Last Updated on September 14, 2021 by Marie Bautista
Screens don’t last forever, and as a homeowner you know this. The average life of a window screen is about 3-4 years before it needs to be replaced.
But how many times have you been enjoying an outdoor activity only to find yourself frustrated by your custom screen windows because they won’t open all the way due to old or damaged screens?
If that sounds like something that has happened too often in your home then it might be time for new screens.
Here are 10 Signs Your Custom Window Screens Need To Be Replaced
You are having a hard time opening or closing your windows.
If you can’t open or close your windows due to a faulty window screen, you know there’s an issue. If opening and shutting the windows has become such a hassle that you’d want to keep them closed all day, this may be an indication that your screens need to be replaced
Your window screens show visible damage.
Obviously, if you can see daylight or a hole through your window screen then it needs to be replaced. However, you should also check for any rips in the mesh of the screens and anything that looks shiny. If there is sunlight coming through the screens and/or they look fuzzy on the outside of your house, this means the mesh has worn down and is no longer working to protect your home.
You are getting higher electricity bills.
During the warm summer months, don’t let your window screens get too thin or collapse. This will help keep you cool and prevent sun damage to furniture in your home! If a high monthly power bill is indication of an ineffective screen- then it may be time for new ones. Newer screens may actually help reduce your energy bill.
Some people have reported seeing lower power bills since they started using new screens in their windows. If you live in a colder region this can be especially beneficial because it helps reduce drafts.
Your custom made screens are less energy efficient.
The screen mesh will block allergens and reduce drafts from going into your home. If you feel a drafty breeze coming in through your custom window screens, the mesh is probably worn down. Not only does this let bugs in but it can lead to an increase in your energy bill. This is why it’s time to start looking for replacement screens once the mesh begins to show damage.
Your window screens are more than 10 years old.
If you have older window screens or some other type of mesh, it’s probably time for new ones if they were installed more than 10 years ago. While some screen materials may not require replacement in some regions, common sense says that if your windows are over a decade old, the mesh likely needs to be replaced.
You have pets.
Pets are the reason why you need custom pet resistant window screens to protect your house from their claws and teeth. If their claws or teeth have torn through your window mesh, it may be time for new ones. Also, even if your pet hasn’t caused any damage, their constant coming in and out of your windows can wear down the screens until they are no longer effective.
You see damage from leaves or branches hitting your windows during storms.
Do you have a tree outside that branches scrape against your windows each time there is a storm? Then this may be why you want to replace your window screens on a regular basis. A good rule of thumb is to replace them more often if you have tall trees that brush against your windows during windy or stormy weather.
You recently noticed some holes in your screens.
If you see small holes in custom screen mesh, this is what they call “bug eyes”. This happens because the insects are constantly trying to get inside through these air pockets and holes. This is often an indication that the mesh has reached its expiration point and needs to be replaced- it’s no longer doing its job of keeping bugs out.
You see peeling, bubbling or worn paint on your window frames.
Window screens are not meant to be painted. So, if you see peeling or bubbling paint on your window frames, this is an indication that the screens are also suffering from wear and tear. Moisture can cause the paint to peel off; then wind can blow these flakes into your screen mesh- making it nearly impossible to open and close the windows!
You notice that your screens are no longer staying level.
When it comes time for screen replacement, you’ll want to make sure the new screens fit snugly into the window frames and don’t wiggle around when you open and shut them. If your custom window screens aren’t staying level, this means they need to be replaced. It usually means that they have been bent over time and just need to be reshaped into a level position.
Window screens don’t last forever. We hope you already know this!
But if not, now is the time to make sure your windows are protected with new screens before they give out on you and leave your home exposed. Look out for these 10 signs!