Written by

Tom Grupa

September 6, 2023

Pool Screen Repair Cost

Small pool screen repairs cost $200 to $600, while major structural repairs cost $600 to $2,500. Rescreening a pool enclosure costs $1,200 to $3,500 or $0.75 to $1.50 per square foot of screen area. Pool cage painting costs $1,500 to $2,500 or $1.50 to $2.50 per square foot.

Companies typically charge per panel for small repairs and by the square foot for full rescreens. Replacing individual panels is more expensive in the long run than a full rescreen.

Proper maintenance and immediate repairs add years of life to your pool enclosure. To get a free, accurate estimate, contact pool repair services near you, or read our guide below for the types of repairs and costs.

Pool Screen Enclosure Repair Costs

For minor damage on one panel or section, individual screen repair is economical. However, when replacing the fasteners or when the screen is 10+ years old, a full rescreening is often cheaper.

• When replacing fasteners or repairing structural damage, the old screens have to be taken down, requiring the same amount of labor as rescreening.

• If the mesh is 10+ years old, starts tearing, the color changes, or the coating wears away, the screening is likely nearing its life expectancy and needs rescreening.

Minor Pool Screen Repair Costs

Screen repairs on 1-story homes for a few panels cost $150 to $300 on average, and 2-story homes are 30%+ more. Screen repair kits and patches don't last long, and mesh torn off the framing can't be fixed, so contractors replace the entire screen panel.

Replacing a single screen takes about an hour.

Contractors charge $30 to $60 per hour with minimum call-out fees of $100 to $200 for other minor repairs, such as replacing the spline, screws, anchors, fasteners, or cables, caulking and sealing the beams, or replacing any hardware.

Fascia and Soffit Repair Prices

Pool enclosures attached directly to the fascia of the house lead to wood rot, warping, mold, and water intrusion into the home. Fascia and soffit repairs cost $4 to $15 per linear foot for removal, disposal, and replacement. For a permanent solution, modifying the enclosure and installing a structural pool cage gutter is required.

Super Gutter Cost

A pool cage gutter or super gutter costs $1,500 to $2,500. A super gutter is 5" to 7" wide heavy-gauge aluminum that provides a barrier between the house and pool, supports the weight of the enclosure, protects the fascia, and provides roof drainage.

Pool Screen Door Replacement

Pool screen door replacement costs $50 to $150 per door, depending on the type and size. Replacing the hardware and adding weather stripping to a pool screen door costs $30 to $115.

Average Cost To Rescreen A Pool Enclosure

The average cost to rescreen a pool enclosure is $0.75 to $1.50 per square foot of screen area or $25 to $65 per panel for smaller jobs. A 20' x 40' pool cage rescreening costs $1,500 to $3,500.

Prices increase by 30% to 50% for a 2-story pool enclosure or high-end mesh.

Pool Rescreening Cost Calculator

This calculator estimates the cost to rescreen a pool cage, porch, or enclosed patio or deck.

A complete rescreening maintains the safety and integrity of the structure and is required when large amounts of damage occur, such as:

• The screen mesh is ripped, punctured, or turning shiny white.

• The screen panel or frame is damaged, sagging, or unraveling.

• There are tears along the aluminum members.

• Fasteners are missing, rusty, or loose and need replacing.

• Algae is growing on the screens.

• The paint is peeling or fading.

Pool Enclosure Screen Material

Pool screen mesh makes up 30% to 50% of the overall cost depending on the material, quality, mesh size, features, and brand. Avoid cheap Artisan screen as the lifespan is only 3 to 4 years. Instead, choose a longer-lasting Super Screen or Phifer screen in polyester, fiberglass, or aluminum.

Top screen features include UV, tiny insect, and pollen protection, pet resistance, heat repellant, flame retardant, water-shedding abilities, low VOCs, antimicrobial protection, and lead-free materials.

Pool Screen Mesh Size

Screen mesh sizes range from 8/8 to 20/20, which shows the number of openings per linear inch. The mesh size impacts the protection against squirrels, birds, and insects getting into the pool area, as well as your view outside the cage.

• 18/14 gauge (or Super Screen’s 17/14) is the standard size mesh.

• 20/20 gauge (or Super Screen’s 17/20) is smaller and prevents pine needles, all insects, and offers UV protection.

Pool Screen Brands

• Super Screen is available in 17/14 and 17/20 mesh sizes. It's 300% stronger than Phifer’s 18/14 and lasts 20+ years.

• Phifer screen is tightly woven to keep out even the smallest of insects and comes with a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty.

  • TuffScreen (18/14) – Pet and weather resistant

  • No-See-Ums (20/20) – Prevents virtually all bugs and insects

  • Pet Screen – Seven times stronger than standard screens and scrape and puncture-resistant; recommended near golf courses

  • SunScreen – Sun control with eco-friendly features

  • BetterVue – Provides an unobstructed view without sacrificing insect protection

  • UltraVue –15% more visibility

• Saint-Gobain ADFORS has multiple material options and features

• MD Pool and Patio Screen is wrinkle-free and resistant to denting and unraveling. These screens are stronger than standard fiberglass screens and are ideal for patio, porch, or pool enclosures.

