Window screen replacement typically costs $105–$482 per screen, with a national average of $310.* As with top window brands, window screen prices vary based on quality and customization. You can purchase preassembled screens for as low as $35, but high-end, custom window screens can cost up to $1,000 per screen. Our window screen replacement cost guide looks at how factors such as screen type and material affect pricing, as well as how to save when replacing your window screens. 
*Cost figures in this article are based on reports from The Home Depot and Fixr.

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Which Factors Affect How Much Window Screen Replacement Costs?

The two biggest factors that affect what you’ll end up paying for your window screen replacement are the type and material you choose. The type of windows you have will dictate your choice of screen type. You have more choices when picking the material, but you should consider the return on investment of more costly options rather than simply picking the cheapest material. 

Screen Replacement Cost by Type

Window screens come in two types: prefabricated (prefab) and custom. Prefab window screens are more common. Manufacturers create them in standardized sizes for convenient installation. Custom screens are specially designed to match your home’s style and performance needs.

• Prefab window screens ($25–$75): Prefab window screens are more affordable than custom ones since they’re factory-made and come in standard sizes. 
• Custom window screens ($50–$500): Custom window screens are priced based on square footage. The average cost varies greatly, from around 25 cents per square foot to $25 per square foot. These window screens have more design, size, and customization options than prefab ones. You’ll need to order a custom window screen if you have an unusual window size or specific design, such as shaped or accent windows. 

Screen Replacement Cost by Material 

You have several window screen material options:

• Aluminum screen: $50–$300
• Brass screen: $150–$900
• Copper screen: $90–$850
• Fiberglass screen: $35–$200
• Security screen: $120–$1,000
• Solar screen: $100–$1,000
• Stainless steel: $45 – $400
• Vinyl screen: $25–$120

Window screen frames are often made from vinyl or fiberglass. Both materials are on the more affordable end, but they’re prone to wear and tear and need repair or replacement more frequently than pricier alternatives. You may be better off investing in a more high-end material up-front rather than paying for multiple repairs or replacements of cheaper screens over time. 

Aluminum is another popular option for its durability and affordability, but metals such as stainless steel, copper, and brass are sturdier and longer-lasting. For example, stainless steel is a heavy-duty material that withstands different temperatures and conditions. We recommend stainless steel screens if you live by the coast since this material combats the salty sea air. 

Copper is aesthetically pleasing and more durable than cheaper materials. Brass is the most expensive window screen material due to its ability to withstand extreme wind, rain, and temperature changes. Brass screen frames are also visually striking and give your home an elegant look.

You may want to invest in storm windows if you’re concerned about your windows standing up to harsh storms. You can look into security screens, also called safety screens, for added home protection. These use a high-tensile stainless steel mesh system to prevent forced entry or break-ins while maintaining ventilation. You can easily install security screens on different types of windows.

Lastly, solar screens are dark panels that fit into porch openings and deflect sunlight to reduce glare. Their design allows you to see outside while obstructing the view into your living space, but you’ll end up paying as much as $1,000 for each.

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Other Window Screen Cost Factors

The following factors won’t impact the total cost of your window screens as much as type and material, but keep them in mind when budgeting for your project and deciding on which screens to go with. 

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Professional vs. DIY Window Screen Replacement

You may be able to replace a window screen yourself if it’s not badly damaged. Learn when you can tackle the job yourself and when it’s best to call a pro. 

Professional Window Screen Replacement

Professional window screen installation costs around $15–$50 per screen. 

Hiring a window screen replacement professional is the more convenient option. We recommend opting for a professional window installation contractor if you need a custom screen with unique dimensions or are working with material that’s challenging to cut. We highly suggest professional installation if you have windows above the ground floor, as the job could be dangerous. 

DIY Window Screen Replacement

You can likely do the job yourself if you’re just replacing a prefab screen and feel comfortable handling home improvement projects. You’ll need the following tools in addition to the replacement screens:

• Clamps
• Flathead screwdriver
• Nail punch
• Scissors
• Screen rolling tool
• Spline
• Utility knife

Follow these steps for a DIY window screen replacement: 

1. Use a small, flathead screwdriver or nail punch to lift the spline—or the cord-like object that holds the window screen material into the screen frame—out of the channel. Keep the spline, but remove and discard the old screen.
2. Next, place the metal frame on a flat work surface and roll out a length of screen material to cover the entire frame. Leave an extra 2 inches of screening material on all sides. Cut the screen to size with the utility knife. 
3. Lay the new screen material over the frame so it overlaps the metal on all four sides. Then, pull the screening taut and clamp or tape it to the frame’s top and bottom.
4. Use your screen rolling tool’s convex wheel to push the screen into the frame’s channel. Once in position, use the same tool’s concave side to insert the spline.
5. Finally, trim the excess screening material with your utility knife and cut the screen outside the new spline.

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Signs You Need To Replace Your Window Screens

Plan to replace your window screens when these issues arise:

• Fading: Elements, such as the UV rays of hard sunlight and strong winds, fade window screens. If a mesh screen starts to look shiny, for example, consider replacement. 
• Higher energy bills: Window screens are the first defense against harsh sun rays. An energy-efficient window screen reduces sunlight and keeps your home cooler when it’s warm. This affects your cooling costs and minimizes sun damage to your house. Your window screens may need repair if you start noticing an increase in your summer energy bill.
• Old age: Window screens can become brittle and rust over time. This weakens your windows’ integrity and lowers your property’s curb appeal. Window screens don’t have a set life span, but we recommend replacing them every 10 years for best performance.
• Poor functioning: Issues opening and closing your windows can be due to a warped or damaged window screen. Inspect your window screen frame for any damage. Look for tears, holes, or screen mesh popping out. 
• Tearing: A clear sign that you need a window screen repair is torn fabric or mesh. Your window screens can’t do their job when this material is damaged. If the screen mesh is outside the frame or there are holes in the screen, it’s time for a replacement.

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Our Conclusion

Keeping window screens in good condition improves your home’s curb appeal and preserves the function and energy performance of your actual windows. You can save money by doing a DIY project if you feel comfortable replacing window screens or even screen doors yourself. Call a pro if you need a unique, custom window screen or aren’t confident doing the job. We suggest requesting cost estimate quotes from three window companies before deciding. Check out our guide to window replacement costs if you’re interested in full window replacement.

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Explore Other Home Project Costs

• Window Repair Cost
• Cost Of Sliding Patio Doors
• Foundation Repair Cost

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FAQ About Window Screen Replacement Cost

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Our Rating Methodology

We back up our window ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each provider. We conduct research by speaking with company representatives, browsing product selections, analyzing window line specifications, and conducting focus groups and consumer surveys. We then score each provider against our review standards for window variety, value, trustworthiness and transparency, window features, and customer service to arrive at a final score on a 5-point rating scale.

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