U.S. General Services Administration
Technical Procedures Disclaimer
Prior to inclusion in GSA’s library of procedures, documents are reviewed by one or more qualified preservation specialists for general consistency with the Secretary of Interior Standards for rehabilitating historic buildings as understood at the time the procedure is added to the library. All specifications require project-specific editing and professional judgement regarding the applicability of a procedure to a particular building, project or location. References to products and suppliers are to serve as a general guideline and do not constitute a federal endorsement or determination that a product or method is the best or most current alternative, remains available, or is compliant with current environmental regulations and safety standards. The library of procedures is intended to serve as a resource, not a substitute, for specification development by a qualified preservation professional.
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We’ve reviewed these procedures for general consistency with federal standards for rehabilitating historic buildings and provide them only as a reference. Specifications should only be applied under the guidance of a qualified preservation professional who can assess the applicability of a procedure to a particular building, project or location. References to products and suppliers serve as general guidelines and do not constitute a federal endorsement nor a determination that a product or method is the best alternative or compliant with current environmental regulations and safety standards.
PART 1–GENERAL
1.01 SUMMARY
A. This procedure includes guidance on patching a hole in a window screen, and removing and replacing the screen, if necessary.
B. Screens are window accessories that are available in many forms. They can be mounted inside or out, be made of wire or fiberglass mesh with frames of wood, metal, or a combination of both. Screens can be magnetic, removable, or fixed.
C. The Regional Historic Preservation Officer (RHPO) should make the decision as to the appropriateness of screens and the type required.
1.02 DEFINITIONS
A. Window screens are constructed similarly to window sashes with stiles, rails, and screen as infill, except for roll-screens which are rarely used today.
1.03 MAINTENANCE
A. Remove rust and dirt with soft wire brush. Vacuum residue with round brush attachment. Apply a thinned coat of screen enamel, paint, or varnish with a brush or clean carpet scrap. Do both sides.
PART 2–PRODUCTS
2.01 MATERIALS
A. Scrap screening to match existing (for patching)
B. Wire
C. Replacement screening
D. Wood filler
E. Brads
F. Waterproof glue
G. Screen enamel, paint or varnish
2.02 EQUIPMENT
A. Carpenter’s tools
B. Putty knife or wide chisel
C. Two 2x4’s and C-clamps for bowing frame
D. Utility knife
PART 3–EXECUTION
3.01 ERECTION, INSTALLATION, APPLICATION
A. To repair holes within the mesh fabric:
- For a small hole, fill with waterproof glue.
- For a larger hole, weave or darn scraps of screen or wire over hole.
-OR-
Patch the hole with a piece of scrap screening:
A. Cut patch from scrap screening larger than hole.
B. Cover the hole with the screening.
C. Bend free ends of wire on patch. Push through mesh around hole and bend ends back to hold.
D. To replace entire screen (in wood frame):
- Remove screen from window and place on a flat surface. Lift out molding with a putty knife or wide chisel working outward from the center.
- Cut screen slightly larger than opening and staple or tack to one short end of frame.
- Bow frame by inserting 2x4’s under both ends and clamping center with C-clamps. Pull screen taut and attach to opposite end of frame.
- Fasten remaining sides one at a time working from center to ends. Fasten center rail last.
- Trim excess screening with utility knife and reattach molding. Countersink brad heads, fill holes, repaint entire frame.