How to Repair a Plastic Screen

A window or door screen can easily get damaged, especially if you have pets or children in the house that are constantly running into it. Although you can give it to a professional to repair, in reality, it is quite easy to repair or replace it yourself. Even the tools necessary to complete such a task can likely be found in our homes. Repairing a plastic screen may not require special professional skills, but basic craft knowledge or some experience with the material is beneficial.

Check Overall Damage Caused

The first step to take is to check the extent of the damage and decide which parts need salvaging and which need to be replaced with new material. Remember that plastic screen material does not cost much. Therefore, do not be reluctant to replace unusable areas with new parts.

Measure the Holes

If there is a hole larger than three inches in diameter, you should replace the whole screen, otherwise, it won’t hold properly by patching it.

Ready-Made Patches or Make Your Own

Once you have measured the holes, you can buy some ready-made patches. If you don’t want to purchase ready-made patches, all you have to do it to cut some patches from a similar or new plastic screen. Make sure to cut each patch at least ½ inch larger in diameter than the original hole, or to a maximum of one inch larger in diameter than the hole.

Attach the New Patches

Try to unravel the strands near the hole and then weave the strands and twist them tightly. Normally, this can be done with your fingers, but alternatively, you can use a pair of long-nose pliers. Remember that since we are repairing a plastic screen, after the weaving, place a touch of cement (household not heavy-duty cement) and put it at the ends of the strands so that it will remain secure. Don’t worry about the look of the household cement, which, at this point, will look more like glue than cement, because when it dries it will become invisible.

Inspect

After the cement has dried, inspect the repaired area and make sure that it has been mended properly. In the case that it needs more attention, repeat the same process mentioned above. Once ready, all you have to do is to attach it to its proper place.

As you can see, it’s not so difficult to repair a plastic door or window screen. The important thing is to work patiently to avoid causing more damage than what is already present.