Short answer
For a hole smaller than a coin, stick on a screen patch from the hardware store. For a bigger tear, take the screen out, pry out the rubber spline with a small screwdriver and pull off the old mesh. Lay new mesh over the frame, press the spline back into its groove with a spline roller, and trim the extra with a utility knife.
Safety first
Take screens out from inside the house when you can. On an upper floor, never lean out to reach one, and never set a ladder on soft or uneven ground. A screen keeps bugs out but will not stop a child from falling: keep furniture away from windows.
How to fix a torn window screen
1A tear lets the bugs in
Pets, kids and old mesh all tear screens. A small hole can be patched. A long tear or a baggy screen needs new mesh.
Read all the steps
- A tear lets the bugs in. Pets, kids and old mesh all tear screens. A small hole can be patched. A long tear or a baggy screen needs new mesh.
- Small hole? Stick on a patch. Screen patch kits are small squares of mesh with sticky edges. Press one over the hole and smooth it flat.
- Big tear: pull the spline and old mesh. Take the screen out and lay it flat. Pry up the end of the rubber spline with a small screwdriver, pull it out and lift off the old mesh.
- New mesh, then roll the spline in. Lay new mesh over the frame with a couple of inches extra. Use the spline roller to press the mesh and the spline into the groove, one side at a time.
- Trim the extra and put it back. Cut the leftover mesh along the outside of the spline with a utility knife. Snap the screen back into the window.
- Still not fixed? Call a handyman Especially if: the frame is bent, cracked or missing a corner.
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Buy the right spline and mesh
Take a short piece of the old spline to the store. It comes in several thicknesses, and the wrong one falls out or will not go in. Fiberglass mesh is the easiest to work with. With dogs or cats, pet-resistant mesh is much tougher. Buy mesh a few inches bigger than the frame on every side.
What not to do
- Do not stretch the mesh too tight. It bows the frame and the screen will not fit back in.
- Do not trim the extra mesh until the spline is all the way in.
- Do not tape over a tear. Tape lets go in the sun and bugs find the gap.
If the frame is bent
A bent or cracked frame will not hold the spline. Hardware stores sell frame kits you cut to size, and many will rescreen it for you if you bring it in. For several windows, a handyman can do them all in one visit.
When to call a handyman
- The frame is bent, cracked or missing a corner.
- The screen is on an upper floor and only comes out from the outside.
- Several screens need new mesh at once.
- The window itself will not open, close or lock.
Frequently asked questions
Can you patch a window screen?
Yes, for small holes. A self-adhesive screen patch covers holes up to about the size of a coin. A tiny hole in fiberglass mesh can also take a dab of clear glue. Long tears need new mesh.
How do you replace window screen mesh?
Pull out the rubber spline, remove the old mesh, lay new mesh over the frame and roll the spline back into its groove with a spline roller. Trim the extra with a utility knife.
What size spline do I need?
The same thickness as the old one. Measure it or take a piece to the store. With thicker mesh, like pet-resistant mesh, you may need the next size down.
Is fiberglass or aluminum screen better?
Fiberglass does not dent and is easier to install. Aluminum is stiffer and holds up longer in strong sun, but it creases if you push on it. Pet-resistant mesh is the toughest.
How do I get a screen out of the window?
Most have small tabs or spring clips on one side. Pull the tabs, or push the screen toward the springs, then tilt it out. Do it from inside the house whenever you can.