How to Tell if Your Window Screens Need Replacing (Not Just Cleaning)

Dirty, broken screens can make even a clean window look bad.

If your window screens are looking a little worse for wear, you might be thinking they just need a good cleaning. But here’s the thing: not all screen issues can be fixed with soap and water. At a certain point, no amount of elbow grease will bring them back — and you might actually be due for a full replacement.

Here’s how to tell the difference between a dirty screen and a screen that’s simply reached the end of the road.

1. They Look Dingy — Even After Cleaning

If your screens still look dusty, blotchy, or grayish even after a proper scrub, it could be oxidation. That’s when the aluminum frame or mesh breaks down from long-term sun exposure and salt air (pretty common in Southern California). Once the materials start to corrode, they lose their strength and their ability to look clean — no matter what you do.

2. The Mesh Is Brittle or Tearing

Gently press a finger against your screen. If the mesh feels crispy or starts to crack, it’s toast. Over time, UV rays weaken the fibers in fiberglass mesh and dry out plastic components, making them fragile and prone to tearing. A cleaning won't fix that — and trying to remove a brittle screen for cleaning could make things worse.

3. Frames Are Bent, Warped, or Rusty

Frames that are bent out of shape or pulling away from the window won’t sit flush anymore. That lets in bugs, dust, and hot air — basically defeating the whole purpose of having a screen in the first place. Rusty frames (especially in older metal screens) are also a sign that moisture has already done damage over time.

4. You’re Dealing With Hazy or Foggy Windows

Sometimes people think their windows are dirty when it’s actually the screen making everything look hazy. A discolored or deteriorating mesh can make your glass look grimy from inside the house. If you’ve cleaned both and still have that milky view, the screen may be to blame.

5. They’re More Than 10 Years Old

Most window screens have a shelf life of 8–10 years — shorter if your home faces the sun, sits near the ocean, or gets a lot of wind and debris. Even if they “seem fine,” materials break down over time and slowly lose their function. If you're already planning a window cleaning or home maintenance project, it's a good time to check their age and condition.

Bonus: Why This Matters More Than You Think

Old, damaged screens don’t just look bad — they also reduce airflow, make your windows look dirty, and can cost you comfort. If your AC has to work harder because your windows aren’t ventilating right, you’ll feel it on your energy bill.

👀 Not Sure if Your Screens Are Ready to Retire?

Let us take a look!

Our technicians see thousands of screens every year — we can usually tell in seconds whether yours need a deep clean or a total swap. Just ask during your next service, and we’ll give you an honest assessment.

📞 Call us or book online today✅ Window & screen evaluations included with every full-service cleaning🛠 We don’t sell screens, but we do refer to reliable local pros if you need replacements

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