Replacement Window Screens

5 years ago

Hi Houzzers! Our Contractor just replaced a number of our window screens after his roof repair guys punctured holes in thrm with their ladders. They were standard screens that came with the windows we updated 10 years ago. These new screens are DARK!! Aside from looking odd, you can now hardly see anything out of the lower half of the window. His helper worked for 4 hours yesterday to replace the screens (I didn’t see them until I came home at the end of the day) and told me today when I shared concern that he thinks that this “privacy” screen is only option for replacement screen these days. Is this true? And if not, do I push to redo it/am I responsible to pay for that? This is end of very large home addition and a very long year (lots of Covid-related delays on all of our ends). What are your thoughts? Thanks!

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Comments (6)

Gerry
5 years ago
I had my husband replace the screen material in all of our window screens. The original ones were a metal mesh that bent and rusted. The newer material is darker but they had smaller holes to keep bugs out and didn’t warp. It looks jarring to you right now because you’re not used to it. Live with it a bit.
PRO
toddinmn
5 years ago
There are more than a few different options, even from Home Depot.

i would push.
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cat_ky
5 years ago
I have had both dark and light. If the rest of your screens are light, I would want them replaced so they are all alike. Also, you are right, looking outside through the darker ones is not a great look.
PRO
HomeSealed Exteriors, LLC
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
As todd stated, there are several different types of screen mesh used these days and all is easily accessible. Most manufacturers are using a high visibility type of mesh something like Phifer Bettervue. You can order it right from amazon....

What is the contractor's responsibility here? He's probably fulfilled that aspect, not to mention that its possible that this mesh could seem darker/heavier compared to 10 year old, faded material. That said, it would probably behoove him to take care of you on this. Its not like a few re-screens cost a ton, why create an unhappy customer over it.
Lyndee Lee
5 years ago
My position would be that before the contractor started work, all the screens matched. Therefore, when the contractor has finished, all the screens should match. Depending on the window placement and how visible they are from the street, I would be OK if all the windows on a side matched each other.

Some of the heavy duty screen material really blocks light so if your house tends to be dark inside, ask for a different material. There are a lot of potential issues with a big job, and as things go, this one isn't very difficult or expensive, and is a quick fix.

It takes me about 45 minutes to do a screen, by the time I prepare a work surface, pull out the tools and materials, and remove and replace the screening. After the first one, it can take longer to remove and replace the screens than it does to actually change out the screening.
kathyg_in_mi
5 years ago
When my kids were small I had to replace the screen on our door wall (slider) just about every summer. Paid for it the first time, but after that learned to do it myself.

Yes, the contractor should leave you with all matching screens.