3 Step Guide For Repairing A Small Tear In Your Window's Screen
If you a have a small tear in one of your window's screens, you may want to repair it so that insects do not invade your home through the tiny space while your windows are open. If so, use the following three-step guide for repairing a small tear in your screen.
Step 1: Trim the Edges
The first step in repairing the tear in your screen is to trim away the frayed edges to even them out. Not only does evening them out prevent snagging, but it also creates a smoother patch when you are finished.
Use a small pair of sharp scissors to snip off any edges sticking out. As you cut, be careful not to push down on the screen, as the pressure may increase the size of the tear. Once you have trimmed away the frayed edges, go on to the next step.
Step 2: Sew up the Tear with Fishing Line
After trimming the edges clean, you will be sewing up the tear using a needle and fishing line. Use a low test weight that is flexible enough to allow you to easily work with the line.
After threading the needle with the fishing line, bring the two ends of the line together to create a small knot. This will double the thickness of your line and will increase the strength of your patch.
Starting at the top, thread the line through each hole on either side of the rip. When you are finished, cut the line, and tie the loose ends together. Then, go on to the next step.
Step 3: Apply Clear Nail Polish
Over time, the fishing line may come unraveled. To keep this from happening, you will be applying clear nail polish to the patch in this step. The polish will bind the line to the screen, as well as secure the knots.
Apply a thin coat of the polish to the patch on both sides of the screen, including the immediate area around the fishing line. Let it dry for about an hour, then apply a second coat to increase its strength.
Using the above guide will allow you to repair small tears in your home's screen windows. However, if you have any large rips or holes, contact a professional service that specializes in residential screen repair to have them inspect the damage and offer suggestions for seamlessly repairing or repairing the screens.