Window screens have many benefits: blocking pests, improving ventilation, providing shade, and keeping your pets inside. So, it’s best for homeowners to get them replaced ASAP after screens have been damaged. The average cost of replacing window screens is $315, but you can expect to pay from $120 to $460 for a window screen replacement.
Many window screen pros will charge around $15 to $50 in labor fees for this project. The scope of the project and the type of window screen you want to be replaced all affect the labor cost.
In this article, you’ll find:
- Average Costs
- Cost Estimator by Material
- Cost Estimator by Window Screen Type
- Other Factors That Affect Cost
- Related Services
- Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
- Cost by Location
- FAQ About Window Screens
Average Window Screen Replacement Costs
| National Average Cost | $315 |
| Typical Price Range | $120 – $460 |
| Extreme Low-End Cost | $40 |
| Extreme High-End Cost | $1,035 |
Most window screen replacement projects cost between $120 to $460, with the average cost across the nation being $315. However, homeowners can spend as little as $40 or as much as $1,035.
What contributes to this huge price difference? The biggest factors that influence the cost of a window screen replacement are the screen material and the type of window screen. A small, standard fiberglass screen will cost less to replace than a large custom security window screen.
If you want to cut down on the cost of your window screen replacement, you can:
- Choose replacement window screens made of cheaper materials
- Stick to standard window screen types
- Buy prefabricated window screens
- Use smaller window screens
- Get multiple quotes from pros near you to find one that fits your budget
Aside from the window screen’s material and type, its size, accessibility, brand, and the pro’s labor costs all affect the price of a window screen replacement.
Window Screen Replacement Cost Estimator by Material
Window screens are made of different materials. The major cost factor is the type of screening material, as some are more expensive than others. However, pricier screen materials often are more durable, more aesthetically pleasing, and less prone to rusting.
The material of the window screen frame takes a back seat when it comes to influencing the price. Some popular window frame materials are wood and aluminum, with the most common colors for a window screen frame being white, black, brown, tan, aluminum, and bronze.
| Window Screen Material | Typical Cost Range |
| Fiberglass | $35 – $200 |
| Vinyl | $20 – $205 |
| Aluminum | $50 – $300 |
| Stainless Steel | $45 – $400 |
| Copper | $90 – $850 |
| Brass | $140 – $835 |
Fiberglass
Fiberglass window screens are the most common and one of the most affordable options on the market. Fiberglass window screens are 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.
The average cost of a fiberglass window screen is around $35 to $200 per screen. You can also buy heavy-duty fiberglass screens, which are more durable but cost more.
Vinyl
Vinyl is another affordable window screen material option, costing around $20 to $205 per screen. However, like fiberglass, vinyl window screens frequently need repairs and replacement, as vinyl is not very durable.
Aluminum
Aluminum window screens are another common option. Aluminum window screens are more durable than fiberglass and vinyl, 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. Aluminum window screens cost around $50 to $300 per unit.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a much more durable window screen material than fiberglass, vinyl, or aluminum. Stainless steel window screens stand up to temperature changes and heavy impacts. Stainless steel also doesn’t rust, so it’s great for coastal homes where the salty air can corrode other metals.
Costing between $45 to $400 per screen, stainless steel window screens are slightly more expensive to replace than aluminum, but not as much as copper or brass.
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 window screens are a great option if you really care a lot about the aesthetics of your home. As a bonus, copper window screens are also quite strong and last a long time. To get a replacement, you’ll have to pay around $90 to $850 per unit.
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. Bronze window screens also are quite aesthetically pleasing, giving your home an air of elegance.
However, brass has one flaw aside from its price tag; its color fades over time.
Replacing your window screens with brass ones will cost $140 to $835 per screen.
Window Screen Replacement Cost Estimator by Type
Aside from the window screen’s material, the other major cost factor in a window screen replacement is the type of screen. Window screens come in different types, each with different functions. Some window screens are fixed, while some can move, letting you reap their benefits when needed and enjoy the view when not.
