How to Open a Window Screen

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

With a window screen, you can enjoy the cool breezes from outside without worrying about insects or debris getting into your home. When you want to replace the screen, though, you'll need to know how to open it. Opening a window screen is a fairly simple process, though it depends on the style of window or type of screen. Keep in mind that some screens can't be opened; you can only remove them if you don't want the barrier in the way.

Things You Should Know

  • The right way to open a window screen depends on the type of screen you have.
  • For a single- or double-hung screen, push in the tabs at the bottom of the screen and slide the screen up.
  • For a hinge screen, pull the knob on the screen frame toward you.
Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Working with a Single- or Double-Hung Screen

PDF download Download Article
  1. To open the screen, you need to move the window out of the way. Open the window by unlocking it and sliding the lower sash up as far as it will go. [1]
    • A double-hung window is made of 2 movable panels known as sashes. The lower sash is the bottom panel that rests against the window sill.
  2. The screens for double-hung windows have 2 tabs on either side of its bottom. Find the tabs with your fingers, placing your index fingers on their outside edge. [2]
    Advertisement
  3. In most cases, you’ll need to push the screen’s tabs inward so it can slide along the track. Use your fingers to press the tabs, and carefully slide the screen up to open it as far as you’d like. [3]
  4. Once you are ready to close the screen, you simply need to slide it back down into place. Make sure to close it fully so the screen clips engage and lock the screen in place.
    5. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Opening a Hinge Screen

PDF download Download Article
  1. Hinge screens are common for casement windows. The are comprised of a wooden frame and 1 screen panel. The knob is generally located in the center of 1 side of the screen frame. [4]
  2. The screen will swing toward you on the hinges to allow for the casement window to be pushed out away from you. Simply grip the knob on the frame and gently tug it toward you. [5]
  3. These screens are just as easy to close as they are to open! Simply press the knob toward the window to close the screen. Make sure the frame latches back into place so the screen is secure. [6]
    4. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Getting a Sliding Window Screen Open

PDF download Download Article
  1. In order to access the screen, you’ll need to move 1 of the sliding window’s sashes out of the way. Push the sash on 1 side all the way over to the other, so the screen is fully exposed. [7]
    • Sliding windows usually feature 1 or 2 movable panels that sit side-by-side, which are known as sashes.They both slide toward the middle of the window, so you can move either sash to access the screen.
  2. A sliding window’s screen features either a spring screen clip at the top of the screen or a lock on the side of the screen. Press on the clip or slide the lock up to unlock the screen. [8]
  3. Continue to press on the screen clip, and carefully push the screen toward the center of the window frame. Slide it as far as you’d like depending on how much you want to open the screen. [9]
  4. Simply slide the screen back toward the frame to fit it into place. Compress the screen clip to allow the screen to fit flushly into place, or lock the screen once it’s closed to secure it.
    5. Advertisement
Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Opening a Retractable Screen

PDF download Download Article
  1. Retractable screens are common for casement windows. Some retractable screens connect to the frame via a latch, while others have a magnetic closure. Carefully pull up on the bottom edge of the screen at the closure to free it from the frame. [10]
  2. Retractable screens can’t be opened part way, so you have to open it completely. Continue to hold the bottom of the screen as it retracts into the housing to avoid any damage. [11]
  3. Retractable screens disappear completely into the housing at the top of the window frame to keep them out of the way. The screen usually slides back into the housing all by itself, so you can simply let go once the window is fully open. [12]
  4. To close a retractable window screen, grip the bottom edge of the screen and gently pull it down. Keep pulling until the screen reaches the frame, then attach it to the frame via the latch or magnetic closure.
    5. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Pick Locks On Doorknobs: Knob Types & Lockpicking Tutorials
      How to
      Adjust a uPVC Window
      How to
      Install a Door Knob
      How to
      Remove a Door Handle
      5 Ways to Fix a Broken Door Frame
      How to
      Adjust a Standard Door Closer
      How to
      Frame a Door Opening
      How to
      Rethread a Roller Blind Cord
      How to
      Replace a Door Handle
      Easy Fixes for Ring Doorbell Flashing Blue
      How to
      Reset a Ring Doorbell
      How to
      Seal a Door
      How to
      Remove a Ring Doorbell Cover
      How to
      Stop Condensation on Windows
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17LAzYndLaU
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17LAzYndLaU
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17LAzYndLaU
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/iywn-NHlUe0?t=18
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/iywn-NHlUe0?t=8
      6. ↑ https://youtu.be/iywn-NHlUe0?t=20
      7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YZmRcBALdI
      8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YZmRcBALdI
      9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YZmRcBALdI
      1. ↑ https://www.homeadvisor.com/r/rectractable-screen-door/
      2. ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/doors/21016709/how-to-install-a-retractable-screen-door
      3. ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/doors/21016709/how-to-install-a-retractable-screen-door

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      You can open most window screens by disengaging the locking mechanism. For a single or double-hung screen, open up the window and locate the tabs at the bottom of the screen. Push the tabs inward and slide the screen up. To open a hinge screen, pull the knob on the window to open it, then pull the knob on the screen to open it as well. To get a sliding screen open, move the window to the side, and press on the clip on the side of the screen so you can slide it open. For a retractable screen, find the latch or closure on the bottom of the frame and disengage it. Then, pull up on the bottom edge of the screen to open it. For tips about how to properly close window screens, keep reading!

      Did this summary help you?
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 123,134 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement