Repair a Torn Fiberglass Screen

Fix holes in screen windows or doors with patches and glue.
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Repair a Torn Fiberglass Screen

We'll show you a DIY fix for a torn window screen. It's fast, inexpensive and easy to do yourself. So stop dealing with the insects that are getting into your house and patch that screen!

By the DIY experts of The Family Handyman Magazine

Repair a Torn Fiberglass Screen

We'll show you a DIY fix for a torn window screen. It's fast, inexpensive and easy to do yourself. So stop dealing with the insects that are getting into your house and patch that screen!

By the DIY experts of The Family Handyman Magazine

How to fix a torn screen

If you're fed up with the mosquitoes buzzing around your head and keeping you awake all night, how about fixing the screen? Patches will be visible and can look a bit tacky, so if the tear is large or the screen is in a highly visible area, replace the entire screen. Otherwise, take 20 minutes and just patch the hole.

If your screen is fiberglass (it'll feel like fabric), buy 1/2 ft. of new fiberglass screening off the roll at the hardware store or home center or ask for a few small cutoffs. Also pick up either a rubber-based glue or Super Glue Gel. Then follow Photos 1 and 2. The key to a nice-looking repair is holding the straightedge tightly against the workbench so you can make a clean cutout (Photo 1).

If you've got an aluminum screen with a small hole, buy a patch kit at the hardware store or home center. It will contain several precut 1-1/2-in. patches with preformed hooks that fasten directly to the screen

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Required Tools for this Project

Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration.

    • Speed square
    • Utility knife

You'll also need a pair of scissors.

Required Materials for this Project

Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time. Here's a list.

If you have an aluminum screen, buy a patch kit. For a fiberglass screen, buy 6 in. of new screen and rubber-based glue or Super Glue Gel.

Shopping List

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Comments from DIY Community Members

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Seronac

September 16, 9:14 PM [GMT -5]

Glue is quick and easy, but may come loose over time. Another solution is to use monofilament fishing line or heavy polyester thread to sew the patch onto the screen.

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