You can replace a basic window screen yourself for about $30 and a quick trip to the hardware store. But if you have odd-sized windows, need high-end materials, or want professional installation, expect to pay $100 to $500 per screen—and sometimes even more for custom-built or specialty screens.
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Material is the biggest price factor. Fiberglass and aluminum screens are the most affordable, while stainless steel, security, and solar-blocking screens cost more but offer better durability and protection. If you’re dealing with large windows, sliding doors, or retractable screens, the price can climb to $1,000 or more.
If your screens are ripped, warped, or letting in bugs, it’s time to replace them. In this guide, we break down all the factors that affect the cost of window screens.
We also discuss the pros and cons of hiring a professional vs. replacing your window screens yourself and when you can get away with repairing them instead of replacing them altogether.
Key Takeaways
- The national average cost of a window screen is around $300, but the range of window screen prices is vast, making the average cost a less useful statistic.
- Installing replacement window screens is a relatively straightforward home improvement project that is well within reach of most homeowners’ DIY skills.
- Repairing window screens is much cheaper than purchasing new ones, although you can only repair a screen a few times before you’ll have to replace it.
What Is the Average Cost of Window Screens?
The national average cost of a window screen is around $300, but the range of window screen prices is tremendous, which means this average isn’t so helpful for homeowners. Premium window screens featuring special materials can cost upward of $1,000 a pop, while your run-of-the-mill aluminum screen might only cost $30.
The two most important factors that influence the cost of a window screen are the material the screen is made of and the type of window screen in question.
Window Screen Cost by Screen Material
The following table provides some insight into how different materials affect the cost of a window screen. A fiberglass screen is the most budget-friendly option and is resistant to rust and corrosion. Fiberglass screens will block insects and other pests, but they’re less durable than other materials, meaning they’re more likely to tear or stretch over time. Aluminum, stainless steel, copper, and brass are all more expensive materials for your window screen.
Solar screens block ultraviolet rays, reduce glare, and keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. These screens are darker than other options, reducing visibility and limiting your home’s natural light. Finally, security screens are made of stainless-steel mesh and are strong enough to help prevent a break-in. This screen offers the most protection but can also obstruct your visibility.
We’ve broken down the costs by material and included an estimate of the installation cost per screen, although your local installation rates may differ. Your best bet is to get estimates from local contractors.
| Window Screen Material | Average Price | Installation Cost |
| Fiberglass | $30–$150 | $15–$30 |
| Aluminum | $35–$250 | $15–$30 |
| Copper | $100–$700 | $15–$30 |
| Stainless Steel | $45–$350 | $15–$30 |
| Brass | $100–$900 | $15–$30 |
| Solar | $600–$850 | $30–$60 |
| Security | $800–$1,000 | $30–$60 |
Window Screen Cost by Frame Material
Chance Harper, a virtual handyperson expert at Frontdoor, said low-cost materials—such as plastic and vinyl—aren’t as durable as more expensive metal frames. Plastic and vinyl frames also don’t have the same aesthetic appeal as wood or bronze, though they are moisture-resistant.
A premium wood frame will require future maintenance costs to prevent insect damage, rotting, and warping, so it may not be the best long-term choice. Harper said composite materials offer the aesthetic appeal of wood, the strength of metal, and the lightweight nature of plastic. He added that composites are pricey.
| Window Frame Material | Cost Range Per Linear Foot |
| Plastic | $5–$15 |
| Vinyl | $5–$15 |
| Wood | $10–$25 |
| Aluminum | $10–$30 |
| Composite | $10–$30 |
| Bronze | $20–$50 |
| Stainless Steel | $20–$50 |
Window Screen Cost by Type
Not all window screen replacements cost the same. Simple premade screens are much cheaper to replace than custom window screens or specialty screens. Here’s a quick look at what you can expect to pay for custom window screens and movable window screens.
Custom Window Screen Pricing
If you have non-standard windows, you’ll need to pay extra to have custom screens made. Custom window screens can cost between $30 and $100 per frame, with an additional $0.50 to $30 for the screen material on a per-square-foot basis.
The good news is that labor costs for custom window screen installations aren’t more expensive than for standard installations, so you can expect to pay between $15 and $50 to have your custom window screens installed.
The price should be between $75 and $300, including labor unless you need a special type of window screen, which can push your price up even more.
Consider the type of custom window screen you need. If you need one with special features, such as retractability or movability, you’ll have to pay close to $100 more per screen.
Movable Window Screen Pricing
Movable window screens are incredibly useful, letting you adjust your screens without removing them from the window frame. The most popular types move along a track, allowing you to slide them up or down to access the window and screen for cleaning or altering the lighting in your room. On average, these screens cost between $140 and $500 to replace, although most cost between $140 and $250.
Retractable Window Screen Pricing
These screens can roll up when not in use, which is ideal for a picture window or door. Retractable window screens are a more complex design and cost more to replace—typically between $300 and $1,000. Plus, the mechanism that rolls the screen up and down could require future maintenance, which may lead to additional costs.
