How to Repair a Tear in a Window Screen

Repair your window screen with these innovative hacks and tricks

Co-authored by Michael Fox

Last Updated: May 30, 2024 Fact Checked

There's no need to replace your window screen the first time you notice a tear. Mend your window with adhesive, a needle and thread, or a window screen patch to keep bugs out. Fix your window as soon as you notice a tear to prevent it from getting larger. Once your window is fixed, watch for signs of new wear and tear to catch holes before they begin.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using Adhesive on Small Holes

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1
Purchase clear nail polish from a local store. After drying, nail polish works as a strong adhesive for small holes. Use nail polish on minor repairs if your tear isn't significantly gaping. Choose clear polish to make the adhesive as unnoticeable as possible.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Michael Fox
Window Repair Specialist

Expert Interview. 1 December 2020.}
- If your screen is tinted, you can use a darker polish (like gray or black).
2
Brush the nail polish directly over the tear. Place a small amount of polish over both ends of the tear to glue it together.^{[2]
X
Expert Source

Michael Fox
Window Repair Specialist

Expert Interview. 1 December 2020.} Apply enough to coat the tear without dripping polish onto anything else. Apply the polish on both sides of the area to increase the adhesive's durability.^{[3]
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Research source}
- If you're worried about accidental drips, place a cloth or paper towel over the area in which you're repairing the screen.
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3
Wait for the nail polish to dry. Your polish may look dry after several minutes, but it can take up to a day to dry completely. If you don't have time to let the polish dry for multiple hours, use a hair dryer on the cool setting to quicken the process. Place the blow dryer about 6 inches (15 cm) away from the screen and blast it for about one minute.^{[4]
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- Clean your window screen with cold water to quicken the drying process. Do not clean your repaired window with hot water, as it can loosen nail polish.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Darning Your Window Screen

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Sewing the screen shut is an option if the hole is too large to use adhesive. In some cases, you will not be able to sew the screen together without stitching a piece of scrap screening over the damaged area. To prep the screen for darning, unravel a few strands from the perimeter of the screen to use as your thread.^{[5]
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2
Line up the window screen seams as neatly as possible. Match the two ends of the screen as evenly as you can. If you cannot line up the two ends without leaving a noticeable hole in the middle, you may need to sew a piece of scrap screening over the hole.
- If you have any old or broken window screens, cut out a rectangle that is approximately the size of the hole. Patch screen material can work if no scrap screening is available.^{[6]
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3
Weave the strands through the screen with a needle. Once the torn edges are lined up, use a needle to weave the thread through the screen strands. If you don't have strands of screen material available, use a strong, long lasting thread (like heavy-duty or polyester thread). Make the stitches as small and identical as possible, and continue sewing until the hole is closed.
- Sew the torn edges together first and then, if the hole is still noticeable, place the patch over top and sew around its perimeter.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Patching Holes

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Using a straightedge or sharp knife, cut a clean hole around the screen tear. Make this new hole as small as possible to keep it manageable. Leave at least ¹⁄₂–1 inch (1.3–2.5 cm) of screen between the hole and the window frame.
The new patch should be slightly larger than the rectangular hole.^{[7]
X
Expert Source

Michael Fox
Window Repair Specialist

Expert Interview. 1 December 2020.} Measure the patch before you cut to make certain it is at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) larger than the damaged area.
Slack ends around the opening will make it more receptive and adhered to the new patch. Make sure the entire perimeter of the patch is loosened as well. Bend each unraveled end on the sides of the patch at a 90 degree angle.^{[8]
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4
Feed the bent patch ends through the screen. Work the patch ends through the weaving surrounding the opening in the screen. Then, bend the wires of the patch flat on the other side of the screen to hold the patch in place. Finally, adhere the patch to the screen with clear, waterproof silicone glue.
- If you don't want to weave the tear together, just glue it onto the existing screen.^{[9]
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  Expert Source
  
  Michael Fox
  Window Repair Specialist
  
  Expert Interview. 1 December 2020.}
- Wipe away glue drips with a microfiber cloth before they harden to keep the repair smooth.
- Clear nail polish will work as an adhesive, as well.^{[10]
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  Expert Source
  
  Michael Fox
  Window Repair Specialist
  
  Expert Interview. 1 December 2020.}
- Alternatively, purchase adhesive-backed patches to securely press over the damaged area without glue.

Expert Q&A

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Question

How do you fix a screen with a small rip?

Michael Fox
Window Repair Specialist
Michael Fox is a Window Repair Specialist and the President at Window Repair Systems and WindowHardwareDirect.com, based in Westminster, South Carolina. With over 25 years of experience, Michael specializes in commercial window repair and service. He holds a business degree from Monroe Community College and SUNY Brockport. Michael has helped Window Repair Systems and WindowHardwareDirect.com become an industry leader in commercial window repair and hardware distribution, servicing schools and businesses and training large public school systems.

Michael Fox

Window Repair Specialist

Expert Answer

If it's small enough, you can use clear nail polish to glue the edges of the hold together. Usually, you won't even be able to see that there was a hole.

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How do you fix a slashed screen?

Michael Fox
Window Repair Specialist
Michael Fox is a Window Repair Specialist and the President at Window Repair Systems and WindowHardwareDirect.com, based in Westminster, South Carolina. With over 25 years of experience, Michael specializes in commercial window repair and service. He holds a business degree from Monroe Community College and SUNY Brockport. Michael has helped Window Repair Systems and WindowHardwareDirect.com become an industry leader in commercial window repair and hardware distribution, servicing schools and businesses and training large public school systems.

Michael Fox

Window Repair Specialist

Expert Answer

If there's a larger hole in a window screen, cut a piece of screen and put it over the hole. Then, use clear nail polish or another clear glue to attach it. It's also fairly easy to just buy a roll of screen mesh and rescreen the window yourself.

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Tips

Screen repairs will keep out bugs but are generally visible. If you live in a rental house, these methods might not satisfy landlord requirements. You may need to replace the screen altogether.

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If you replace the screen, keep the old one for use as scrap screening later on.

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Generally, aluminum screens are stronger than nylon. If you do need to replace your screen, buy an aluminum screens for a tear-resistant material.

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