Quick answer: A small hole in a fly screen can be fixed in ten minutes with a self-adhesive mesh patch or a few stitches of fishing line. A long tear in a framed screen needs the mesh replaced, which you can do with a spline roller. Pleated, retractable screens are different: if the mesh, cord or guide is damaged, call a fitter rather than taking the screen apart.
Fly screens in Dubai take a beating. Sun, sand, pets, children and the odd stray football all leave their mark, and a hole the size of a coin is enough to let mosquitoes in. The good news is that most damage can be fixed quickly, often without buying a new screen.
This guide shows you how to repair the common types of damage yourself, how to look after your screens so they last, and when it is better to call a professional.
First, check what kind of screen you have
- Fixed framed screen: mesh held in a rigid frame with a rubber spline around the edge. Easy to repair at home.
- Retractable pleated screen: mesh folds like a concertina and runs on cords inside top and bottom guides. Small holes can be patched, but anything involving cords or guides needs a fitter.
- Roll-up screen: mesh winds into a cassette on a spring. Do not open the cassette yourself; the spring is under tension.
- Magnetic or velcro net: often cheaper to replace than to repair.
What you will need
- Self-adhesive fly screen patches, or a piece of matching mesh
- Clear nail varnish or a small tube of clear glue
- Fishing line and a needle
- Sharp scissors or a utility knife
- For a full re-mesh: new mesh, new spline and a spline roller
How to fix a small hole (under 2 cm)
- Clean the area with a damp cloth and let it dry.
- Push any loose strands back into line with a toothpick.
- Dab clear nail varnish over the hole. Let it dry and add a second coat. This seals pinholes completely.
- For holes a little bigger, press a self-adhesive patch over the hole from the outside, then a second patch from the inside if it is accessible.
How to fix a medium tear (2 to 10 cm)
- Cut a patch from matching mesh, about 2 cm larger than the tear on every side.
- Pull a few strands out of each edge of the patch so short wires or fibres stick out.
- Press the patch over the tear so the loose strands go through the mesh, then fold them over on the other side.
- For fiberglass mesh, stitch around the patch with fishing line instead, or use an adhesive patch.
How to re-mesh a framed screen
When a tear is longer than your hand, or the mesh is brittle and faded all over, replacing the mesh gives a far better result than patching.
- Lift the screen out and lay it flat on a table.
- Pry out the old spline with a flat screwdriver and remove the old mesh.
- Lay the new mesh over the frame with a few centimetres spare on each side.
- Use the spline roller to press the mesh into the groove on one side, then the opposite side, keeping it tight but not stretched.
- Roll in the new spline along all four sides.
- Trim the excess mesh with a sharp knife, angled away from the spline.
Not sure which mesh to buy? Our comparison of aluminium vs fiberglass mesh in the UAE explains which one lasts longer here.
Repairing pleated and retractable screens
Pleated screens are where DIY goes wrong most often. The mesh is held by cords that run through every fold, and the tension is set when the screen is fitted. You can safely:
- Patch a small hole in the mesh with an adhesive patch or clear varnish.
- Clean and wipe the top and bottom guides.
- Tighten a loose handle screw.
Leave these to a fitter:
- Snapped or slack cords.
- A screen that jumps out of its guide.
- A large tear across several pleats.
- A bent frame or broken guide.
For these, our fly screen mesh replacement service fixes the screen without replacing the frame. If the problem is a door screen that will not close properly, see our guide on how to fix a fly screen door closer.
Keep screens working: a simple care routine
Most of the screens we are asked to repair in Dubai failed through dust and heat, not accidents. A few minutes of care makes a big difference.
- Every two to four weeks: brush or vacuum the mesh gently to remove sand and dust.
- Every few months: wash the mesh with mild soap and water, rinse with a soft cloth and let it dry fully before folding.
- Keep the guides clean: sand in the bottom track is the main reason pleated screens start to stick.
- Avoid harsh chemicals: bleach and solvents weaken mesh coatings.
- Close it gently: guide the handle all the way rather than letting it snap shut.
- Summer: on very hot, sun-facing openings, keep pleated screens retracted when you are away for long periods.
When to replace instead of repair
- The mesh tears when you press it lightly, a sign of UV damage.
- There are several tears in different places.
- The frame is bent, cracked or corroded.
- The screen no longer fits the opening after renovation.
In those cases a new screen is usually the better value. Our fly screen prices start at AED 450 for windows.
Frequently asked questions
Can you repair a fly screen without replacing it?
Yes. Small holes and tears can be patched, and framed screens can be re-meshed. Only a damaged frame usually means a full replacement.
What is the quickest fix for a hole in a fly screen?
Clear nail varnish for pinholes, or a self-adhesive mesh patch for anything up to a few centimetres.
Can I repair a pleated fly screen myself?
You can patch small holes and clean the guides. Cords, guides and large tears should be handled by a fitter.
How do I clean fly screens without damaging them?
Use a soft brush or vacuum, then mild soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid pressure washers and strong chemicals.
Do you repair screens you did not install?
Send us photos on WhatsApp and we will tell you whether it can be repaired.
Damage too big to fix yourself? Send us a photo and we will tell you whether it needs a new mesh or a new screen.