door. Large enclosure or pool cage repairs after storm damage can run $500–$5,000 depending on how many panels, corner extrusions, and structural members were compromised. Many screen repair contractors work from a mobile shop, bringing pre-cut mesh rolls and frame stock to the site.

[Screen Replacement](https://contractorsplanet.com/?service=screens&subcat=screen-replacement) covers removing existing screens — frame and all — and installing new ones. The distinction from repair is important: replacement assumes the old mesh or frame is too far gone to patch. Window screen replacement at the whole-house level typically runs $150–$450 per window when the contractor supplies custom-cut frames and standard fiberglass mesh. Phifer is the dominant mesh brand in the US market; their BetterVue and UltraVue lines offer improved optical clarity at roughly a 30–50% material premium over standard fiberglass. Pool cage re-screening — removing the old mesh from an existing aluminum structure and installing new — runs $0.75–$2.50 per square foot of mesh area, with a typical 1,000-square-foot lanai running $900–$2,500 for mesh alone plus $300–$700 labor. Solar screen replacement for sun control runs $150–$350 per window including the denser 80–90% shade-factor mesh and new frame. When the frame system itself has corroded beyond re-screening, full pool cage replacement is the appropriate scope (see Screen Installation above).

[Specialty Screens](https://contractorsplanet.com/?service=screens&subcat=specialty-screens) covers performance and non-standard screen systems that fall outside the fiberglass-mesh-in-aluminum-frame mainstream. Solar screens (also called sun screens or shade screens) use vinyl-coated polyester mesh at 80–90% openness factor to block 70–90% of solar heat gain — a practical complement to [HVAC](https://contractorsplanet.com/?service=hvac) efficiency upgrades and [blinds](https://contractorsplanet.com/?service=blinds) on west-facing exposures. Retractable screens — motorized or manual — mount in a housing above a door or opening and roll away when not in use; motorized units from brands like Phantom Screens or Mirage run $600–$2,500 per opening installed. Security screens made from 316 marine-grade stainless steel mesh in extruded frames (Crimsafe and Amplimesh are the two dominant systems in the US) provide forced-entry resistance certified under ASTM F3038 and can satisfy insurance requirements in some markets — relevant when coordinating with an [insurance](https://contractorsplanet.com/?service=insurance) provider on risk discounts. Pet-resistant screens use heavier vinyl-coated polyester (PetScreen by Phifer is the dominant brand, roughly 7× stronger than standard fiberglass) and run $30–$60 per square foot installed. No-see-um and pollen screens use 20×20 or 18×18 mesh weave counts rather than the standard 18×14, adding insect exclusion at minimal cost premium.

[Additional Services](https://contractorsplanet.com/?service=screens&subcat=additional-services) covers screen-adjacent work that screen contractors commonly offer alongside their primary scope. Sliding screen door track cleaning and replacement addresses a frequent failure point — the bottom track fills with debris, the rollers wear, and the door drags or derails. Track replacement runs $40–$120; roller replacement runs $20–$60. Screen storage and seasonal removal covers the contractor removing, labeling, and storing window screens in fall and re-installing in spring — a service common in the upper Midwest and Northeast where storm windows go in for winter. Seasonal removal and reinstallation typically runs $5–$15 per screen. Screen cleaning as a standalone service — soft brush and mild detergent, or low-pressure rinse — pairs well with [power washing](https://contractorsplanet.com/?service=power-washing) or [cleaning](https://contractorsplanet.com/?service=cleaning) visits. Screen enclosure pressure washing runs $150–$400 for a standard lanai. Some contractors also offer screen door installation on existing door frames without a screen — a scope that overlaps with [carpentry](https://contractorsplanet.com/?service=carpentry) and [handyman](https://contractorsplanet.com/?service=handyman) services depending on the complexity of the opening.

