How much does it cost to install window screens?

Reviewed by Adam Graham remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

While window screens are not necessary, they enhance the experience. Screens allow you to open the windows without insects getting in or the family pet getting out. Screens are quick and easy to install, and many window manufacturers install them at no additional charge when you purchase a new window. If you want replace your screens but do not need new windows, you can buy and install just the screens.

The national average is $100 to $400 for window screen installation. Most homeowners pay $200 to install an adjustable stainless steel screen on two 2’ x 3’ windows. Prices vary based on your choice of material, size, and screen type. For example, a small prefab fiberglass screen on the first floor of a home can be installed for just $65. At the high end, installing custom-made security screens with previous screen removal on a two-story home costs up to $8,000 or more.

Window Screen Price

Prefab vs Custom Window Screen Price

Prefab window screens cost $30 to $200. Having a window screen made to order costs between $70 and $500 installed. Window screens are made up of mesh material stretched tightly across a frame. The mesh material can be cut into different shapes to create window screens with different patterns or sizes. Most manufacturers sell prefab window screen models with standard sizes and designs. In addition, homeowners can order a custom window screen. The table below shows the cost for a standard 2’ x 3’ window prefab and custom made.

Prefab Window Screen

Having a prefab window screen installed in your home costs $30 to $200. A prefab window screen is more affordable than a custom one because it does not require as much labor. They come in several standard sizes that are factory-made. While homeowners can pick from different premade sizes and colors, the customization options are limited. If you have an uncommon window size or want a specific design, you will have to order a custom window screen.

Custom Window Screen

Custom window screens cost between $70 and $500 and can be standard, hinged, or adjustable. These screens are custom-made to suit windows that do not work with regular pre-made screens. A custom screen may be needed if you have oddly shaped or sized windows. The designs, sizes, and customization options are bigger when you order a custom window screen. The installer must also make and install a custom frame.

Window Screen Price by Size

Depending on size, a window screen costs from $15 for a small 1’ x 2’ prefab window to $900 for a large 6’ x 6’ custom window. Window screens are available in many styles, sizes, and colors. The most common size for residential windows is 2’ x 3’. However, sizes vary depending on your individual needs. To make a screen for a larger window, the professional requires more materials and takes more time to install it. The cost increases accordingly. The table below shows the most common window screen sizes and their average costs.

Average Cost of Window Screens by Type

Window screens can also be categorized by type, with prices varying between $30 and $500 for prefab windows and $70 to $1,000 for custom window screens. There are standard pre-made screens designed to be fixed in place or hinged and retractable screens that move. Each type fits a specific setting or has a different purpose. It may be to bring more light to the room, allow you to open and aerate the home, or lift the screen to get an unobstructed view of your surroundings. The table below shows some common window screen types and their average costs for a 2’ x 3’ window.

Standard Window Screens

Standard window screens cost between $30 and $150 each for a prefab model and $70 to $400 for a custom one, depending on the material. They are made to set sizes and designed to fit standard-sized windows, offering easy installation and remaining fixed in place without any movement possibilities. They are the simplest screen you can buy but also the least versatile, which means customization options are limited.

Adjustable Window Screen

Adjustable window screens range from $50 to $250 for prefab window screen and $100 to $500 if you order them custom depending on the size and material. They extend horizontally or vertically, allowing them to be installed o different sized windows. If you want a ready-made screen but do not know the size, purchase an adjustable one. These screens can be adjusted with ease to fit many window sizes, allowing them to work in oddly shaped windows.

Retractable Window Screen

A prefab retractable window screen costs $60 to $350, while ordering it custom-made costs $130 to $500. These window screens slide up and down while the frame remains in place to push the screen out of the way. They are a great option for homeowners living in coastal areas who want to prevent insects from entering the home without ruining their view. The retractable window screen can be installed on different types of windows, making them a convenient option for homeowners that want to enjoy their view from every room.

Hinged Window Screen

Hinged window screens average between $70 and $350 for prefab screens and $150 to $550 for custom ones, depending on the size and material. Like retractable screens, they allow some movement. As they are installed on hinged windows, these screens have a hinge 5 on the frame that opens and closes the window without removing or adjusting the screen. A hinged window allows you to open it to let some air in without detaching the screen or limiting its movements.

