Can You Replace The Mesh On A Screen Door In Ontario?

Screen doors not only look aesthetically pleasing, but they also serve the great purpose of keeping debris, dust, insects, and bugs out of your home. Plus, they play a huge role in regulating indoor temperature and keeping your home nice and comfortable for you. So, whether your pets have damaged the mesh on the screen doors or it is just old and clogged, replacing it yourself is straightforward.
So, grab your tools and follow this guide to upgrade the mesh on the screen doors.
6 Common Reasons to Replace the Mesh?
If your screen door has been serving its purpose for years, it has started to show signs of wear and tear. However, usually, it’s the mesh that gets damaged, and the actual door frame is still in good condition.

Subsequently, if you notice any damage, it is about time to replace or repair the mesh. Here are a few common reasons why you should replace the mesh:
1. Visible Tears or Holes
Due to regular usage, extreme weather conditions in Ontario, and even sharp nails of pets, screen door mesh can develop holes and tears. The mesh tends to get damaged when exposed to these elements. This means the door is no longer serving its purpose of keeping bugs, debris, and cold air out of the house.
In this situation, if you are thinking of just patching the holes, this is not the long-term solution. Plus, you will end up replacing the whole mesh anyway. So, it is better to replace the mesh on the screen door on time to avoid extra work.
2. Rust on the Frame
Rush is a visible sign of a damaged mesh on a screen door. Over time, due to continuous exposure to wind and rain, it is common for mesh on the screen doors to develop rust. While there are no visible holes and tears, rush can severely weaken the link between the door frame and the screen.
Moreover, rust can affect the overall durability, functionality, and performance of your screen door. If left unattended, it can damage the whole frame, and you will end up replacing the entire door. To fix this issue, you want to address the rust first by using a rush converter or repainting the rusted areas and replacing the mesh.
3. To Improve Airflow
One of the reasons for having a mesh screen door is to improve the airflow and increase ventilation in the house. Over the years, due to debris, dust, and dirt, the mesh on the screen doors can become clogged, which restricts air circulation. In Ontario, where summer can get very humid and hot, a lack of ventilation in the house can make the environment uncomfortable.
Read more about Is It Worth Replacing Windows And Doors In Ontario?
Plus, the older mesh could have been more effective in allowing air to flow freely in and out of the house. On the contrary, the new mesh is made with finer material to increase airflow in the house. So, if your mesh is clogged, replace it with a new one to enhance comfort and ventilation.
4. To Enhance Durability
Old mesh tends to have rust, holes, and tears on it, which kills the purpose of regulating temperature, improving ventilation, and keeping bugs and insects out. Due to harsh weather in Ontario, the mesh can lose its functionality and durability over time. To address this issue, modern mesh for screen doors is now made of high-quality materials like fiberglass or stainless steel.
These materials provide excellent durability and can withstand corrosion, extreme weather conditions, and other external factors. Upgrading one of these materials will ensure you do not patch up the mesh every other day or replace it every couple of years.
5. To Increase Energy Efficiency
In Ontario, where the weather can go from humid and hot to harsh and freezing, maintaining a consistent indoor temperature is important to keep your house comfortable all the time. However, it is not possible with damaged and old mesh on the screen. In fact, your heating and cooling system works harder to keep your house warm in winter and cool in summer if the mesh is worn out. As a result, you are struck with a hefty energy bill every month.
While you have a properly insulated house, most of the time, it’s the windows and doors that allow heat to escape and outside air to flow in the house. To make your home energy efficient, make sure your doors are in their optimal condition, including the screen door. Subsequently, replace the old one with the new and tighter mesh to prevent air leaks, improve energy efficiency, and save on energy bills.
6. Cost-Effective Maintenance
When you notice any wear, tear, rust, or holes in the mesh, the immediate solution is to replace the mesh. Replacing only the mesh on the screen door is much more cost-effective than replacing the entire screen door. If the frame is intact and in optimal condition, there is no point in replacing the door.
Every few years, you must replace the mesh on the screen door to ensure better airflow, energy efficiency, and functionality. This maintenance will extend the lifespan of your screen door and make sure you can save money at a time.
Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing the Mesh on a Screen Door
If you are thinking of replacing the mesh on the screen door, we have you covered. While many people prefer to consult with professionals like Custodia to replace the mesh or the entire screen, doing it yourself is easier than you think. It just requires you to have a few necessary tools and equipment on hand. (Related read Can I Replace A Screen Door Myself In Ontario?)

Plus, to carry out the job itself, you must follow these steps:
1. Assess the Damage
Before you start with the project, you want to assess the damage. If the damage is only limited to the mesh, it can be easily fixed by upgrading the mesh. However, if you notice any signs of damage, such as rust and holes in the screen door frame, you must consider replacing the entire screen door.
2. Measure the Door Frame
Now, to replace the mesh only, you must take precise measurements of the height and width of your screen door. This is because you will need to buy the mesh according to the size of the door. When ordering the mesh, make sure to buy a little more than what you need. This way, when you notice even a slight damage or a small hole in the future, you have an extra piece to repair the mesh.
3. Remove the Screen Door From its Frame
Now that you have the measurements, it’s time to remove the screen door. It is vital because the process is much simpler when you remove the door and work on a flat surface. Also, the project requires attention and efficiency in order to make the screen door functional again. The sliding door usually comes off easily. All you need to do is lift the door off its track and pull it out. Storm door, on the other hand, requires a little work to unscrew and remove the hinges.
4. Remove Old Spline and Mesh
After removing the door, lay it flat and use your flathead screwdriver to remove the old spline and mesh. You should be able to pull the old spline easily, which will also release the mesh and allow you to remove it from the screen door.
5. Cut the New Mesh to Size
Next, you want to lay the new mesh over the screen door to measure it and cut it to size. When cutting the mesh, make sure to leave a few inches extra from each side. This way, you will make sure you have more than enough mesh to cover the screen of the door.
6. Attach New Spline
You want to press the mesh into the channel, and once you achieve the clean look, attach the new spline and secure the screen in the channel. You can also use your old spine if it is in great condition.
7. Trim Off the Excess Screen Mesh
After fastening the mesh in the screen door, you want to trim off the extra mesh that you left hanging earlier. The mesh can be very sharp. Make sure to wear safety gloves while carefully trimming off the extra mesh.
8. Reattach the Door to its Frame
Finally, pop the door back to its place. Screw in the hinges or put it back on its track. To check if it’s working fine, open and close it multiple times.
Voila! Just like that, you have successfully replaced the mesh on the screen door.
Conclusion
In Ontario, where extreme weather and other external factors can damage the mesh on the screen doors, it is important to maintain the screen doors to make your home much more comfortable and energy efficient. All you need to do is follow the above step-by-step guide and replace the mesh yourself. However, if you are looking for professionals to get the job done, Custodia is the top choice for almost every home in Ontario.