Guide
Fly Screen Care, Maintenance & Installation Guide
Fly screens need little more than a gentle clean a few times a year and a check for tears and loose mesh. Small issues can often be fixed at home; damaged frames, badly torn mesh or screens that no longer fit are worth replacing. This guide covers care first, then what's involved in installation.
Updated
How to clean fly screens
- Remove the screen if it's designed to come out, or clean it in place.
- Brush or vacuum loose dust with a soft brush attachment.
- Wash with mild soapy water and a soft brush or sponge.
- Rinse gently — avoid high-pressure water, which can stretch mesh.
- Let it dry fully before refitting.
Common problems and fixes
| Problem | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Small hole or tear | Pets, wear, impact | Patch kits work for small holes; larger damage needs new mesh |
| Mesh sagging or popping out | Spline has shrunk or perished | The mesh needs re-fixing or replacing |
| Sliding screen sticks | Dirt in the track | Clean the track; check rollers |
| Gaps at the edges | Screen no longer fits | Insects get through gaps — consider a replacement made to fit |
When to replace
Replace screens when the frame is bent, the mesh is badly torn or brittle, or the screen no longer seals against the window. A screen with gaps doesn't keep insects out.
What installation involves
Each window or sliding door is measured, you choose your mesh — standard fly mesh, DVA privacy mesh or security mesh — and the screens are made to fit and installed. DIY kits exist for simple window screens, but a poor fit leaves gaps that let insects through.
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