Pet Proof Window Screen

A prefab pet proof window screen ranges from $80 to $400, while a custom pet proof window screen costs $250 to $650. Pet owners know how difficult it can be to keep your pet from destroying things in the house. Window screens are commonly destroyed by pets. Pet-resistant screens are designed to handle scratches and prevent pets from accidentally falling through open windows. It is important to consider what type of screen you need and what type of pet you have before purchasing one. For example, if you have a small or medium sized dog, then a standard screen may work best. If you have a larger dog that likes to chew on things, consider getting a stronger screen with metal mesh.

Solar Screen

The cost of solar screens per window ranges from $120 to $480 when you buy the screen prefab and $400 to $900 when you buy a custom window screen. Solar screens block light and reduce UV-ray damage to your curtains or drapery. Their UV-blocking capacity ranges from 65% to 95% sun protection, which affects the cost. One thing to remember with solar screens is that they are darker, which means your view will be somewhat restricted.

Security Screens for Windows

Security screens range from $150 to $500 for prefab models and $450 to $1,000 for custom window screens. They are one of the most expensive window screens you can buy because of the added safety they bring to a home. Security screens for windows protect your property against criminals and resist impacts, cuts, tears, and tampering. Aside from insect and bird prevention, security screens provide peace of mind for homeowners.

Window Screens Cost by Material

Window screens come in many materials, costing $0.25 to $2.50 per sq.ft. Think carefully about the different screen varieties and find those that fit your needs. Fiberglass and vinyl are the most affordable materials. They are prone to wear and tear and need to be repaired or replaced more regularly than a stronger alternative. Aluminum is also a popular and relatively affordable material for window screens. They are rust-resistant and last for years but are not as durable as other materials like stainless steel.

If you want a sturdier and longer-lasting material, stainless steel, copper, and brass are the best options. Stainless steel is a very tough material that withstands different temperatures and conditions. If you live by the coast, stainless steel screens can even withstand salty sea air. Copper is an aesthetically pleasing material, and many homeowners appreciate its durability and copper tone. Brass is the most expensive material for window screens. These screens are strong, sturdy, and reliable, standing up to wind, rain, and changing temperatures. They are visually striking and give your home an elegant look.

Average Price of Window Screens by Brand

Window screens are produced and sold by a range of brands. Some brands specialize in certain materials or screens, while others offer a broader range of products. Some popular brand names include Andersen, Pella, Milgard, and Marvin. Andersen offers a range of aluminum screens in various sizes and colors. They also offer a wide range of windows, including casement, sash, and bay. Pella is a trusted window and window accessory manufacturer, offering a range of screens for windows of varying types. The brand’s INVIEW range maximizes light and airflow while offering more conventional, affordable fiberglass alternatives. Milgard has different screen types, including standard aluminum mesh, UltraVue mesh that lets in more light, solar mesh, and pet-resistant mesh. Prices vary for Marvin window screens. The company offers a wide range of screen options, including retractable and fixed screens with aluminum and fiberglass mesh. They are available in various colors, including charcoal and bronze. The table below shows the average costs for their products.

Labor Cost to Install Window Screens

Labor costs vary depending on the screen type and the number of screens you need. For a standard screen, labor is $15 to $50 per screen. Meanwhile, labor for measuring, making, and fitting a custom screen is closer to $50 to $250 per screen. Usually, a professional from the company you order from comes to install the window screen. Keep in mind that the pricing is based on the number of screens. If you need to have only one window screen installed, you may still have to pay around $50. The more screens you need, the lower the installation price will be.

Your window screen’s size also affects the installation costs because bigger screens typically take more effort and time. Screens can come readily assembled in a frame, stretched, and ready to be placed in a window. If this is the case, all that must be done is to fit the screen and lock it in place. The entire process takes just a few minutes per screen.

Many screens are custom-made to fit your windows. In this case, your window is measured, and the frame pieces are cut to fit. The frame is assembled, and the mesh is stretched between the frame’s pieces with a tool that presses it tightly into place. Then, the screen is fit into your window. This process takes longer than the pre-assembled variety. If your frame is in good shape, you could have new mesh stretched to fit the old frame. The process is the same as a custom screen without measuring, cutting, and assembling the frame.

Window Screen Replacement Cost

You may already have window screens but want to have them replaced. This can happen for various reasons. Perhaps you want to upgrade your current screens to stronger and better alternatives, such a switching from fiberglass to stainless steel, or maybe your old screens are worn out. Either way, you pay around $100 to $450 for this per window because the old screen must be removed and disposed of before the new one can be fitted. The price is influenced by the window’s size, screen type, and whether any custom screen work is needed.

