It's spring. You're about to open the windows for the first time in five months. Take 10 minutes per screen before you do - small problems fixed now save you a service call in July.
1. Take each screen out and inspect both sides
Look for: holes/tears in the mesh, frame corners still tight, frame condition, pull tabs functional.
2. Brush and rinse
Soft-bristle brush on both sides. Garden hose at low pressure. Let dry before reinstalling.
3. Test the spline
If the rubber spline crumbles or comes out easily, the screen needs to be re-splined.
4. Check the corner clips
If a corner pulls apart when you wiggle it, the clip is broken. Replacements are cheap.
5. Test the sliders (for patio screens)
Sticks or drags? Vacuum the track. Jumps off the track? The bottom rail or rollers are shot.
6. Test the screen door's closer
Closers wear out after 5-7 years.
7. Check screens you can't see
Look at second-floor screens from outside with binoculars.
8. Spot-treat pet damage
Small tears under 2 inches can be patched. Larger damage = call us.
9. Note anything that needs a pro
Bent frame, multiple broken corners, brittle mesh, seized rollers, failed closer, multi-screen wear → schedule now, not in June.
10. Don't forget the front door
Swap storm-door inserts; lubricate retractable tracks with silicone spray.
Need a Spring Service Visit?
Call (302) 365-5562. Spring visits in Wilmington / Newark / Hockessin corridor are usually scheduled within 1-3 days.