Don't Waste Time Fixing Window Screens – This Hardware Store Connects You With A Pro

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Window screens are essential in the summer to protect from the sun, let a breeze into your home, and keep out insects. Unfortunately, they are also somewhat fragile, and can get holes and tears easily. Plus, with exposure to sun, wind, and frost, they become more fragile as they age. There are tell-tale signs your window screens may need replacing, like holes and tears. You could fix it yourself, but why waste a whole Saturday when you could hire a professional to come to your house and make all of the fixes for an affordable price? Home Depot's Pro Referral program can match you to the perfect person to help you get your windows fixed and looking as good as new, without costing you too much out of pocket. 

Home Depot's service is not only affordable, but it's also convenient. After calling and setting up an appointment, you will get an estimate. Once you choose a professional, the team will come to your house, address the window screens you need fixed, and leave without the need for you to break a sweat. It takes less time than buying all the supplies, watching YouTube videos to figure out what you're doing, and attempting the repairs yourself.

The teams don't just come in, do the basic job, and leave, either. Most are here to make sure you get the best work done possible. This means they may help you consider other screen materials, or determine whether it's better to repair or replace your window screen completely. 

The process is simple enough. You simply go online to Home Depot's Pro Referral program and request a free consultation. You aren't stuck with whoever they send your way, either. You'll have the choice between professionals in your area. The company's Pro Referral marketplace is a way to find someone who is reliable and won't cost an arm and a leg. All of the contractors have undergone a background check, had their license tested for validity, and have at least general liability insurance.

Such a program sounds expensive, but depending on what all you need done, it may not be much more than doing it yourself. If you have multiple screens that require repairs, it can be cheaper to let a service take care of all of them at once. According to Home Depot,  it usually costs between $65 and $150 for the service visit through the Pro Referral program, and you can expect to pay around $20 to $30 per window, depending on their size and the extent of the damage. Because of this, it makes sense to repair multiple windows in one visit. In some cases, the average cost per window can drop the more you do, not to mention all the time, mental effort, and elbow grease saved by hiring a professional.

Sure, replacing ripped or torn window screens is easy with the right equipment. But based on the costs and effort, it may not be worth it. You can use the supplies over and over again, but since screens potentially last 8 to 10 years without having to be replaced, all those tools and leftover materials will probably just take up space in your garage. 

If you just have to patch a hole, a small repair kit might be sufficient. But for replacements, you may need a new frame, a roll of screen mesh, a spline roller and spline, a utility knife, and other supplies. Considering it costs about $20 to buy a cheap repair kit that might cover two average-sized windows, or up to $83 or more per window for a whole screen replacement, this estimate from Home Depot isn't a bad price.

Another issue is that you may not know when it's better to replace or repair. It can take a keen eye to know the difference. Most companies suggest completely replacing any screens with large missing areas or damaged frames, as it's more cost-efficient and will keep your home better protected from insects that try to sneak in. If you decide to hire a pro, you can be sure it will be done right the first time. Then, you can put your DIY skills to better use with affordable DIY window treatment ideas to update your home on a budget, like creating patchwork or tea towel curtains.