Cost to Rescreen Windows

Although most screen materials are pretty durable, they can still tear, get punctured or sag with age. So rather than replacing both the frame and screen of your window, rescreening is an alternative — and economical — option. Rescreening replaces the screens within the existing frames and is a good option if your frames are still in good condition or you have a unique window shape or size that isn’t generally found at your local home supply store.

If you’re interested in rescreening a window using an existing frame, it’s recommended to hire a professional. Large or unique windows can be difficult to rescreen and professionals are often better prepared to stretch the screen material to fit the frame without pulling it too loose causing the screen to droop, or pulling it too tight and buckling the frame.

Window rescreening is typically done with aluminum or fiberglass materials because they are the easiest to stretch into the desired shape and size. It’s a more affordable process than replacement and on average, costs between $65 and $150 for service. If you have multiple windows that need rescreening, it’s generally more cost effective to have them done all at once, with a price range of $20 to $30 per window.

Window Screen Repair Cost

Screens are not very durable, and many show wear like breaks, snags, and sagging. Sometimes, you can repair the screen instead of replacing it. Purchase repair kits for around $10 and $30 to put a new piece of mesh over a small hole. While this is not the most attractive method, it can make your screen last longer. You may be able to reattach the screen if it is coming out of the frame with a roller tool that costs around $15 to $35.

A screen that has been damaged once may become damaged again easily. Patching multiple holes can make the screen look unattractive. Repairs are a good method if you have a single screen with one small issue. But once you notice multiple problems, a replacement is usually the best and longest-lasting choice.

How to Clean Window Screens

Window screens must be cleaned periodically to keep them looking pleasant, functioning properly, and helping extend their lifespan. Clean and maintain your window screens regularly to reduce the risk of them breaking. There are a few different ways to do this. If the screens are not too dirty, you can leave them in place and gently go over them with a vacuum cleaner, lint roller, or brush. This can be a useful way of cleaning surface dust and dirt.

However, if your screens are in an unclean state, you may need to remove them from their frames and clean them with warm, soapy water. This is usually the best way of getting rid of tough stains and grime, but try not to press too hard on your screen with cloths and brushes because too much pressure could cause damage or bend the screen out of place. A pressure washer on low-pressure may be used for screens that are fixed in position and cannot be removed.

Solar Screens vs Window Tint

If your home is in a sunny area, UV rays could heat the interior and fade your belongings. Besides curtains, you can deal with this in two ways: using solar screens or tinting your windows. Solar screens are dark-colored mesh screens. Having them installed costs around $120 to $900 per window. Window tinting involves putting a dark film over your windows to reflect the light. Like a solar screen, it darkens and partially obscures your view. However, unlike a solar screen, removing the film is very difficult and expensive. So, you may feel obligated to keep it if you do not like the effect. Window tinting costs $30 to $114 per window.

Enhancements and Improvement Costs

Screen Doors

Screen doors come in various materials, sizes, and styles. Prices range from $100 to $1,500. As well as windows, screens can also be fitted to doors. You can find entire screen doors that cover the outside of your doors, featuring large screen panels to block insects, dirt, and debris from entering the home while still allowing fresh air and light to pass through.

Storm Windows

Homeowners spend $2,000 to $5,000 on storm window installation.Storm windows are another option to enhance and strengthen your windows. They help protect against storms and dangerous weather conditions, insulate the home, and reduce energy costs. They come in various materials and styles, with some featuring unique coatings for extra protection against exterior noise or UV light.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• Off-season. Some people take their screens off when they are not in use, such as in the winter. This helps keep them from being damaged by pets and children, which makes them last longer.
• Porch screens. Many screens can be used on porches. Fiberglass makes a good choice because it will not tear or sag as much as other types.
• Frame reusing. Window screens can be removed from the window or frame, and the frame can be reused with a new screen.
• DIY. You can install readymade screens yourself very easily. Some screens can also be put together by the homeowner with the right tools.
• Safety. Window screens are not a safety guarantee. With the window open, a screen is easily kicked in or removed to enter your home. Screens are also easy to damage. For example, a kitten’s claws or a tumbling child can tear or ruin a screen. They may bend or crack over time, depending on the framing material. They also darken or slightly obscure your view.