Screen mesh doesn’t last forever, even on a structurally sound enclosure. Here’s how to know when it’s time to rescreen, and what the process actually involves.
Typical Screen Lifespan
Standard fiberglass screen mesh typically lasts 10-15 years under normal conditions. Coastal properties, or those exposed to more intense sun and salt air, may see a shorter lifespan — closer to 8-12 years — due to accelerated UV and salt exposure.
Signs Your Screens Need Replacing
- Multiple tears or holes, especially if they’re spread across different panels rather than one isolated spot
- Brittleness — mesh that feels stiff or cracks easily when touched has likely degraded from UV exposure
- Visible sagging in panels that used to sit taut
- Discoloration beyond normal fading, which can indicate material breakdown
- Repeated small repairs that are starting to add up to more than a full rescreen would cost
One Important Caveat: Rule Out a Frame Problem First
If screens keep tearing in the same specific spots even after replacement, that’s usually a frame issue, not an age issue — a distorted or shifted frame puts uneven tension on new mesh, causing it to fail again quickly regardless of how new the screen is. A good contractor checks the frame before recommending a rescreen.
What the Rescreening Process Involves
- Assessment. We check the frame is structurally sound before proceeding — rescreening a bad frame just means you’re back here again soon.
- Old screen removal. Existing mesh and spline are removed from each panel.
- New screen installation. Fresh mesh is installed and secured with new spline for a clean, taut fit.
- Final check. Panels are inspected for proper tension and fit.
Choosing New Mesh
Rescreening is also a good opportunity to upgrade — switching to pet-resistant mesh if you now have a dog, or no-see-um mesh if insect pressure has become more of an issue since the original installation.
Ready for a Rescreen?
We handle full and partial rescreens on enclosures of any age or original builder throughout Northeast Florida.
Call Wayne or JT Kish at (904) 805-4343 for a free assessment, or use our free estimate form online.
FL Certified Specialty Contractor — Lic. #SCC131149801 | Licensed & Insured