How to Repair a Screen in a Patio
Patio screens are vulnerable to all sorts of damage. When damage happens, repairs are needed quickly. Kids playing baseball, pets attempting to claw their way to freedom or simply the age of the screen can all result in a need for attention. Since screens play a primary role in keeping the bugs out of your living space, it is important to catch the damage early.
Screens are made of two types of materials, fiberglass mesh and aluminum. Removing and repairing either type in your patio screen is not a difficult job. It can easily be accomplished by the do-it-yourself homeowner.
When getting started, before purchasing your supplies, it is essential you determine the type of screening material used in your patio screens. This will play a role in the type of repair kit you will purchase.
Supplies
- Screen patch kit (Fiberglass or Aluminum)
- Sharp Scissors or utility knife
- Contact Cement
- Yard stick as a straight edge
- Pliers
Fiberglass Patio Screens
- Prepare the hole in your patio screen, by trimming it into either a square or rectangular shape. This will make the appearance of your patch cleaner.
- Use your yard stick as a straight edge guide and trim with your scissors. Try to trim the hole as small as possible, to keep from doing any more damage to the screen. It must be smaller than the repair patch contained in your kit. The patch should have at least 1 inch around the entire perimeter of the hole you just trimmed.
- Remove the fiberglass screen patch from your kit. Gently pull the protective adhesive covering from the back of the screen patch.
- Align the patch over the trimmed out hole area. If there is more area than 1 inch around the perimeter, it will simply allow the patch to have more adhesion area.
- Place the patch on the screen. It can be either on the interior or exterior. Press firmly to secure.
- Use your contact cement applicator to add additional adhesive to around each of the edges. This will provide reinforcement and make the newly attached piece stick better to the existing screen.
Aluminum Patio Screens
- Use your utility knife to cut a rectangle or square around the damaged portion of your patio screen. Do not forget to use your straight edge, as this will give you a cleaner cut. Make sure the hole is smaller than the aluminum patch contained in your kit.
- Take the aluminum patch out of the repair kit.
- Lay it on the exterior of the patio screen, over the trimmed hole.
- Insert the small wire hooks on the replacement patch into the existing screen. Slide each hook through the screen around the patch's perimeter.
- Bend the hooks flat with the existing screen with your pliers. This will secure the patch to the existing screen. It is essential that all hooks be securely bent and are flat, as these are the chief mechanisms for holding the patch in place.