In many places of the world, particularly the country, you will see window screens on most front and back doors as well as on windows. They are not only good for keeping out intruders, but also allow fresh air to enter your home, without flies, mosquitoes and other unwanted bugs. Unfortunately, screens are very delicate and are ripped very easily, especially with rowdy dogs, kids or grandkids!

If you're great at DIY tasks, you may be able to repair most rips and tears. Metal screens are easy to fix, whereas plastic you will want to replace. Fiberglass can be replaced or repaired by you. You'll need to have a roll of new screening and a few supplies. These screen repairing supplies will include screening, screen patches putty or household cement. Your hardware store can guide you in purchasing the supplies you'll need.

If the hole is small, you can easily repair it with a screen patch. Making sure the patch is slightly bigger than the hole; unravel some strands of the outer edge of the patch. Interweave the strands with the screen making sure the patch is tight and firm. Needle-nosed pliers work great for this. Plastic patches can be held tighter by the use of household cement.

Replacing screens will be a little more difficult, but it can easily be done on a metal or wooden frame. Laying the frame on a hard surface, remove the rubber strip from the frame, saving it if it can be reused. If not, measure and cut out new rubber stripping. Remove the damaged screening.

Measure your new screening, (the same size as the old one, and make it larger to allow for excess. Starting in the corner of the frame, use a screen rolling tool to put the framing in place, while pressing the rubber in the grooves at the same time. Work your way smoothly around the entire frame. Once it is all pressed tightly, trim off any excess screening.

To change the screen in a wood frame, you'll want to start in the center of the screen molding of the existing frame and work towards the end, prying slowly as you go.

Cut fresh screening, again making sure it's larger than you need. Staple the screening across the top edge, while nailing the bottom cleat to a hard surface and put in new 1x2 cleats. Put fresh screening over the cleats and nail it to the top cleat. Insert the wedges between the frame and cleats, putting pressure on the wedges until the screening is tight. Reinforce screening every few inches with a staple paying attention to the sides and bottom.

Trim any extra screening, push in the brads with a hammer and fill with putty. Staple the screen so it's tight working from the center to the edge. If you're changing the moldings, you may use a putty knife or tool for screen rolling.