Window screens have many benefits, such as blocking pests and improving ventilation. So, it’s best to get them replaced if they’ve sustained damage.
The average cost to replace a window screen ranges from $187 to $353, materials and labor included. The costs can be lower or higher depending on the size of the screen, material, type, and, of course, how many screens you’ll need.
The prices in this article have been gathered from across the U.S., including both bigger cities and smaller towns, so you can get a more accurate idea of how much your project will cost.
Cost by Location
Window screens can wear out more quickly in coastal areas because salt is harsh on metal, so you may have to replace screens more frequently near the ocean. And if you live in an urban area, you may find the cost of your project to be higher because everything tends to be a bit more expensive in cities than in the country.
The cost of window screen replacement differs from place to place due to local labor costs, supply chains, and different aesthetics. Here’s a snapshot of the average costs across the country:
| City | Average Cost Per Screen |
| Northeast U.S. | |
| Pawtucket, RI | $185 – $349 |
| New York, NY | $227 – $437 |
| Southeast U.S. | |
| Charlotte, NC | $165 – $308 |
| Orlando, FL | $169 – $314 |
| Atlanta, GA | $170 – $316 |
| Midwest U.S. | |
| South Bend, IN | $191 – $363 |
| Chicago, IL | $206 – $393 |
| Northwest U.S. | |
| Salem, OR | $180 – $338 |
| Seattle, WA | $211 – $404 |
| Southwest U.S. | |
| San Antonio, TX | $162 – $301 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $175 – $327 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $201 – $382 |
Cost by Screen Material
The mesh or fabric portion of a window screen can be made of different materials. Some are more durable, some are more aesthetically pleasing, and others are less prone to rusting.
Fiberglass and aluminum are the most popular choices and also the most affordable. Copper and brass screens are more expensive, but they’re more common in historic homes. Let’s take a closer look at their costs:
| Window Screen Material | Typical Cost Per Screen (Materials and Labor) |
| Fiberglass | $47 – $223 |
| Aluminum | $61 – $330 |
| Stainless Steel | $61 – $423 |
| Copper | $107 – $870 |
| Brass | $117 – $928 |
Fiberglass
Fiberglass window screens are the most common and one of the most affordable options on the market. They’re quite easy to install, and they’re resistant to creasing and sagging.
However, these window screens aren’t very durable or long-lasting and will need to be replaced or repaired much sooner than other window screen materials. Fiberglass also tends to be more opaque, which can compromise your view.
Aluminum
Aluminum window screens are another common option that homeowners opt for. They’re more durable than fiberglass, lasting years before needing repairs or replacement. They’re also quite rust-proof and don’t sag. However, these screens are more difficult to install, as aluminum tends to dent and crease easily.
Stainless Steel
Standing up to temperature changes and heavy impacts, stainless steel is a much more durable window screen material than fiberglass, vinyl, or aluminum. It also doesn’t rust, so it’s great for coastal homes where the salty air can corrode other metals.
Some stainless steel window screens are extra tough and are used in security screens. Those cost more than the standard stainless steel window screen.
Copper
Copper is great for those who care a lot about the aesthetics of their home. As a bonus, copper window screens are also quite strong and last a long time.
Brass
Last but not least is brass. Brass is the most expensive window screen material, but this price is not without its benefits. Also called bronze screens, brass window screens are some of the most durable out there; they resist denting, rusting, temperature changes, and heavy impacts. They’re also quite aesthetically pleasing, giving your home an air of elegance.
However, it does have one flaw aside from its price tag; its color fades over time. This might be a good thing for homeowners who think brass doesn’t fit their home’s aesthetics.
Cost by Type of Screen
Aside from the window screen’s material, the other major cost factor in a window screen replacement is what type it is. Window screens come in different types, each with different functions. Some of them are fixed, while some can move, letting you reap their benefits when needed and enjoy the view when not.
More complex window screens typically cost more. Highly specialized window screens are the most expensive. If you can’t find a window screen on the market that you love, you can get a custom one instead – one of which can cost you anywhere from $60 to $555 per screen on average.
| Window Screen Type | Typical Cost Range |
| Hurricane | $42 – $1,050 |
| Moveable | $55 – $255 |
| Solar | $71 – $687 |
| Pet-proof | $110 – $570 |
| Security | $122 – $1,012 |
| Custom | $140 – $533 |
Hurricane
Hurricane screens, also known as hurricane shutters, are designed to protect windows from impact during severe storms, reducing the risk of shattered glass and interior damage.
Moveable
Able to slide up and down, moveable window screens are great for homeowners who want to be able to enjoy picturesque views when there aren’t a lot of insects around. These window screens are versatile, as they can be used with many types of windows.
