Should You DIY Your Screen Repairs, Or Call a Pro? (The Honest Barrie Breakdown)

You spotted a tear in your window screen—again. Now comes the big question:

DIY or Pro?

You could totally fix it yourself, right? Or… you’ll spend your entire Saturday frustrated, inventing new swear words, and still have bugs sneaking in.

Welcome to the brutally honest Barrie breakdown—should you DIY your screen repairs, or call in the cavalry?

DIY Screen Repairs: The Dream vs. The Reality

The Dream:

• Quick trip to the hardware store
• Mesh replaced in under 10 minutes
• You feel like a home improvement legend

The Reality:

• Wrong mesh or spline size
• Bent frame from too much tension
• Crooked, sagging screen you “pretend” to love
• Door no longer closes properly
• Mosquitoes laughing at you from the inside

Still determined? Read 5 Screen Repair Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them, Without Crying)

When DIY Works (For Real)

DIY is totally doable if:

• You’re replacing mesh on small, ground-floor windows
• You have proper tools (splining tool, cutting blade, quality mesh)
• Frame isn’t warped or damaged
• You’re patient—and handy-ish
• You’ve watched at least three YouTube tutorials and still feel optimistic

Best for:

• Minor tears
• Small, low-traffic window screens
• Budget fixes when you’re confident
• Projects where your dog isn’t actively “helping”

Pro Tip: Don’t use duct tape—seriously—see Can You Fix a Torn Window Screen With Duct Tape? I Tried It So You Don’t Have To

When to Skip DIY and Call the Pros

1. Torn Patio or Sliding Screen Doors Large screens = tricky tension, easier frame damage, lots of swearing.

2. Warped, Bent, or Cracked Frames No amount of mesh fixes a crooked frame—call for replacement.

3. Stuck or Off-Track Doors It’s not “just” the mesh—rollers, tracks, alignment—all need proper repair. Learn more in Sliding Screen Door Stuck? Barrie’s Quick-Fix Guide for Homeowners

4. Pet-Proof Upgrades Installing heavy-duty mesh (for pets or wild kids)? Leave it to the pros—see Pet Proof Sliding Door Screens: Genius or Just Another Thing for Your Dog to Destroy?

5. Cottage or Seasonal Property Screens Muskoka bugs—and raccoons—play rough. Your screens need pro-level strength—details in Patio Screens That Actually Survive Cottage Life—Is That Even a Thing?

6. High-Up, Hard-to-Reach Windows Falling off a ladder while wrestling mesh isn’t worth saving $50—trust us.

7. Screens Needing Frame Replacement Bent, twisted, or cracked frames mean your screen will never sit flush—and bugs love those gaps.

The Cost Comparison: DIY vs. Pro Repairs

Why So Many Barrie Homeowners Call WindowRises

We get it—sometimes DIY seems cheaper. But factor in:

• Your time
• Materials you’ll probably buy twice after messing up
• Screens that never sit right again
• The hidden costs of mosquito invasions and BBQs ruined by bugs

WindowRises handles:

• Custom-fit window and patio screen repairs
• Pet-resistant mesh installation
• Stuck or jammed sliding door solutions
• High-quality materials—no bargain mesh disasters
• Quick turnaround—so you’re not screen-less for weeks

Plus: We’ll save your relationships—because nothing ruins a Saturday like a couple arguing over screen repairs.

The DIY Test: Should You Attempt It?

Ask yourself:

• Is it a small, ground-floor window?
• Is the frame undamaged?
• Do I own the right tools?
• Am I 99% sure I won’t throw this across the yard?

If yes: Go for it. If no: Book the pros—your screens (and blood pressure) will thank you.

Final Word: DIY or Pro—What’s Best for You?

DIY is great for:

• Handy folks with patience
• Small, basic screens
• Minor mesh replacements

Calling a pro is best for:

• Patio doors and sliding screens
• Pet-resistant mesh installations
• Warped frames and tricky repairs
• Screens higher than your comfort zone
• Anyone who’d rather enjoy their weekend than battle screen frustration

Your screens protect your home—don’t let a rushed DIY job undo that.

👉 Book Your Screen Repair or Mesh Upgrade Now and keep Barrie bugs out—the easy, stress-free way.