Making sure that your screen doors and windows are always in top shape should certainly be a priority, as they are a barrier to mosquitoes, flies, and other pests. Even the smallest tear or rip can quickly become a major repair.
What you will need:
Household cement
Screen repair kit
Screening material
Utility Knife
Tape Measure
Needle nosed pliers
There are two types of screen categories: Metal and Plastic/Fiberglass
Metal screens are usually made of steel and while rustproof can begin to corrode after several years of exposure to the harsh elements. Fiberglass screens do not corrode, however they do tend to sag after several years and just does not offer the same endurance as the metal screens.
Step 1: Place your screen on a flat surface and clean it thoroughly with water or a mild household cleaning product.
Step 2: If you are simply repairing a small hole in the screen, this can easily be done by using a small amount of clear household cement and letting it dry. If you are repairing a small hole in a fiberglass screen you can simply use a needle and black thread and literally sew up the hole carefully.
Step 3: If you are repairing damage that is less than 3 inches in diameter on a metal screen, you can simply patch up the hole by purchasing an inexpensive screen repair kit. You can also cut out a patch of screening material by measuring the length and width of the damaged area and creating a patch that is ½ inch larger. Unravel the edges of the cut out patch and bend the edge at a 90degree angle, align the patch over the damaged area, interweave the loose strands of the patch edges directly onto the screen to give it a uniform look.
Unfortunately, this method cannot be applied to fiberglass screens as experts recommend replacing the portion of the screen in this situation.
If you are confronted by a large tear in a metal or fiberglass screen, this will necessitate replacing the entire screen.
