Has anyone had any luck trying to re-screen Andersen window screens? I ask because no screen material that I have seen to purchase is the same as the screen material that Andersen uses. Also, the job where I need to replace 8 screens is of the 2 million dollar home of a builder that will most definately tell the difference between the factory and replacement mesh (don’t ask).
The major difference is that the screen material that I can purchase has a larger square weave in the aluminum mesh which is what Andersen uses. All of the different meshes I’ve looked at are this way. I’ve talked to Andersen and they said they don’t sell the screen material because they reccomend total screen replacement (convenient).
Has anyone run into this problem or has any idea where I can shop for Andersen “factory style” mesh?
I know that you need to buy a special foam core spline for Andersons because you can’t re-use OR buy the tin spline they come with. Anderson is shady like that… they know how to make their money.
My best recommendation is simply getting what you can get, explaining it to the client. Its a replacement, there’s only so much you can do if you can’t get the OEM material
There is no luck needed. I would just explain what you can do for him. Either re-screen the screen with your material which may look slightly different, or order new Anderson screens.
I re-screen Anderson screens all the time, and also order new ones all the time. I leave it up to the customer to decide what they want to do, or I will help them make a decision if they want me to.
I don’t re-screen the metal mesh Andersons at all. I just tell them to call Anderson. I make more money doing the regular easy re-screens and re-builds.
It all depends on the job. I don’t do screen repare or replacement as a service. I know the screens can be costly. I have spent $36.00 on them. If it were me I would pass on the gig. If it was a mistake from my job, I would eat the cost. If it’s just a replacement I would tell him to replace them himself and save the money. If he is deadset on you doing the job, try an get a discount from a chain store. If you have a military buddy most larger chains offer 10% off. Have them buy the screens for you and pocket the 10% plus a minimum fee for headache.
Rescreening is easy and great cash. explain what you can do if they dont want it tell them to call anderson. Working with metal screening is alot harder. If you make a mistake its cost more to fix since the screen is so much more expensive. I would be at $65 to $75 per rescreen.
I’ve always had a problem with the spline popping back out when I re-use it. Seems easir just to get the foam core spline and be done with it, you know?
It is much easier to use replacement spline, but that may not meet the customers standards in some situations. The popping out is probably from too much curling when you remove the spline. If you pop out one end and slide a putty knife underneath the spline instead of pulling it out, it doesn’t curl up.
i would explain the problem that you’ve run in to and you could recommend that you replace all of the screens in that room so that they cant see a difference in material between two windows that are side by side in the same room. maybe you’ll sell more screen repair. doubt you could see a difference between to different screens from the street
I have tried using a putty knife but it doesn’t always work. I rescreen full time from around the first of May right into mid November and do tons of Andersons and believe me it is much easier to replace the spline than to reuse it. Also the final product with the old spline comes out with bubbles where with new spline I can get it as smooth as glass.
Just wanted to add to use .235 or 15/64 ribbed hollow rubber spline and to run in the screen wire well before putting in the spline. Sometimes the screen will tend to overlap under the spline so work slow and smooth or your frame will what I call hourglass where the two opposite sides will bend in at the middle. Have a great day.
<a href=“http://www.thatscreenguy.com”>That Screen Guy</a>
