Patio Screen Door Repair - How to Do it Yourself
A worn or torn screen door is not just ugly; it's also a a convenient entryway for mosquitoes, flies and other insects. Although there are services that can repair your patio screen door, it's fairly simple to do the job yourself.
Lay the screen flat on a work surface. Remove the handle from the screen by taking out the screws holding it in the position.
Damaged Screens
Between the elements children, pets, and weather, it's no surprise that tears and holes will surely be found in your window or door screens. In addition to being ugly damaged, these sections let flies and other pests into your home. Fortunately, repairing the problem is fairly easy. Patch kits and screen repair taps are quick fixes to minor damage. However, they won't perform as well for larger issues. This step-by-step guide will demonstrate how to repair and replace your screen windows and doors.
Examining the damage is the first step. Are the frames salvageable or does it require to be replaced? It is crucial to think about this as window and door screens frames are more susceptible to being damaged than the mesh. A bent frame could cause the screen to move out of alignment, which can result in holes and weak areas in the mesh.
Once you've determined whether the frame is salvageable or not, you can start working on the mesh itself. To accomplish this, you'll need a few essential tools. A spline roller for pressing the spline into the frame, scissors and a utility knife are all essential for this process. These tools will ensure precision and durability when you make repairs.
If you've got a large hole in your screen, begin by removing as much as possible of the old material to create a clean space. Then, cut a patch of new screen material to ensure it is at a minimum half inch bigger all around than the damaged area. If your window is designed with grid patterns, be sure that the patch matches with it. Then, trim the edges of the patch to eliminate any irregularities and fold the ends of the spline to conceal them.
When purchasing your replacement screen, make sure you consider the climate in the area you live in. Aluminum screens are durable and resistant to snags, while fiberglass mesh is well-known for its affordability and flexibility. If your area is plagued by pests like mosquitoes and snagged insects you might need to select a special mesh designed for insect screens. Whatever kind of insect screen you pick, be sure that you stretch it tight across the frame to avoid sagging or wrinkles.
Broken Rollers
A broken roller can be a major problem. Not only does it make the process of sliding your door more difficult, but it can also allow bugs and other pests to get into your home. The good thing is that fixing the rollers doesn't have to be as difficult or costly as replacing your entire door.
Begin by looking at the rollers to determine what the issue is. It could be that the wheel is flattened out, or maybe the other end of the wheel is worn out from constant contact with the track. Try to remove the wheels by inserting a screwdriver between the roller and the bracket. If you are unable to get the roller to come off, it may be beneficial to spray the shaft with WD-40 prior to trying again.
It's an excellent idea to examine the tracks, both at the top and bottom. You can straighten bent tracks by hammering an object of wooden against the bent section. It is important to wash the tracks well as they could collect grit and dust.
Once you've identified the type of roller that is broken and you are able to purchase an alternative. Make sure you bring your old rollers with you to the hardware store to ensure you purchase the correct model. Some doors have more than one roller, so make sure to purchase enough to replace them all.
Before installing the new roller, use a screwdriver to loosen the adjustment screws or bolts on the inside of the door frame, close to the rollers. Once the screws are loose, you can take the rollers from the bottom of the door. It's best to have someone assist you in this process to unwind your hands and focus on getting rid of the rollers.
After installing the new roller The door can be raised and the adjustment screws or bolts are tightened. Check the alignment of both the rollers and track. If everything is in its proper place your patio screen will slide into place easily.
Damaged Frame
There are a variety of ways you can repair the screen door that is that is rubbing against its frame. Make sure the hinges are in good shape. A door could be bowed when hinges are loose. If they're loose, tighten the hinge screws. If this isn't working, you might need to sand the frame's top to smooth it.
A rotting frame is a frequent issue with screen doors. It can be expensive to repair, since it typically involves replacing the entire frame. To avoid this, keep looking for signs of rot. Take care of them as soon as you spot them. Find signs of rot by looking for soft wood that looks darker than the rest of the frame. Keep an eye out for areas where the wood is beginning to bow or warp. Contact a professional if observe any of these issues.
You can fix damaged frames with mesh adhesive patch kits, which costs between $2-$7. The kit comes with small pieces of mesh and glue that you can use to repair any holes in the screen. If the damage is minor you can attempt to repair it with wood filler. To do this, apply the filler to the area that is damaged, wait for it to dry, then sand it smooth.
If you want a solution that is more permanent you can opt for frame lifts, which is a structure made of metal that bolts onto your existing frame and lifts it up. It is a costly option, but can be the best option if your frame has been badly damaged or rotted.
To create an easy stand for your screen door you can create a leg from a scrap piece of wood or a picture frame display stand. Then, fasten a wire or brackets to the back of the frame to hang it on the wall. You can add a piece felt on the bottom to protect the wall from scratches.
Broken Splines
A broken screen spline is just as frustrating as a damaged door or frame. It might seem like a minor issue that can be ignored and left unaddressed for too long can allow pests such as mosquitoes and flies to get through. This can quickly become an issue that is more serious and could cause more costly repairs or even a replacement screen door.
The positive side is that replacing the broken spline is relatively easy and affordable, particularly in the event that you already have the tools. Before you can get started you'll need to take out the old spline from the door frame. This can be accomplished by placing the frame flat on a work surface such as a table, or the ground. Make use of a screwdriver in order to pry open the free end of the spline and then pull it out. If the spline has become particularly worn or brittle, it could break when you attempt to remove it from the groove.
When you are removing the old spline, be sure to also remove the caulking used to keep it in place. This will ensure that the new spline will be able to fit into the grooves.
Make use of a utility blade to trim the excess screen around the frame after you have removed the old spline. This will ensure that you have a clean, tight fit on all sides of the frame once you install the new spline.
After you have a clear frame and the new screen material cut to size, it is time to install the new spline. Start with one of the short sides of the frame. Place patio door lock repair on top, and then begin rolling it with your splining device to work it into the screen channel. Continue to roll the spline, pressing it into as you go. Continue this process on each short side of the frame. While you are working, try to keep the screen taut by using tape or spring clamps.
Once you have splined all of the short sides of the frame shift to the opposite side and repeat the process. Then, finish by splining the top and bottom of the frame.