Screen patch kits are available at hardware stores and home centers. They’re inexpensive and easy to install (the process takes less than a minute). You can also use any of the following methods to repair small holes in window screens, depending upon the type of screen material:
Apply a small amount of clear nail polish to a small hole or tear in a vinyl or fiberglass screen. The polish acts as an adhesive, sealing the damaged area.
Mend small tears in metal or fiberglass screens with a dab of clear silicone adhesive. If necessary, dab it on in successive layers until the tear is completely filled.
You can darn small holes in metal screening. Simply unravel a strand or two from a piece of scrap screening and sew the hole shut, weaving the strands through the sound fabric with a needle.
Large holes in metal screen material take a little more effort. Follow these steps:
Neatly trim the damaged area to a ravel-free square or rectangle using tin snips (metal shears).
Cut a piece of patch screen material that measures about 1 inch larger (in both directions) than the damaged area.
Unravel a couple of strands of material around the entire perimeter of the patch; then bend the unraveled ends at each side of the patch at 90 degrees.
Place the patch over the damaged area and carefully thread the bent wires through the sound fabric; then bend the wires flat again to hold the patch in place.
For large holes in fiberglass screening, simply cut a patch of similar material and affix it to the good material using transparent silicone glue.