Pool Rescreening Cost Factors

Other factors that influence the overall cost to rescreen a pool or porch enclosure are:

• Free-standing or attached lanai – An attached lanai enclosure has one less wall to rescreen.

• Size – Larger and taller enclosures are more expensive to rescreen. A 2-story enclosure requires scaffolding and costs 30% more.

• Split Purlins – A purlin is a roof-framing batten that makes rescreening more labor-intensive, as installers cannot put one sheet across the roof. They have to spline the tracks in each purlin instead. Charges are per section.

• Beam Width – The wider the width of the beams, the more dangerous the installation or repair job, especially on the roof.

• Spline – Spline holds the screens securely in place and costs $50 to $150 for the materials on an average pool cage. Labor costs increase if the old spline is difficult to remove or is not easily accessible, and scaffolding is required.

• Roof Type – Roof types such as gable, mansard, hipped, segmented, or lean-to take longer to rescreen and cost 10% to 20% more overall.

• Fasteners – The best time to replace the fasteners is during a rescreen, which saves $1,000. Replacing the rusty, corroded fasteners costs $2,400 on its own, or $1,400 when replaced during a rescreen.

Glass Pool Enclosure Replacement Cost

Replacing a glass panel in a pool enclosure costs $6 to $20 per square foot for the glass, and $50 to $100 per panel for the installation labor. Replacing all the glass in a pool cage costs $8,000 to $30,000, depending on the glass type and the size and shape of the enclosure.

Building a new glass pool enclosure costs $40 to $100 per square foot, including the panel framing, glass, and labor.

Lanai Screen Repair Cost

The average cost to rescreen a lanai is $0.75 to $1.50 per square foot of screen area or $1,500 to $3,000 total for polyester, fiberglass, or aluminum screens. Lanai glass screen repair costs $6 to $20 per square foot for the glass and $50 to $100 per panel in labor.

A lanai is a pool enclosure permanently attached to a house on one side and used as living space. Lanais are typically furnished with outdoor furniture.

Window or Door Screen Repair Cost

Replacing a window screen costs $15 to $30 per screen, and door screen repairs cost $50 to $150, when hiring a professional.

DIY screen repairs cost $10 to $50 each for pre-framed window screens or $0.30 to $0.80 per square foot for screen materials.

Pool Cage Painting Cost

Pool cage painting costs $1.50 to $2.50 per square foot or $1,500 to $2,500 on average, depending on if it's a screen or glass enclosure. Painting an aluminum pool screen enclosure extends its life, brings a modern look, and costs one-third as much as replacing the cage.

Repainting takes 1 to 2 days, depending on the size and number of laborers. Although some painters claim to be able to paint without removing the screens, an experienced pool cage renovation contractor follows these steps for best results:

1. Tape off the glass or removes the screens for protection.

2. Wire wheel and sand all corroded metal and peeling paint.

3. Pressure wash the cage to clean off all dirt and mold.

4. Change out rusted fasteners and bolts to ensure proper cage alignment, and repair all damaged screens.

5. Protect nearby plants, decks, and patio furniture from paint.

6. Use proper equipment such as scaffolding and a spray applicator to apply high-quality primer and powder coat paint.

7. Reattach the screens or remove the tape and clean off the glass.

8. Offer a 3- to 5-year warranty on the work.

Other Pool Cage Repairs & Maintenance

There are many causes of pool screen enclosure damage, which can lead to costly repairs.

• Damage from Animals – Squirrels can gnaw through the mesh screen or wood fascia. Birds can cause corrosion with their waste.

• Severe Weather – Hurricanes, thunderstorms, hail, snow, and tornados can damage the entire structure and cause dents, holes, and broken doors. Extreme temperatures and sun damage degrade the enclosure over time, causing warping, dry rot, and faded paint.

• Mold – Mold, mildew, algae, and fungi growth on casing and fixtures causes the fasteners, screening, framing, and wood fascia to corrode.

• Handling rainfall – Having no pool cage gutters or water overflowing over the gutter causes the fascia and soffit boards to stay wet, creating wood rot, warping, and insect infestation.

• Everyday Use – People and pets damage a pool screen enclosure through splashing water and accidental corrosion.

Pool Screen Maintenance

The best way to prevent costly repairs is proper construction with ongoing maintenance.

• Clean dirt, leaves, pollen, mold, or mildew buildup with a pool brush or leaf blower, and scrub with water and soap or a bleach, vinegar, or baking soda solution annually.

  • Professional pressure washing costs $100 to $250 and uses a diluted bleach-solution to loosen the dirt and kill the mold, mildew, and algae before washing it all away.

• Use screen repair kits to fix small tears and replace screen panels with large holes as soon as they appear.