More complex window screen types typically cost more. Highly specialized window screens are the most expensive. If you can’t find a window screen you love on the market, you can get a custom one instead – which can cost you $60 to $555 per screen on average.
| Window Screen Type | Typical Cost Range |
| Standard | $30 – $400 |
| Retractable | $55 – $130 |
| Hinged | $70 – $550 |
| Adjustable | $50 – $500 |
| Pet Door | $50 – $150 |
| Pet-proof | $80 – $650 |
| Solar | $75 – $920 |
| Security | $130 – $1,015 |
| Custom | $60 – $555 |
Standard
Standard window screens are the simplest you can buy, making them some of the most affordable. These screens are typically prefabricated and ready-made to fit standard window sizes. Standard window screens are very easy to install, but they’re not movable. Your customization options are also quite limited when you go with a standard window screen.
A standard window screen will cost you $30 to $400, but you’re unlikely to pay near the higher end unless you have a custom fixed window screen.
Retractable
Retractable window screens, which you can slide up and down, are great if you want to enjoy picturesque views when there aren’t a lot of insects around. Retractable window screens are quite versatile, as they can be used with many types of windows. The average price of a retractable window screen replacement ranges from $55 to $130 per screen.
Hinged
Hinged window screens are installed on hinged windows, such as casement windows. They can be opened and closed like the windows they’re paired with. Hinged window screens are a good option if you want window screens that allow you to let fresh air in without removing them. Replacing a hinged window screen will run you about $70 to $550, with custom ones costing near the high end of this range.
Pet Door
Pet door window screens serve the dual purpose of keeping insects out while letting your furry friends roam free. Pet door window screens have a small flap that’s hinged at the top and free at the sides and bottom. If the window screen is small enough, the whole screen is hinged at the top. A pet door window screen costs an average of $50 to $150 per screen to replace.
Pet-proof
Pet-proof window screens are typically made of heavy-duty materials, like metal mesh. These are made to withstand the scratching, biting, and chewing that can destroy a regular screen. Pet-proof window screens are a great choice if you have larger dogs and other pets that love chewing everything in sight. Replacing an old screen with a pet-proof one costs around $80 to $650.
Solar
With an average price ranging from $75 to $920 per screen, solar window screens are some of the most expensive options available. 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.
Solar window screens are also great at giving you privacy, although your view might be slightly compromised because of their tone.
Security
Security window screens are by far the most expensive, 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. Replacing a security window screen will cost you around $130 to $1,015.
Other Factors That Affect Cost
Material and type aren’t the only factors that influence the cost of your window screen replacement project. Here are some of the other cost factors to keep in mind:
- Labor costs
- Window screen size
- Accessibility
- Brand
- Rescreening vs. replacement
Labor Costs
Most homeowners will pay $15 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 for labor, costing $15 to $30 per screen, while replacing custom window screens average around $30 to $50 per screen.
The labor costs for a window screen replacement 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 replacing only one window screen.
Window Screen Size
Your window screen’s size also will affect the cost of a replacement. 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 smaller screens. Below is a table of the standard window screen sizes and their typical cost ranges.
| Window Screen Size | Typical Cost Range |
| 1′ x 2′ (2 sq ft) | $15 – $250 |
| 2′ x 3′ (6 sq ft) | $30 – $400 |
| 3′ x 4′ (12 sq ft) | $60 – $500 |
| 3′ x 6′ (18 sq ft) | $80 – $600 |
| 4′ x 6′ (24 sq ft) | $120 – $750 |
| 6′ x 6′ (36 sq ft) | $180 – $900 |
Accessibility
Accessibility has its costs, too. The harder it is to get to your window screen, the higher a 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. Even within brands, there are huge price differences depending on the product line you select for your replacement window screen.
Here are some brands and the typical price range for their window screens. These costs might be different in your area due to regional pricing.
| Window Screen Brand | Typical Cost Range |
| Andersen | $30 – $550 |
| Marvin | $50 – $250 |
| Milgard | $60 – $220 |
| Pella | $55 – $200 |
Rescreening vs Replacement
If your window screen frame in good condition, maybe you would 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, with the typical rescreening project costing $65 to $150 or $20 to $30 per window.
However, rescreening isn’t a good idea if your window screen frame is severely damaged or rotten. In cases like this, 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.
