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How to replace flyscreen mesh

Closeup of a spline roller being used to push a new sheet of flyscreen into a window frame

Overview

If your flyscreens are full of holes and letting in more than just fresh air, replacing the old mesh is a quick and easy job you can do yourself. This step-by-step video will show you how to remove the old flyscreen and secure the new mesh in place for a professional finish.

Tools and materials

Tools

    Steps

    1Dust down the flyscreen

    When you're removing old flyscreens, always check for spiders and other creepy crawlies before you take the screens out. The safest way to do that is to take your dust brush and give the edges of the screen a quick brush down. Then remove the screen and bring it over to a flat surface.
    A Bunnings team member using a household brush to dust off a flyscreen of insects or dirt before removing it from a windowsill

    2Remove the old flyscreen mesh from the frame

    Now put the point of your screwdriver into the corner of the frame and pry out the old spline. The spline is what locks the flyscreen into the frame. Once you've raised enough spline to get a grip on it, pull the rest of it out. Then simply take the flyscreen out of the frame and clean out the frame gutters with your brush.
    Old and damaged flyscreen mesh being removed from a window frame by a Bunnings team member

    3Install the new flyscreen mesh into the frame

    Next lay the new flyscreen mesh over the top of your frame. Be sure to overlap the edge of the frame by about 100mm on each side. Then install the spline to hold the mesh in place. Start on the short side of the frame and using the spline roller to push it into the gutters of the frame. Once it is all rolled in, trim off any excess spline and be careful not to cut into your flyscreen. Then trim off the excess mesh – leaving approximately 5mm overlap the whole way round.
    A sheet of flyscreen being pushed into a window frame by a Bunnings team member with a spline roller

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    Health & Safety

    Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

    When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.