Questions and answers
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers on booking, prices, mesh, our guarantee, insurance and where we work. Don't see your question? Call or text us.
Serving San Diego County since 2005
Booking and timing
How do I get a quote?
Text us a photo for a quote. We reply fast, nights and weekends too. You can also fill in the free estimate form.
What should I send when I text for a quote?
A photo of each screen or door that needs work, how many there are, and your zip code. Your name helps too. We reply fast, nights and weekends too.
Do I need to measure my windows first?
No. Your tech measures each opening at your home and builds the screens to fit right there. For a quote by text, photos and a count are enough.
How soon can you come out?
Most visits are booked within two weeks, often sooner in winter. We'll call you back within 1 business day. Call or text us your zip code and what you need, and we'll find a time that works.
When will someone call me back?
Calls go to our message line; we call back within 1 business day. If texting is easier, text us at (619) 660-0072.
What does “same-day service” mean?
Same-day service: we measure, build and install in one visit. It describes the job, not the appointment: once we're at your home, most screen work is finished in that one visit.
How long do retractable, security and swinging screen doors take?
Retractable doors go in the same day when your size and color are in stock; otherwise we measure, order and install when it arrives. Security doors are always made to order: we measure, order and install when it arrives. Swinging doors arrive about a week after we measure. Your tech tells you the timing at the measure visit.
How long does the work take once you're there?
It depends on the job. Window screens and rescreens are done at your home in the one visit, and your tech can give you a better idea when they call. A new sliding screen door takes up to 45 minutes per door, and a retractable or security screen door install takes about an hour once the door is in hand.
Do I need to be home?
No. As long as your tech can get to the screens, you don't need to be there. Just let your tech know how to get to them, like a side gate code, and which screens need work.
What are your hours?
We work 8 AM to 8 PM, 7 days a week. Calls go to our message line; we call back within 1 business day. Text us anytime. We reply fast, nights and weekends too.
Do you take drop-offs?
No. We're mobile only: we measure, build and install at your home, so there's nothing to haul in and nothing to pick up.
Prices and payment
Is there a minimum?
Yes, a $145 minimum for mobile service. At $45 a window, four or more standard rescreens are already above it.
Do you charge for estimates?
No. Estimates are free, whether by phone, by text with a photo, or on-site for custom items like security doors and screen rooms.
How do I pay?
Screens and repairs are paid for when the work is done, and your tech sends the invoice. We take cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, cash, check, Venmo, Zelle and ACH.
Do you take credit cards?
Yes. We take all major credit and debit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay, plus cash, check, Venmo, Zelle and ACH. There's no extra charge for paying by card.
Do you offer financing?
No, we don't offer financing.
Mesh options
Which mesh should I choose?
Standard fiberglass is included and right for most windows. Pet-resistant mesh is tougher and stands up better to claws. Solar mesh blocks up to 90% of solar heat on sun-facing windows (manufacturer rating). UltraVue gives the clearest view. Each upgrade adds $20 per window or $40 per screen door.
Is pet-resistant mesh pet-proof?
No mesh is pet-proof, but pet-resistant mesh holds up to claws and pushing far better than standard fiberglass. Damage from pets is a normal repair at our posted prices.
Our guarantee
What's your guarantee?
If something we built or installed isn't right because of our work, we'll come back and fix it at no charge, with no time limit. If we can't make it right, we'll refund what you paid for that item.
What doesn't the guarantee cover?
Screens are made fine so they stay see-through, so the promise covers our workmanship and the parts we supply, not damage our work didn't cause. Holes, pets, kids, weather, accidents, normal wear, products installed by others, and changes of mind about a color, mesh or style you approved are normal repairs at our posted prices.
Insurance, HOAs and property managers
Are you insured? Can you send a certificate to my HOA?
Yes. We carry $1 million in general liability insurance, and we'll send a certificate of insurance to your HOA, property manager or building on request.
Do you work with HOAs and property managers?
Yes, from a single unit to a whole complex. Call us and we'll work out the scheduling and paperwork with you.
Do you work with real estate agents?
Yes. We fix torn, bent or missing screens on pre-listing and inspection punch lists at our posted prices, and you can text us photos for a quote.
Service area
What areas do you serve?
All of San Diego County, from Oceanside to Chula Vista and from the coast to Alpine. We come to your home.
Screens, inspections and what we do
Do windows need screens to pass a home inspection?
Rules vary, but torn, bent or missing screens are a common item on home inspection reports, and buyers often ask for them to be fixed before closing. We can rescreen or build new screens in one visit, so call as soon as you have the report. Most visits are booked within two weeks, often sooner in winter.
What's the difference between standard and specialty window screens?
Standard window screens pop in and out of a flat frame and are held by springs. Those prices are for standard window screens. Double-hung, casement, pull-pin and other non-standard window screens are priced differently, and your tech will quote them by phone or on-site.
Can you fix a screen or screen door I bought at Home Depot or another store?
Usually, yes. We can rescreen or rebuild most window screens and screen doors no matter where they came from, and your tech will take a look when they're out. The exception is retractable screen doors: we only work on Roll Away.
Do you repair other brands of retractable screen doors?
No. We only service Roll Away retractables. If you have another brand, we can replace it with a Roll Away: $699 for a single door or $1,299 for a French door set, installed.
Do you make security screens for windows?
No, we don't offer security window screens. We install Tru-View security screen doors, which are made to order, and for tougher window screens we use pet-resistant mesh.
Do you install pet doors?
Yes. We install pet doors in sliding and swinging screen doors and in security screen doors. The price depends on the size of the pet door and the door it goes in, so your tech quotes it at your home.
Do you replace glass or sliding glass doors?
No. We work on screens: window screens, screen doors, solar and pet screens, and retractable and security screen doors. We don't replace glass or sliding glass doors.
Do you make garage door screens?
No, we don't do garage door screens. We do window screens, sliding, swinging, retractable and security screen doors, and screen rooms for patios.
About us
Are you the same company as San Diego Mobile Screen Service?
Yes. San Diego Mobile Screen Service is our old name. We're San Diego Mobile Screens now, with the same phone number, (619) 660-0072.
How long have you been in business?
Since 2005. We've been fixing and building screens at homes across San Diego County ever since.
Looking for prices? See the full price list.
Areas we serve: Oceanside, Central San Diego, East County and Chula Vista. See every area we cover