If you have a nice patio, a screen door will likely be your best helper in allowing you to enjoy the fresh air while keeping airborne pests at bay. Technically, you will have to do little except to make sure the track and the rollers of your sliding door are kept clean. But what do you do when somebody accidentally causes a tear on the screen? There’s good news: it is actually very easy to replace a damaged screen, and you will not have trouble finding the things you need, as a trip to the local hardware store should do the trick.


Step 1. Check the size of the hole. If it is only about ¼ of an inch to 3/8 of an inch, you can usually just patch it up using a tiny amount of household cement. For larger holes, of up to 3 inches in diameter, you can use a screen patch: measure the screen to be about ½ to 1 inch larger in diameter compared to the hole. You can start by unraveling a few strands from the edges of the screen piece you are using as a patch, and then weaving the strands through the existing screen and bending them tight. However, if you screen is made of plastic or fiberglass, they are generally difficult to patch and would be better off replaced altogether.

Step 2. If the hole is larger than 3 inches in diameter, you would be better off replacing the entire screen. Before you head to the hardware store, try to slide your screen door back and forth to check for any other broken part. If the door seems to stick, vacuum the track to get rid of all dirt and try it another time. If it still refuses to slide easily, you might have to buy new rollers. Remove the sliding door from the frame by lifting it up and pulling its bottom edge off the track. It is best to bring the original roller so you can be sure you get the right match at the store.

Step 3. Measure the size of your door, and buy screen that is 2 inches larger on all sides. Also, if your existing spline is already brittle, buy some new ones: this is the rubber tubing that keeps the screen locked in place with a groove around the frame. This piece comes in many sizes, with the difference in diameter as small as 1/64th of an inch. As such, it is crucial to bring some sample so that you get the exact size you need. You will also need to buy a tool for installing the spline: it looks like a pizza cutter with a roller on each end.

Step 4. Remove the pieces of the door frame that hold the screen in place. You will likely need to remove the handle first. Then, using an awl, pry the piece that is holding the spline in place and remove the old spline. Also, if you will be replacing your rollers, remove them as well.

Step 5. Install the new spline and then align the new piece of screen on the door frame. Use the convex roller and concave roller to set the screen in place. Pull the screen taut and trim off the excess. After that, you can replace the panel and put your screen door back in place.