Choosing the right sub-service comes down to what you have and what's wrong with it. If the aluminum frame structure is sound but the mesh is torn or oxidized, re-screening is almost always more cost-effective than full replacement — get a screen contractor to assess the frame before authorizing a full tear-out. If you are adding screens where none existed on a porch, pool cage, or whole-house window set, budget for a permit review and confirm your contractor carries general liability coverage of at least $1 million per occurrence. For specialty or security screen work, request material data sheets and ask specifically which ASTM or third-party test standard the product meets. Storm or emergency repairs — a hurricane panel fails, a screen cage collapses, or a screen door is torn off its hinges — should be documented with photos before any work begins to support an [insurance](https://contractorsplanet.com/?service=insurance) claim.

✅ What it covers

  • Site measurement and frame sizing for custom-cut window, door, and enclosure screens
  • Mesh selection: fiberglass 18×14 standard, 20×20 no-see-um, aluminum, solar, pet-resistant, or security grade
  • Aluminum frame fabrication or sourcing: 6063-T5 extrusions, corner keys, and spline channel
  • Spline rolling and mesh tensioning for flat, wrinkle-free installation
  • Permit application and engineer-sealed drawings for new screen enclosures in regulated jurisdictions
  • Structural fastening with stainless-steel or coated hardware for corrosion resistance
  • Pool cage and lanai re-screening: panel-by-panel mesh removal and replacement on existing aluminum structure
  • Retractable or motorized screen system installation including housing mount and motor wiring
  • Screen door hardware: hinges, closers, latches, rollers, and track adjustment or replacement
  • Seasonal screen removal, storage, labeling, and spring reinstallation

💵 Typical cost range

$25 to $18,000

Single window screen repair or re-screen by a contractor runs $25–$75 per screen for labor plus $3–$8 in mesh and spline material. Whole-house window screen replacement on a 2,000-square-foot home with 15–20 screens averages $600–$2,000. Pool cage or lanai re-screening (mesh only, existing aluminum structure intact) runs $0.75–$2.50 per square foot — a 1,200-square-foot lanai typically costs $1,200–$3,500 all-in. New screen enclosure construction runs $4,000–$18,000 depending on square footage, ceiling height, and local permit fees. Solar screens run $150–$350 per window installed. Retractable motorized screens run $600–$2,500 per opening. Security screen systems (Crimsafe, Amplimesh) run $800–$2,500 per opening. Regional variance: Florida, Texas Gulf Coast, and Hawaii markets run 10–25% above national averages due to storm-code requirements and corrosion-resistant hardware mandates.

🛡️ Hiring tips

  • Verify the contractor holds a current state license for screen enclosure work — in Florida, this falls under the specialty contractor license (Category III, Swimming Pool/Screen Enclosure) and must be verifiable through the DBPR online portal.
  • Ask for proof of general liability insurance at $1 million per occurrence minimum before any work begins; pool cage and enclosure work creates slip-and-fall and property damage exposure your homeowner policy may not fully cover.
  • For new enclosures or full pool cage installations, require a written permit application as part of the contract — unpermitted enclosures in Florida and other regulated states can trigger forced removal at sale or after a storm inspection.
  • Get at least two quotes that specify mesh type, openness factor, and frame alloy — bids comparing 18×14 fiberglass to 20×20 no-see-um or solar mesh are not apples-to-apples and can look deceptively far apart.
  • For re-screening an existing cage, have the contractor assess the frame first — corroded base track, cracked corner extrusions, or out-of-square panels make re-screening a short-term fix; full frame replacement is sometimes the correct call.
  • Confirm the mesh brand and product name in writing — Phifer BetterVue, PetScreen, or SunTex 80 are verifiable; generic "fiberglass mesh" without a spec leaves you no recourse if the material degrades in two seasons.
  • For retractable or motorized screen systems, ask who handles warranty service and whether the installer is an authorized dealer — many motorized units (Phantom Screens, Mirage) require authorized technicians for warranty repairs.
  • Document the condition of existing frames with photos before any repair or re-screen work starts — this protects you if the contractor discovers additional damage mid-job and the scope expands unexpectedly.

