Pool Screen Repair or Full Rescreen? How to Decide
When fixing a few panels is the smart move, when a full rescreen saves money, and what each costs in Orlando. We’ll tell you the same thing on the phone, even when the answer is the cheaper one.
Updated · Prices current for Greater Orlando
- Panels from $50
- Full rescreen from $1.50 / sq ft
- 5-year warranty
Short answer
- Repair when only a few panels are torn or loose and the rest of the screen is still flexible and dark.
- Rescreen when many panels are brittle, faded or sagging, because you will keep paying for new tears one visit at a time.
- Quick test: press gently on an undamaged panel. If it feels stiff, crackles or tears easily, the screen is near the end of its life.
- Not sure? Text a photo to (407) 906-0649 and we’ll tell you which makes sense.
Side by side
Panel repair
from $50 / panel
- 1 to 10 damaged panels, rest of the screen in good shape
- Usually done in one visit
- $160 minimum visit covers up to 2 standard panels
Full rescreen
$1.50 / sq ft
- Old, chalky or brittle screen tearing in many places
- Usually 1 to 2 days
- New spline everywhere, free door hardware, fresh 5-year warranty
When a repair is the right call
If one or a few panels are torn or loose, replacing just those panels is usually the most practical option. Common reasons:
- A branch, a ball or a pet tore one or two panels
- A panel popped out of its channel in the wind
- The bottom panels took hits from a mower or trimmer
- The rest of the screen is still dark, flexible and tight
Bottom panels start at $50, side panels at $65 and roof panels at $80. Every visit has a $160 minimum that usually covers up to 2 standard panels, and you get 5% off when we replace 10 or more panels. See pool cage repair for frame, cable and door repairs.
When a full rescreen saves money
Standard fiberglass screen commonly lasts about 10 to 15 years in Central Florida. Strong sun, pets, storms and landscaping can shorten that. Once most of the screen is old, patching one panel at a time stops making sense:
- Several panels are torn, missing or already patched
- The screen looks faded, dirty or chalky across the whole cage
- The spline is shrinking and popping out of the frame
- Old screen tears or blows out of the channel in every storm
A full rescreen replaces every panel and every piece of spline, so the whole cage looks the same and you start over with a 5-year warranty. With a full pool cage rescreen we also replace the screen door closer, latch and handle at no extra charge. More on our pool cage rescreening page.
The press test
Press gently on a panel that isn’t torn
If the mesh feels soft and springs back, the screen still has life in it and a repair is usually enough. If it feels stiff, crackles or tears easily, the screen is near the end of its life and a rescreen usually saves money over the next few years.
We will tell you honestly which option makes sense, and we never push a full rescreen when a repair will do. As one of our Google reviews puts it: “Andrew took the time to clearly explain what work was truly needed, and just as importantly, what wasn’t.”
What each option costs
| Service | Price (2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum visit | $160 | Usually covers up to 2 standard panels |
| Bottom panel | from $50 | Lower panels along the base |
| Side panel | from $65 | Standard wall panels |
| Roof panel | from $80 | Panels on the roof of the cage |
| 10+ panels | 5% off | On the panel replacement project |
| Full rescreen, 1-story | $1.50 / sq ft | Standard Phifer 18×14 screen |
| Full rescreen, 2-story | $2.00 / sq ft | Extra access equipment and labor |
Labor, materials, taxes and cleanup are included. A common 1-story cage with about 1,900 sq ft of screen comes to about $2,850 for a full rescreen. See the full Orlando pool screen price guide for more examples.
Repair or rescreen questions
Should I repair a few panels or rescreen the whole pool cage?
Repair individual panels when only a few are torn or loose and the rest of the screen is still flexible and dark. Rescreen the whole cage when many panels are brittle, faded or sagging.
How much does it cost to replace one pool screen panel?
From $50 for a bottom panel, $65 for a side panel and $80 for a roof panel. Every visit has a $160 minimum that usually covers up to 2 standard panels.
How long do pool screens last in Florida?
Standard fiberglass screen commonly lasts about 10 to 15 years in Central Florida. Direct sun, pets, storms and nearby trees can shorten that.
Will new panels match my old screen?
New screen is darker than old, sun-faded screen, so a few new panels will stand out at first. If that bothers you and the rest of the screen is old, a full rescreen gives the cage one even look.
How long does each option take?
Most panel repairs are done in a single visit. A full rescreen usually takes 1 to 2 days, depending on size, height, access and weather.
How fast can I get a price?
Text photos to (407) 906-0649 or use the quote form. Most quotes go out within about 30 minutes during business hours.
Related pages
- Pool cage repair
- Pool cage rescreening
- TuffScreen vs Regular vs No-See-Um
- Lanai screen repair
- Pool screen repair guide
Send a photo, get a straight answer
One wide shot of the cage and a close-up of the damage. I’ll tell you whether a repair is enough and send an exact price, usually in about 30 minutes.
Last updated October 30, 2026. Prices apply to standard residential projects in Greater Orlando and may change; your written quote is final.