A well screen assembly includes an elongate base pipe, a shroud layer about the base pipe, and a mesh layer between the shroud layer and the base pipe. A portion of the mesh layer overlaps another portion of the mesh layer to form an area of overlap. A spine is positioned proximate substantially an entire length of the area of overlap, and transmits a force from the shroud layer to the mesh layer that compresses and seals the area of overlap against passage of particulate.