What Factors Impact Window Screen Installation Cost?
The total cost of having new window screens installed varies depending on the size of your windows, the screen material you want, labor rates, whether you need a window screen repair or a total replacement, and the location and accessibility of your windows. Let’s examine each factor in turn.
Window Size
The most basic factor that affects the cost of getting new window screens is the size of your windows. Simply put, larger windows require more material and are more cumbersome to work with, making them more expensive to install.
Window Costs per Square Foot by Material
The material you choose has the largest impact on the cost of replacing your window screens. The following table summarizes the cost of different window screen materials per square foot and the cost of material per window, assuming an average window size of six square feet.
| Window Screen Material | Average Cost Per Square Foot | Average Cost Per Window Screen |
| Fiberglass | $0.25–$0.50 | $1.50–$3.00 |
| Aluminum | $0.30–$0.60 | $1.80–$3.60 |
| Copper | $1.00–$1.50 | $6.00–$9.00 |
| Stainless Steel | $1.00–$1.50 | $6.00–$9.00 |
| Brass | $1.50–$2.50 | $9.00–$15.00 |
| Solar | $10.00–$20.00 | $60.00–$120.00 |
| Security | $15.00–$25.00 | $90.00–$150.00 |
Labor Costs
Labor costs make up a significant portion of the total cost of a window screen installation, even for premade screens. The average labor cost for installing a preassembled screen is around $20 to $25, depending on the cost of living in your area.
Professionals typically base their labor price on project size and difficulty, according to Harper. He added that labor costs to replace window screens range from $15 to $20 per standard screen and $25 to $50 per custom screen.
Your labor rates will vary depending on your location and chosen contractor. Still, Harper advised, “You are much better off [replacing or rescreening] several window screens all at one time than [replacing] one here and there.”
Replacement Vs. Rescreen
If it’s time to replace your window screens, but the frames are intact, you can save money by rescreening rather than replacing the entire frame.
As long as your screen frames aren’t damaged or warped, you can just pay for new screen material and save a bundle. While you can reduce the cost of materials with rescreening, you’ll still have to spend on labor, as it takes more work to rescreen most types of window screens. It’s worth getting a few cost estimates before you decide if rescreening is worth it.
Window Location & Accessibility
This factor is related to labor costs but warrants its own section since it can have a major impact on the total cost of a screen replacement.
If some of your windows are hard to access, you’ll have to pay a bit more for your screen installation. Some contractors will charge more for difficult windows, but even if the hourly rate for labor doesn’t change, your installation will take longer, leading to elevated labor costs anyway. The good news is that most inaccessible windows don’t have screens since they’re often in places that make them hard to open, eliminating the need for a screen.
How To Save Money on Window Screen Replacement
Window screen replacement can be a budget-friendly project you can do yourself. Additionally, you can save money by purchasing less expensive frames or replacing multiple screens.
Replace the Screen Material Yourself
Replacing your window screen’s mesh is a DIY-friendly project, given your frames are in good condition and you have the time. According to Harper, replacing the mesh screen requires a few materials available at any home improvement store.
You’ll need a mesh roll—which ranges from $8 to $65, depending on the length and width—a screen spline cord and a screen spline tool. Harper said a 25-foot spline cord ranges from $5 to $8. Spline tools cost between $4.50 and $10. He also said full window screen repair kits cost around $20, which includes a mesh for two windows, a spline cord and a spline tool.
“If you are going to be replacing the screen mesh on more than two windows, I would recommend that you purchase a bulk box with either a 50-foot or 100-foot length mesh screen, a nicer spline tool, and a roll of spline cord in bulk,” said Harper.
Cost of Replacing Window Screens Yourself
If you decide to replace your window screens yourself, you’ll save between $15 and $60 per window, depending on the material you choose. That means the total cost will be between $30 and $1,000, though this depends on the screen material.
Opt for More Affordable Frames
Your screen frames affect your overall replacement costs. We recommend buying a less expensive frame than a high-end product to save on a new window screen. High-quality vinyl or plastic frames cost a fraction of wood or metal but are still incredibly durable in many climates.
Replace Multiple Screens at Once
Replacing all of your damaged or old screens at once has a higher initial cost, but there is an upside to bulk orders—contractors may provide a discount. Plus, all new screens improve your home’s total curb appeal and value. We recommend getting multiple estimates to see which contractors offer discounts for larger projects.
DIY Vs. Professional Window Screen Installation
Hiring a professional to install your window screens is the easier option, but it can get expensive depending on how many windows you have. Luckily, installing replacement window screens is a relatively straightforward home improvement project that is well within reach of most homeowners’ DIY skills.
Pros and Cons of a Professional Window Screen Installation
The main advantage of hiring a pro to install your window screens is that it saves you time. An experienced contractor will be able to install about one screen per hour, depending on how easy your windows are to access. However, professional installation costs more, and you might have to wait due to their availability.
