Patio Screen Door Repair - How to Do it Yourself
A damaged or worn-out screen door is not just ugly; it's also a a convenient entryway for flies, mosquitoes, and other insects. Although there are services that will repair your patio screen door, it's relatively easy to do the job yourself.
First, place the screen on a flat work surface. Remove the handle from the screen by taking out the screws that hold it in place.
Damaged Screens
Between the elements as well as pets and children It's not a surprise that holes and tears will eventually appear on your window or door screens. The damaged screens aren't only unsightly but also allow insects and flies to enter your home. Fortunately, fixing these problems is fairly simple. Patch kits and screen repair taps are quick fixes for minor damage. However, they don't perform as well for larger problems. This step-by-step guide will explain how to repair and replace your screen windows and doors.
The first thing you need to do is assess the damage. Are there ways to salvage the frame or will it require replacement? This is vital since, in general, window and door screen frames are more susceptible to damage than the mesh. A bent frame could pull the screen out of alignment, which can result in holes and weak spots in the mesh.
Once you know whether the frame is salvageable or not, you can begin fixing the mesh. For this job you'll require some essential tools. A spline roller for pressing the spline into the frame, an utility knife and scissors are all essential for this process. These tools ensure accuracy and durability in your repairs.
If you have a large hole in your screen, begin by removing as much possible of the old material to create a new space. Cut an entirely new screen material that is at least one half inch larger in all directions than the damaged area. Match the patch to the grid pattern of your window, in the event that it has one. Then, cut the edges of the patch to eliminate any imperfections and fold the ends of the spline to conceal the edges.
Be aware of the climate of your locale when buying a replacement screen. Fiberglass mesh is a popular option because of its flexibility and affordability, while aluminum screens offer strength and snag-resistance. You might also choose a specially designed insect screen mesh if your region is a victim of mosquitos and other pests. Whatever type of screen you choose be sure to stretch the material tautly over the frame to prevent sagging and wrinkles.
Broken Rollers
A broken roller on your patio screen door can be a frustrating inconvenience. It can make sliding the door difficult and allow bugs to enter your home. The good thing is that fixing the rollers isn't as difficult or expensive as replacing your entire door.
Begin by looking at the rollers to determine what the issue is. You might find that the wheel has sunk or worn out on one end due to constant contact with track. You can try to take off the wheels by inserting an screwdriver between the bracket and the roller. If you're unable to get the roller to lift off, it could be beneficial to spray the shaft area with WD-40 before trying again.
It's recommended to look at the tracks from both at the top and bottom. If they're bent and need to be straightened, you can do so by holding a block of wood against the bent part and rapping it with a hammer. It's essential to clean the tracks, too, as they can trap grit and sand.
Once you've identified what kind of roller that's broken, you can purchase a replacement. Bring your old rollers to the hardware store so you can ensure you're purchasing the right type. If your door has more than one roller, you'll need to purchase enough to replace all of them.
Before installing the new roller using a screwdriver, loosen the adjustment screws or bolts on the inside of the frame near the door rollers. After the screws are loosened, you can remove rollers from the bottom. This task should be performed by a person else so that you don't need to use your hands.
After installing the new roller, the door can then be raised, and the bolts or screws for adjustment can be tightened. Check the alignment of both the track and the rollers. If everything is correctly positioned the patio screen door will slide easily into its place.
Damaged Frame
There are a variety of ways to fix your screen door rubbing against its frame. First, make sure that the hinges are tight. Loose hinges can cause a door to become stuck, which means it will stop when you open or close the door. If they're loose, tighten the hinge screws. If this fails, you may have to sand the frame's top to make it smooth.
A rotting frame is another common problem with screen door. It can be costly to fix as the frame will need to be replaced. To avoid this, keep a lookout for signs of rot and treat them as soon as you notice them. Look for soft wood that is darker than the rest. Keep an eye out for any areas where the wood is beginning to bow or warp. Contact a professional if observe any of these issues.
You can fix damaged frames by using mesh patch kits costing between $2 to $7. The kit includes small pieces of mesh and glue that can be used to fix any holes in the screen. If the damage isn't too severe you can attempt to repair it with wood filler. To do this, apply the filler to the damaged area, then wait for it to dry, then sand it to a smooth finish.
If you want a solution that is more permanent you can opt for frame lifts, which is a structure made of metal that is bolted onto your frame and raises it up. It can be expensive, but it can be the best option if your frame has been severely damaged or has completely decayed.
You can build a simple leg for your screen door using a scrap of wood or an old display stand for a photo frame. Then, secure a wire or brackets to the back of the frame to hang it on the wall. You can add a piece felt to the bottom to protect the wall from scratches.
Broken Splines
A damaged screen spline can be as difficult to deal with as a damaged frame or door. It may seem like an issue that is minor enough to be overlooked, but letting it go long enough can allow pests like mosquitoes and flies to pass through. This can quickly turn into an issue that is more serious and result in costly repairs or a new door screen.
The good news is that replacing a damaged spline can be relatively simple and affordable, particularly in the event that you already have the equipment. Before you begin, you must remove the old spline off the screen door frame. This can be done by laying the frame flat on a surface like a table or the ground. Pull the spline out with the screwdriver. If the spline has become extremely worn or brittle it could break when you attempt to remove it from the groove.
When you're removing the old spline, ensure that you remove any caulking used to hold the spline in place. This will ensure that the new spline will fit in the grooves.
Once you've removed all the old spline, you can use a knife to cut any excess screen from the frame. This will ensure you have an even, clean fit on all sides of the frame when you install the new spline.
Once you have a clean frame and the new screen material cut to size, it's time to begin installing the new spline. Start on the short side of the frame. The spline should be rolled into the screen channel using your splining device. Continue rolling the spline and pushing it into the screen channel as you move. Repeat this process for all of the shorter sides of the frame. While you are working, use tape or spring clamps to keep the screen taut.
Repeat RepairMyWindowsAndDoors on the other side after you have completed the splining process for all the short sides. Then, finish by splining the top and bottom of the frame.