• Replace rusty screws, bolts, or anchors as they appear with coated steel fasteners to avoid them reacting with the aluminum. Some fasteners lose up to 75% of their strength in the first 12 months. Remember to lubricate all hardware.

• Install a pool cage gutter to direct water flow around the structure, which increases longevity.

• Remove any peeling paint, sand off any rust, and do paint touch-ups.

• Check the spline (rubber) to make sure it isn’t coming loose or deteriorating.

• Check safety/hurricane bracing cables before and after each storm to make sure they're functioning correctly. Building codes require the screen to have a tie-down cable with a bracket.

• Make sure all furniture, planters, and pool accessories are secured or stored safely before a storm to prevent wind damage.

Cost To Remove A Pool Enclosure

The average cost to remove a pool enclosure is $1.00 to $2.50 per square foot, or $800 to $2,000, including cleanup and dump fees. Prices increase if the aluminum or steel is hurricane-rated, and if the support column fasteners need to be drilled out and holes filled.

Pool Screen Upgrades

When repairing or rescreening a pool enclosure, additional upgrades to improve your enjoyment of your pool include:

• Safety Measures – Extra bracing or tie-down cables for gates, covers, screens, or doors protect the pool during severe weather.

• Childproofing – Childproof safety locks cost $10 to $50 and self-closing hinges run $7 to $30 to improve the safety and security of the pool.

• Stronger Screen – Screens such as No-Seem-Ums (20/20) or TuffScreen (18/14) have smaller, stronger mesh that protects against UV rays and virtually all insects. Upgrading costs $1,000 to $1,500 more and comes with a 10-year warranty.

• Solar / Privacy Screens – These screens cost $0.75 to $1.28 per square foot and help maintain an even temperature in your pool while providing privacy.

• Painting – Painting the cage framing costs $1.50 to $2.50 per square foot and ensures the longevity of the enclosure.

• Doors & Gates – Consider adding doors or gates or upgrading hardware when rescreening a pool enclosure.

• Kickplates – Kickplates cost $5 to $20 per linear foot and are 8 to 16 inches tall to keep dirt and rain debris out, or to prevent damage from pets, furniture, or yard work. A kickplate is a durable piece of aluminum attached to the bottom of the enclosure.

Pool Screen Repair FAQs

How Much Does Patio Screen Repair Cost?

Patio screen repair costs $1 to $3 per square foot for materials and labor or $25 to $50 per panel for smaller jobs. Some contractors have a minimum call-out fee of $100 to $200.

How Much To Rescreen A Porch or Patio?

The average cost to rescreen a porch or patio is $2 to $4 per square foot or $400 to $1,500, depending on the size and materials. Professionals check the anchors and other components and can rescreen a porch in 2 to 4 hours if no additional framing is required.

How Long Do Pool Enclosures Last?

A pool enclosure lasts 10 to 20 years when properly maintained. High-end pool enclosures have warranties coving the frame, roof panels, and labor. Using high-quality screens and removing trees around the enclosure ensures it lasts the longest.

Are Pool Screen Enclosures Covered By Insurance?

Pool screen enclosures are not covered by default in home insurance policies, but can be added.

• You can typically buy coverage in $10,000 increments up to $50,000.

• Some insurance companies cover the entire screen enclosure but most only provide coverage for the framing, not the screening.

What Is the Average Cost of a Pool Enclosure?

A new pool enclosure costs $4,000 and $14,000 or $5 to $15 per square foot on average if your pool cage is beyond repair. Prices depend on the size of the pool, materials, and local labor costs.

DIY Pool Screen Repair Kit

DIY pool screen repair kits cost $10 to $50 or $0.30 to $0.80 per square foot. Repair kits can fix circular punctures, long tears, or rescreen a pool cage frame. Repairing wall panels is a straightforward DIY project. Fixing roof panels requires a professional.

Hiring A Pool Screen Repair Contractor

Repairing or replacing a pool enclosure is dangerous, and involves climbing ladders, working high above concrete, and maneuvering around obstacles. Hire a licensed contractor to ensure a safe and solid repair.

Before hiring a contractor to repair or replace your pool screen, be sure to:

• Get at least three detailed estimates to compare.

• Ask for recommendations from family, friends, and neighbors.

• Read reviews and check out their previous work on HomeGuide and Google.

• Select companies that are insured, bonded, and have been in business for 5+ years.

• Ask for references for pool screens they have installed or repaired.

• Look for providers with APSP CBP (Association of Pool & Spa Building Professionals) and CMS (Certified Maintenance Specialist) certifications.

• Get a detailed contract and warranty in writing before the work begins.

• Avoid making large payments up front. Never pay in full or in cash. Come up with a payment schedule for work completed instead.

Questions To Ask

• How long have you been in business?

• What experience do you have repairing pool screens?

• Should my screen be repaired or replaced? Why?

• Can you provide references with contact information?

• Do you offer a warranty of your work?

• How long will the repair take?

• Do I need to be home when you're completing the repair?