Related Services
If you’re getting your window screens replaced, you might be interested in these services, too.
Window Screen Repair
If your window screens are only mildly damaged, then a window screen repair might be more practical for you. Costing an average of $10 to $80, repairing your window screens is much more affordable than getting them replaced or rescreened.
Window Screen Installation
Do you have windows without screens? Getting your existing window screens replaced is a great opportunity to get some new window screens installed, too. The average cost of installing a typical window screen is around $200, but most homeowners can expect to pay between $100 and $400 for a typical window screen installation.
Window Tinting and Window Glass Replacement
Solar screens are good at reducing glare, blocking UV rays, and giving you privacy, but they’re not your only option. If you don’t like the screen itself, then you might be interested in getting special glass treatments instead. You have several options:
- Window tinting: This is great if you just want more privacy and lower energy bills. It costs around $7 per square foot to tint your windows.
- Window UV film: This option blocks up to 99% of UV rays, reduces heat, and comes in many customization options. It will cost you $5 to $12 per square foot to apply UV film to your windows.
- Spectrally selective window film: This film is a special type of low-E coating that has similar benefits but lets in more natural light. Getting this treatment for your window glass will cost around $8 to $16 per square foot.
If you find that you want special window glass instead, you can hire a Window Gnome pro to do that for you, too. The average window glass replacement costs around $235 to $505, for an average of $305.
Window Repair and Replacement
If an accident, break-in, or natural disaster wrecked your window screen, then it might have broken your windows too. In the best-case scenario, you’ll need to have only your windows repaired. Professional window repair costs $170 to $565 per window.
If your whole window is in disrepair, then you should replace it. A window replacement typically costs $310 to $1,330, depending on the type of window.
Pest Control and Wildlife Removal
Pests like mosquitoes, fruit flies, and even birds can be your primary reason for installing window screens. While preventing these pests from entering your home is smart, sometimes the best defense is a good offense.
Expect professional mosquito treatment to cost around $350 to $550, while one-time extermination for other pests costs about $250 to $525. If you’re dealing with birds, you can get humane wildlife removal costing $180 to $1,550.
Storm Window Replacement and Installation
Storm windows are another enhancement for your windows that can strengthen them. Getting new storm windows costs an average of $60 to $160 per window, while replacing them will run you about $125 to $415.
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.
| DIY Equipment Required | Average Cost |
| Fiberglass mesh screen | $50 |
| Clamps | $9 |
| Flathead screwdriver | $15 |
| Nail punch | $9 |
| Scissors | $13 |
| Screen roller | $10 |
| Spline | $5 |
| Utility knife | $12 |
| Tape measure | $18 |
| Hammer | $18 |
| Rubber-based glue | $7 |
| Brick | $1 |
| Total DIY Cost | $167 |
Compared to the average cost of a professional window screen replacement – $315 – you can save by going the DIY route. Replacing a window screen is not that difficult of a project either; aspiring DIYers can complete this without much experience. It’s simply removing the old screen material, fitting in the new screen, and securing it. However, this is closer to a rescreening than a full replacement.
Cost of Replacing Window Screens by Location
The cost of window screen replacement differs from place to place due to local labor costs, supply chains, and regional price differences. It’s better to contact a pro near you to get the most accurate prices for your home improvement project.
For example, if you live in a coastal area, you may pay more for window screen replacements because the salty air might wear down regular window screens very quickly. 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 compared to the countryside.
FAQ About Window Screen Replacement
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 a big window screen.
Yes! Cleaning will not only maintain the aesthetics of your window screens; it will also prolong their lifespan and keep the fresh air flowing into your home. You should clean your window screens at least once a year.
Here’s how to clean your window screens: 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, 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 your window screens.
If your screens are fixed, you can use a pressure washer on a low-pressure setting to clean them.
When to Hire a Window Screen Pro
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. When the time comes for your old screens to be replaced, or if you need some installed, you can contact a window screen pro near you to help or try replacing them yourself.
Note: Window Gnome may get a referral fee for matching you with contractors in your area.
Main Photo Credit: Bill Oxford / Canva Pro / License
