How to Fix a Screen

In the summertime, we like to keep the doors open to allow the warm breezes in but the screens still locked to keep the bugs out. Of course, a screen is only effective as long as it's in one piece - and if you have a screen that's patchy or has one glaring hole, it's time to either repair it or replace it. This article will help you understand which option you may need to pursue.

Repairing a Patchy Screen

Believe it or not, repairing a screen isn't a highly complicated affair, involving the stitching of small metal wiring. Actually, you can purchase screen patches that clip on to the rest of your screen at hardware stores and online - but keep in mind that these patches will only fill smaller holes, typically up to three inches in diameter. When you purchase one of these screens patches, you'll need to know how large the hole you're repairing is, and then buy about a half an inch more than that. Make sure to measure the hole you're repairing before you make your purchase.

The patch of screen you're buying will typically have long ends that you can intertwine with the rest of the screen to make it as unnoticeable as possible. Keep in mind that if you have smaller holes in your screening, then you'll be able to use smaller repairs, such as household cementer or even glue.

Replacing a Patchy Screen

Of course, there's a tremendous difference between a screen that has a few tiny holes in it and a screen with one gaping monstrosity of a hole: how you repair it. In the case of these large holes, you're better off simply purchasing a new screen to replace the old one. Install it yourself to save money, and it won't necessarily be a big expense.

To get a good idea of how your screen works, pay attention to how the old screen was put in place. This will help a lot if you're not familiar with household construction at all, as it will give you some context regarding screen installation. Once you've made a couple of notes, prepare the frame for installation and cut down your screen to the right size. Never try to cut a screen to exactly the right size - you're better off overestimating so that any mistakes can be easily corrected with new cuts.

Those are the two most effective ways of fixing your household screen. How much repair does your screen need? Only you can say.

Photo Credits: General Wesc

Originally posted 2009-08-12 03:34:42.

This post involves:

bugs, diameter, doors, glue, hardware stores, household, money, patchy, screens, summertime, these patches, tiny holes, unnoticeable, warm breezes

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doors, Handyman, How to Fix, windows

Posted by Fix Handyman on January 2, 2012 in doors, Handyman, How to Fix, windows. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.