At Aladdin Inc, we understand cleaning the windows is an important maintenance task that homeowners often neglect. Screens sometimes complicate matters, but it’s actually simple to remove a window screen for cleaning if you know how to do it. If you take the wrong approach, however, you can damage the screen and/or the window frame, and you might hurt yourself or someone else. Before you consider new vinyl replacement windows try these tips.
Use the Right Procedure for Each Window and Screen
The way to remove window screens differs depending on the type of window you’re dealing with and whether the screen is on the inside or outside.
An interior screen sits in grooves around the window and is held in place through tension. The screen might have tabs, pins, or latches. Pull them to loosen the screen, then lift the screen and rotate it to remove it from the window.
An exterior screen has plunger pins that hold it in place. Remove the window frame from one corner to loosen the screen. A tool such as a flat-head screwdriver can help you dislodge the screen from the frame and give you leverage so you can remove the screen from the window.
Apply gentle pressure to the screen, then pull the screen toward you and bend it a bit to remove it. A window screen is flexible, but you need to be careful not to bend it too much.
Focus on Safety
When removing a window screen, safety is paramount. If you’re removing a screen while you’re inside your house, make sure that no one is outside, just in case you accidentally drop the screen. Stand on the floor, not on furniture or a stool, when removing the screen. Don’t lean on the window frame. It’s not designed to support a person’s weight, and you could fall and get injured. If you’re outside when removing a screen, use a sturdy ladder and have someone nearby to help you if necessary.
Get a Quote for New Windows
If you remove screens to clean the windows at your Connecticut home and you discover that one or more of them are damaged, they may need to be replaced. Aladdin can help.
We offer a wide range of window styles, including double-hung, casement, sliding, bow, and bay windows. Our energy-efficient vinyl replacement windows can help you lower your utility bills and can also make your house more attractive. Contact us today to learn more about the windows that we offer or to get an estimate for replacement window installation.