Why Your Window Screens Keep Falling Out (And What to Do About It)
If your window screen won’t stay in place, keeps popping out, or rattles every time the wind blows, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common screen issues we see across Buffalo and Western New York homes.
The good news? It’s usually an easy fix once you know what’s causing it and is one of our most frequently asked questions.
Below, we’ll break down why window screens fall out, when a repair makes sense, and how to stop it from happening again.
The Most Common Reasons Window Screens Pop Out
1. Bent or Warped Screen Frames
Even a slight bend in an aluminum frame can prevent the screen from seating properly in the window channel. This often happens from:
Storm damage
Improper storage
Screens being forced in or removed incorrectly
Once the frame is bent, it won’t sit flush—and gravity does the rest.
2. Broken or Missing Tension Springs
Those small metal springs on the side of your screen do a lot of work. When they’re:
Broken
Rusted
Missing
…the screen has nothing holding it securely in place.
This is one of the most common reasons screens suddenly start falling out.
3. Improper Screen Size
If a screen was never sized correctly—or was replaced with a “close enough” option—it may fit most of the time, but not securely.
Temperature changes in Western New York can make this worse as materials expand and contract.
4. Warped Window Frames
Older homes especially can have window frames that shift slightly over time. Even if your screen is in good shape, a warped window opening can prevent a snug fit.
5. Old or Stretched Screen Mesh
Over time, mesh can loosen and pull unevenly across the frame. That added tension can slowly twist the frame out of square, making it more likely to pop out.
Why DIY Fixes Usually Don’t Last
Tape, glue, or forcing the screen back into place might work for a week or two—but they don’t address the root issue.
In many cases, DIY fixes actually:
Bend the frame further
Damage the window track
Turn a small repair into a full replacement
Repair vs. Replacement: What Makes Sense?
Repair is usually the right call if:
The frame is mostly intact
Only springs or corners are damaged
The screen is the correct size
Replacement may be better if:
The frame is badly bent
Multiple corners are broken
The screen was never sized properly
We’ll always recommend the most cost-effective option, no upselling.
How Buffalo Clean & Clear Fixes Loose Screens
We make screen repairs easy for Buffalo-area homeowners:
✅ Replacement tension springs & corners
✅ Frame straightening when possible
✅ Custom-built screens if needed
✅ Pickup & drop-off options available
Most repairs are fast, affordable, and don’t require replacing the entire screen.
Serving Buffalo & Western New York
We repair and replace window screens for homes in Buffalo, West Seneca, Orchard Park, Elma, East Aurora, Cheektowaga, Depew, Lancaster, and nearby areas.
Whether it’s one worn screen or a full home refresh, we make it easy.
Stop Wrestling With Your Window Screens!
If your screens keep falling out, rattling, or refusing to stay put, we can help. Contact us today!
Call or text Buffalo Clean & Clear at 716-800-1281
Request a free estimate from Buffalo Clean & Clear