Solar
Solar window screens are darker than the average window screen, as they’re meant to reflect sunlight, block out harmful UV rays, reduce glare, and prevent UV-ray damage to your curtains. The better the UV-blocking capability, the more expensive your replacement solar screen will be.
These screens are also great at giving you privacy, although your view might be slightly compromised because of their tone.
Pet-proof
Pet-proof window screens are typically made of heavy-duty materials like metal mesh. These are made to withstand scratching, biting, and chewing that can destroy a regular screen. This is great for homeowners who have larger dogs and other pets that love chewing everything in sight.
Security
These are one of the most expensive window screens on the market, but not without good reason. Security window screens stand strong in the face of impacts, cuts, tears, and other forms of tampering. They keep out not just insects, birds, and other flying pests but also would-be intruders.
Custom
If your windows have unusual shapes or non-standard sizes, custom window screens are the best option. Unlike standard screens, which comes in preset dimensions, custom screens are cut to size to ensure a perfect fit for your windows, hence why the heftier cost,
Cost of Labor
Most homeowners will pay anywhere between $16 to $50 per window screen in labor costs when they hire a pro to replace their window screens. Replacing a prefabricated window screen is much cheaper, costing $16 to $30 per screen, while custom ones average around $30 to $50 per screen.
The labor costs for a window screen replacement have a catch, however; the price only gets lower when you replace multiple screens. This is because many pros typically offer discounts on labor if you hire them to replace more screens. You should still expect to pay around $50 in labor costs if you’re only replacing one window screen.
Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
If you want to save on your window screen replacement project, then you could try doing it yourself. A DIY rescreening will cost you around $167, including the cost of the screen material and the tools you’ll need for installation, such as clamps, a flathead screwdriver, and nail punch.
Compared to the average cost of a professional window screen replacement, you can save a a little by going the DIY route. However, hiring a professional ensures the job is well done the first time and that you don’t end up having to spend more money fixing mistakes.
Other Factors That Affect Cost
Here are some of the other cost factors that you have to keep in mind:
Window Screen Size
Like many projects, your window screen’s size also affects the price of your home improvement project. A general rule of thumb is that bigger screens cost more to replace because they need more material and may be a bit more difficult to install compared to their smaller counterparts.
Accessibility
Much like most window projects, the harder it is to get to your window screen, the higher of the price you can expect to pay to replace it. Window screens on the second floor or higher are more expensive to replace than those on the first floor.
Brand
Window screen brands price their units differently, and some brands are more expensive than others because they offer more options to their customers. Even within brands, there are huge price differences depending on what product line you’re buying your replacement window screen from.
Here are some of the most popular window screen brands:
- Andersen
- Pella
- Marvin
- Milgard
Rescreening vs. Replacement
Is your window screen frame in good condition? Then maybe you’d benefit from a rescreening instead of a full replacement. In a rescreening, the existing window frame is retained, and only the screen material is replaced. This is typically more affordable than a replacement.
However, this isn’t a good idea if your window screen framing is severely damaged or rotten. In cases like that, it’s best to have your whole window screen replaced. If you want to change your window frame’s style and color, it’s probably better to get it replaced, too.
FAQ
There are a few signs to look out for:
● Difficulty opening or closing the window screen
● Fading on the screen
● Higher energy bills
● Visible damage, like tearing
Lastly, if your window screen is getting old, then you may want to consider replacing it.
It takes a little under an hour to replace a window screen. Expect it to take a little longer to replace if it’s a big window screen.
Yes. Cleaning will not only maintain their aesthetics; it will also prolong their lifespan and keep the air flowing into your home fresh. You should clean your window screens at least once a year to keep them fresh.
Use a vacuum cleaner, lint roller, or brush to clean mildly dirty screens, making sure to be gentle as you go to prevent damaging them. If your screens are very dirty and need deep cleaning, you’ll have to take them off and scrub them with warm soapy water and a soft bristle brush. Be careful about pressing too hard; you don’t want to dent them.
If your screens are fixed, you can use a pressure washer on a low-pressure setting to clean them.
Find the Right Window Screens for Your Home
Window screens have many benefits that can make them an essential part of your home. If you live in a place with many insects, window screens may be a big quality-of-life improvement for you and your family.
Luckily, Home Gnome delivers the best home service experience at the click of a button. Book reliable, skilled window installation services and leave the rest to us.
Maria Isabela Reis contributed to this article.
Read More:
- How Much Does Window Repair Cost?
- How Much Does Window Cleaning Cost?
- How Much Does Window Glass Replacement Cost?
- How Much Does Window Replacement Cost?
Main Photo Credit: Kirill Gorlov / Adobe Stock Free / License
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