One downside to hiring a professional is that you’ll often have to wait several weeks for an appointment. If you want to replace your window screens immediately, your best bet is to purchase preassembled screens and install them yourself.
Pros and Cons of DIY Window Screen Installation
Even though it will probably take you a bit longer if you go the DIY route, you’ll save a nice chunk of change by eliminating labor costs. Most professional window screen installers charge between $20 and $60 per window, so doing the installation yourself can save you a few hundred dollars, depending on how many windows you have.
Is It Cheaper To Repair or Replace Window Screens?
It’s significantly cheaper to repair window screens since you can use the frames you already have. Unfortunately, not all damage to window screens is repairable, so you might have to replace the screen entirely depending on the extent of damage. For example, it’s typically easier to patch window screens in the middle of the screen rather than the edge. If part of the screen has detached from its frame, you’ll probably have to replace the entire screen.
Most screen repair technicians will also recommend a total replacement for screens with multiple holes or larger holes. Patches on large holes are unlikely to hold for long, so it’s usually more cost-effective to bite the bullet and pay to replace the screen.
If you’re on a budget and want to save on window replacement costs, you might consider doing it yourself. See our video guide on DIY window screen replacement.
This site receives compensation from the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. This listing doesn’t feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.
When Should You Replace Window Screens?
The signs that indicate when to replace your window screens are easy to spot. We recommend contacting a professional to inspect your screens and windows if you notice any of the following:
- Aging screens: According to Brayden Montgomery, the owner of Vantage Builders in Ogden, Utah, window screens lose their effectiveness after three to five years and may require frequent repairs. If your screens exceed Montgomery’s year range, you should consider replacing them.
- Visible holes: You can fix a few small holes in your window screens yourself by purchasing a window screen repair kit for as little as $3 from Home Depot. Larger, unsightly tears will require rescreening.
- Warped or bent frames: Rescreening won’t fix a warped or bent frame. If your window screen’s top, bottom or sides have seen better days, it’s time to replace it.
- Difficulty opening or closing windows: Outdated or damaged window frames often lead to operational problems. You may have a warped or bent screen frame that needs attention if your windows look fine and you still have trouble operating them.
- Poor visibility: Window screens can rust, corrode, or discolor over time, particularly if you live in an area prone to extreme weather. When that happens, your window screen’s visibility can reduce quickly. Rescreening is possible in this scenario, assuming your frames are still in good condition.
- Bug infestations: Flies, gnats, mosquitos, and other pests can slip inside your home through torn screens or damaged frames. Before calling a pest control company to remove the bugs, stop the problem at its source by replacing your window screens.
- Rising energy costs: If your heating and cooling costs are higher than usual, consider replacing your window screens. Montgomery said he replaced a homeowner’s window screens, which helped reduce their heating costs by 10% to 15% compared to the previous year.
Final Thoughts On Window Screen Costs
Many new homeowners are surprised to learn how expensive it can be to replace their window screens. Even lower-cost options like fiberglass and aluminum screens cost between $30 and $40 per window, which adds up quickly if you have many windows. If you want to upgrade your screens to a premium material like brass or copper, the costs increase quickly, and you should expect to spend at least several hundred dollars per screen.
You can keep your project cost down by choosing an affordable material and installing your screens yourself. Another option is to salvage any screens that can be repaired. If you’re also considering replacing your window glass and wondering about the cost, you should check out our guide on the cost of window glass replacement.
FAQs About Window Screens
Yes, you can replace only a screen on a window. Most window units have separate screens and panes, making it easy to replace each independently. Some high-end windows come with integrated screens that are difficult or impossible to replace, but they’re relatively uncommon.
Unfortunately, you can’t use anything instead of a window screen. If you have a damaged window screen and can’t afford to repair or replace it, your best option is to simply keep the window closed. Rigging a temporary solution with other materials like mesh is more trouble than it’s worth. Look into repairing your damaged screens if you can’t afford to replace them. Screens with small holes are usually salvageable with a simple patch.rnrnA fiberglass screen is the most budget-friendly option and is resistant to rust and corrosion. Fiberglass screens will block insects and other pests, but the material less durable than other materials, meaning it’s more likely to tear or stretch over time.
You don’t need to replace the window frame if there’s a problem with the screen.rnrnIf you notice that one of your screens is damaged, you can simply replace the screen. Depending on what kind of damage you have, you might be able to get away with repairing the screen. More substantial damage to the screen requires a full replacement, as does damage to the screen’s frame. In either case, you don’t need to replace the window frame.
Rescreening a window is a fairly simple process. After you remove the current screen from the existing frame, installing a new one is as easy as cutting the screen material to size and using a spline tool to affix it to the frame. You’ll be left with some excess material that you’ll need to cut away with scissors.
The cheapest screen doors only cost a few hundred dollars, but higher quality screen doors can cost as much as $1,500 to $2,000. The type of screen you use is the main cost of a screen door, with pet screens, security screens, and solar screens occupying most of the higher end of the price range. Fiberglass screens and aluminum screens are the most affordable.