More frequently asked questions

When should I repair a screen versus replacing it entirely?
Repair makes sense when the aluminum frame is straight, the corners are tight, the spline channel is undamaged, and only the mesh is compromised — a tear, a pet hole, or oxidized fiberglass that has turned brittle and chalky. Replacement is the right call when the frame is bent or twisted (aluminum work-hardens when straightened, creating stress fractures), when corner keys have separated and the frame is no longer square, when the spline channel is cracked, or when oxidation has eaten through the frame surface. For pool cages specifically: if base track (the bottom extrusion at the slab level) is corroding from the inside out — a common failure in saltwater environments — re-screening without addressing the track is money wasted. A contractor can usually assess repair-versus-replace in a few minutes on-site.
What is the difference between standard fiberglass mesh and solar screen mesh, and which should I choose?
Standard 18×14 fiberglass mesh (the gray or charcoal mesh on most window screens) is optimized for insect exclusion and visibility — it blocks about 30–40% of solar radiation and has minimal effect on heat gain. Solar screen mesh, also called sun screen or shade screen, uses vinyl-coated polyester woven at an openness factor of 5–20%, which blocks 70–90% of solar heat and UV before it reaches the glass. The trade-off is reduced outward visibility — a 90% shade-factor solar screen looks noticeably darker from inside, especially at night with interior lights on. Solar screens make the most economic sense on west- and south-facing windows in hot climates where cooling loads are high, and they complement rather than replace [HVAC](https://contractorsplanet.com/?service=hvac) upgrades. Cost difference is $50–$150 more per window for solar versus standard.
Do screen enclosures require a building permit, and does the work affect my homeowner's insurance?
In most jurisdictions, new screen enclosure construction requires a building permit — the structure attaches to the home's foundation or slab, must meet local wind-load requirements, and in some counties (particularly in Florida) requires engineer-sealed drawings. Unpermitted enclosures can trigger forced removal orders, complicate a home sale, and void coverage for storm damage under some policies. For re-screening an existing structure (mesh only, no frame modification), permits are generally not required. On the insurance side, security screens certified under ASTM F3038 may qualify for a wind-mitigation or burglary-deterrence discount — ask your [insurance](https://contractorsplanet.com/?service=insurance) agent before installing. Standard fiberglass re-screening has no material effect on premiums.
How do I know if my pool cage needs re-screening or full structural replacement?
Walk the perimeter and look at the base track — the horizontal extrusion sitting on the concrete slab. If you see white or gray powder (aluminum oxide), deep pitting, or sections where the metal has flaked away entirely, the base track has corroded past the point where re-screening makes sense. Next, check the corner extrusions and vertical uprights: push on them gently — any flex or movement in what should be a rigid joint means the fasteners have failed or the metal has thinned. Check the screen panels themselves: if the mesh is intact but the frames are loose in their channels, the frame corners have separated. A contractor can probe the structure in 20–30 minutes and give you a straight repair-versus-replace assessment. Corroded base track alone can be replaced section by section without full cage replacement if the uprights and roof framing are still sound.
What are the red flags that a screen contractor is cutting corners or running a scam?
The most common issue in the screen trade is mesh substitution — a contractor quotes Phifer BetterVue or a specific solar mesh, then installs generic imported mesh at roughly half the material cost. Require the mesh brand and product name in the contract and ask to see the roll before installation begins. A second red flag is skipping the permit on new enclosure construction — some contractors offer a lower price by omitting the permit, which saves them time but leaves you with an illegal structure. Third, watch for contractors who quote re-screening over a cage with corroded base track without flagging the underlying structural problem — they'll be back in 18 months to do it again. Legitimate screen contractors will assess the frame condition before quoting mesh work and tell you honestly if the frame is not worth re-screening.
A storm ripped through my screen enclosure last night — what do I do first?
Document everything with timestamped photos before touching anything — wide shots showing the full enclosure and close-ups of each damaged panel, bent frame member, and fastener failure. Call your [insurance](https://contractorsplanet.com/?service=insurance) carrier to open a claim before authorizing any repairs, since insurers typically want a damage inspection before work begins. If structural members are leaning or the roof framing has shifted, keep people out of the enclosure until a contractor confirms it is stable. For immediate protection against rain intrusion, a screen contractor can tarp the opening or staple temporary poly sheeting over damaged panels — document that temporary work separately from the permanent repair scope. Storm damage repairs are common enough that most screen contractors in hurricane-prone markets have emergency response capacity; expect a 20–40% premium over standard rates for same-day or next-day emergency response.

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