How to Patch Up Tears in a Screen Door

Screen doors are constantly developing holes or rips in them. Replacing the entire screen is an option but really not necessary if it is a small tear. It is a much easier task to patch a hole if possible. Some people replace the entire screen because they think a patch will be noticeable and an eyesore but if it is done correctly you probably won’t even notice it.

Step One: Assess the Damage

Check the screen to see exactly what the damage is. In general, if a hole or tear is smaller than a few inches then it can be patched. If it is larger than that you will need to remove the entire screen and replace it. This becomes a bigger project but can still be handled easily and only takes a few extra tools.

Step Two: Shopping

There are two different ways you can choose to patch a screen door. Some home improvement stores sell small patches that simply snap together from both sides and around the existing screen to cover the hole. A second option that the home improvement store probably carries are self adhesive patches. Some of these are simple peel and stick and only take a matter of minutes to apply. Otherwise, the other option is to simply purchase screening and then later cut it into the size you need and apply it with clear epoxy or household cement. The only other item you will need if you go this route is some shears to cut the screening and a screwdriver or something to help bend the wiring.

Step Three: Getting Started

Flatten out any wiring around the hole using the screwdriver to make patching it easier and try to line back up any wiring that is out of place. You can remove the door to lay it down flat to make this project a little easier or attempt to do it while the screen door is in place. Unravel a few of the strands around the edge of the patch so that you have a couple of strands undone.

Step Four: Cut and Glue

If you have decided to purchase the snap on or self stick patches then all you need to do is place it over the hole and press down or snap both sides together over the hole. If you are doing this the old fashioned way then you will need to measure the hole and cut your screening to fit over it. You will usually want the patch to be about a 1/2 inch in diameter wider than the hole. Lay the patch underneath the hole and then take the strands that you unraveled on the patch and weave them through the screening around the hole and then bend them back tight. If you can not seem to get the wires to bend tight enough you can use some pliers to bend them down flat. Now simply apply some clear glue or household cement around the edges of the patch to hold these wires into place where they are attached to the screen.