Summer in San Diego means open windows, fresh ocean breezes, and spending more time on the patio. It also means more bugs, more dust, and more wear on your screens. A quick spring checkup takes 30 minutes and can save you from dealing with torn screens and mosquitoes in July. Here is what to look at before the warm season hits.
1. Inspect Every Screen
Walk through your home and check every window screen and screen door. Look for small tears, holes, loose corners, and mesh that has pulled away from the frame. Even a tiny hole is an invitation for flies and mosquitoes. Pay extra attention to screens that face south or west, as they take the most UV damage over the winter months. Also check your sliding screen doors for smooth operation. If a door sticks or jumps the track, fix it now before you are using it daily.
2. Clean Screens and Tracks
Remove each screen and lay it flat on a clean surface. Gently scrub both sides with a soft brush and mild soapy water, then rinse with a hose. Let them dry completely before reinstalling. While the screens are out, vacuum the window tracks and wipe them down. For sliding door tracks, use a stiff brush to clear out sand and debris, then apply a thin coat of silicone lubricant to keep the rollers moving smoothly.
3. Check Frame Condition
Aluminum frames last a long time, but they are not indestructible. Look for bent corners, cracked joints, or frames that no longer sit flush in the window track. Bent frames let bugs slip through the gaps even if the mesh is perfect. If a frame is slightly bent, you can sometimes straighten it carefully by hand. If corners are separating or the frame is cracked, a new screen is only $55 for window screens and worth the upgrade.
4. Replace Damaged Screens Before the Rush
Here is a tip from 21 years of experience: our busiest months are June, July, and August. Everyone waits until they are swatting flies to call for screen repair. If you find screens that need rescreening or replacing during your spring inspection, schedule the work in April or May. You will get faster service, and your home will be ready when you actually need it.
5. Consider Upgrades While You Are At It
If you are already having screens serviced, it is the perfect time to upgrade mesh on specific windows. Solar mesh on south and west-facing windows can cut cooling costs by 25-40%during San Diego's hottest months. Pet-resistant mesh on doors and low windows protects against damage from excited summer pets. The upgrade cost is only $20 per window screen or $40 per door screen, and it is rolled into the same service call.
Quick Summer Screen Checklist
- Inspect all window screens for tears and holes
- Test all screen doors for smooth sliding and latching
- Clean screens with mild soap and water
- Vacuum and lubricate door tracks
- Check frames for bending, cracks, or loose corners
- Schedule repairs before the June-August rush
- Consider solar mesh for hot-side windows
Thirty minutes of spring maintenance keeps your home comfortable, bug-free, and breezy all summer long. And if you find anything that needs professional attention, we are here to help.
Need Screens Repaired Before Summer?
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