Window Screen Won’T Go Back in – Reasons and Solutions

If you’ve recently removed your window screens for cleaning or any other reason, you may have encountered the frustrating problem of not being able to get them back into place. It’s not uncommon for window screens to get stuck or not fit properly into the channels, which can be a major inconvenience and even result in damaging the screens.

In this article, we’ll explore some possible causes for this issue and provide some solutions for getting your window screens back in place. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or just looking for a quick fix, this information can help you get your window screens back up and running in no time.

Window Screen Won’t Go Back in

You may be experiencing difficulty reinserting the window screens back into the upper channels of your single-hung windows. This could be due to the plastic corners being too thick to fit into the channel or perhaps the top frame member being too wide for the channel. One solution you could try is to slightly shave down the plastic corners or the top frame member using a file or sandpaper to make them fit more easily into the channels.

Another option is to try lubricating the channels with a silicone-based lubricant, which can help the screens slide more smoothly into place. You could also try gently tapping the corners or top frame member with a rubber mallet to help them fit more easily into the channels.

If these solutions do not work, it may be necessary to replace the screens or have a professional assess the issue and provide a solution. It’s also worth checking to make sure the channels themselves are not damaged or bent, as this could be causing the difficulty in reinserting the screens.

Possible Causes

Shave Down Plastic Corners or Top Frame Member With a File or Sandpaper

If the plastic corners or top frame member of your window screens are too thick to fit into the channels, you may be able to shave them down slightly using a file or sandpaper. This can help them fit more easily into the channels and allow the screens to slide back into place.

Lubricate Channels With Silicone-based Lubricant

Another solution you can try is lubricating the channels with a silicone-based lubricant. This can help the screens slide more smoothly into place and may make it easier to get them back into the channels.

Tap Corners or Top Frame Member With a Rubber Mallet

If the corners or top frame member are not quite fitting into the channels, you can try gently tapping them with a rubber mallet. This can help them slide into place more easily and may be enough to get the screens back into the channels.

Replace Screens or Seek Professional Assistance

If none of the above solutions work, it may be necessary to replace the screens or seek professional assistance. A professional may be able to identify the issue and provide a solution for getting the screens back into place. Alternatively, you can try replacing the screens with new ones, which should fit properly into the channels.

Solutions

Causes and Solutions

It’s important to identify the root cause of the issue in order to determine the most effective solution. Potential causes could include the plastic corners being too thick, the top frame member being too wide, or the channels themselves being damaged or bent. Solutions include shaving down the plastic corners or top frame member, lubricating the channels, tapping the corners or top frame member with a rubber mallet, or replacing the screens altogether.

Seek Professional Assistance

While it may be tempting to seek professional assistance right away, it’s worth trying some of the suggested solutions first. Many of these solutions can be easily done by the average homeowner and may save you the cost of hiring a professional. However, if the problem persists or you’re unsure of how to proceed, it’s always a good idea to seek professional assistance to ensure the problem is properly addressed.

How to Fix Window Screens Won’t Go Back in?

Here are a few additional tips for getting your window screens back into the channels:

Check the Size of the Screens

Make sure the screens you are trying to insert are the correct size for your windows. If they are too large or too small, they may not fit properly into the channels.

Check for Debris

It’s possible that debris or dirt may be blocking the channels and preventing the screens from fitting properly. Clean out the channels and make sure they are clear before attempting to insert the screens again.

Use a Screen Installation Tool

A screen installation tool, also known as a screen rolling tool, can be helpful for getting the screens back into the channels. These tools have a long, thin handle with a small wheel at the end, which can be used to roll the screen into place.

Try a Different Angle

If you’ve been trying to insert the screens straight on, try tilting the screens at a slight angle and see if that helps them fit into the channels more easily.

Check for Damage

If the screens or channels are damaged, they may not fit properly. Check for any tears, holes, or other damage and make necessary repairs before attempting to insert the screens again.

Be Patient

It may take a bit of trial and error to get the screens back into place. Don’t be too hard on yourself and remember to take breaks if you start to get frustrated. With a bit of patience and persistence, you should be able to get the screens back into the channels.

There are a few things to keep in mind or gather before attempting to insert your window screens back into the channels:

Measure the Screens and Channels

Make sure the screens you are trying to insert are the correct size for your windows. Measure the width and height of the screens and the channels to ensure a proper fit.

Gather Tools and Supplies

Depending on the solution you choose, you may need to gather a few tools and supplies. This could include a file or sandpaper for shaving down the plastic corners or top frame member, a silicone-based lubricant for lubricating the channels, or a rubber mallet for tapping the corners or top frame member.

Know the Type of Window

It’s important to know the type of window you have in order to determine the best way to insert the screens. For example, with single-hung windows, the screens typically slide up from the bottom, while with double-hung windows, the screens often slide in from the sides.

Determine the Cause of the Issue

Before attempting any solutions, it’s important to determine the cause of the issue. Is it due to the plastic corners being too thick, the top frame member being too wide, or the channels being damaged or bent? Knowing the cause will help you determine the most effective solution.

Have Patience

As mentioned before, it may take a bit of trial and error to get the screens back into place. Don’t be too hard on yourself and remember to take breaks if you start to get frustrated. With a bit of patience and persistence, you should be able to get the screens back into the channels.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you’re having trouble getting your window screens back into the channels, there are a few potential causes and solutions to consider. It’s important to identify the root cause of the issue in order to determine the most effective solution.

This could include shaving down the plastic corners or top frame member, lubricating the channels, tapping the corners or top frame member with a rubber mallet, or replacing the screens altogether. While it may be tempting to seek professional assistance right away, it’s worth trying some of the suggested solutions first, as many of them can be easily done by the average homeowner and may save you the cost of hiring a professional.

However, if the problem persists or you’re unsure of how to proceed, it’s always a good idea to seek professional assistance to ensure the problem is properly addressed.

Overall, with a little bit of patience and some creative problem-solving, you should be able to get your window screens back in place and enjoy the benefits of open windows once again. A good window doesn’t make so much noise.