Patio Screen Door Repair - How to Do it Yourself
A damaged or worn screen door is not just ugly; it's also a an ideal entry point for flies, mosquitoes and other pests. Although there are services that will repair your patio screen door, it is relatively easy to do the work yourself.
First, lay the screen on a flat surface. Remove the handle from that side by taking out the screws that hold it in the position.
Damaged Screens
Between weather children, pets, and weather It's no wonder that tears and holes will eventually be found in your door or window screens. These damaged parts are not only unsightly but also allow pests and flies into your home. Repairing these issues is simple. While patch kits and screen repair tape provide an easy fix for minor damage, these products don't work well on larger problems. This step-by-step guide will demonstrate how to replace and repair your screen windows and doors.
The first thing you need to do is evaluate the damage. Is it possible to salvage the frame or will it need replacing? This is important because, generally window and door screen frames are more susceptible to damage than mesh. A bent frame could pull the screen out of its alignment, leading to holes and weak spots in the mesh.
After you've decided whether the frame can be salvaged then you can begin to work on the mesh. You'll need some essential tools to complete the task. A spline roller to press the spline into the frame a utility knife and scissors are all required to complete the process. These tools will ensure precision and durability when you do repairs.
If you're dealing with an extensive hole, start by cutting away as much of the old screen as you can to create a clean opening. Then cut a patch of the new screen material to ensure it is at a minimum half an inch larger than the damaged area. Make sure the patch matches the grid pattern of your window If it has one. Cut the edges to eliminate any imperfections. Fold over the spline's ends to conceal them.
Be aware of the climate of your area when you are looking to purchase a new screen. Aluminum screens are durable and resistant to snags, while fiberglass mesh is popular for its affordability and flexibility. You could also opt for a specialized insect screen mesh if you live in an area that is plagued with mosquitos and other insects. Whatever kind of screen you choose make sure you stretch the material tautly over the frame in order to prevent sagging and wrinkles.
Broken Rollers
A damaged roller can be a frustrating issue. It can make moving the door difficult and even allow bugs to get inside your home. The good news is that repairing the rollers isn't as complicated or costly as replacing the entire door.
Start by examining the rollers to determine what the issue is. It could be that the wheel has sunk or worn out on one side because of constant contact with the track. Try to remove the wheels by inserting screwscrews between the bracket and the roller. If you can't get the roller to come off, it may be helpful to spritz the shaft with WD-40 prior to attempting again.
You should also check the tracks from top to the bottom. You can straighten bent tracks by hammering a block of wooden against the bent part. It's essential to clean the tracks, as well, as they can trap grit and sand.
Once you've identified the kind of roller that's broken you can purchase a new one. Make sure to bring your old rollers to the hardware store to ensure you purchase the correct model. Some doors have more than one roller, so make sure to buy enough rollers to replace them all.
Use RepairMyWindowsAndDoors to the inside of your door frame near the rollers to loosen the adjustment bolts or screws. Once the screws are loose, you can remove the rollers from the bottom of the door. This is best done by a third party so that you don't have to use your hands.
After the new roller has been installed, the door can be raised and the bolts or screws that adjust can be tightened. Examine the alignment of the track and rollers. If everything is in the right position the patio screen will be able to slide into place with ease.
Frame Damaged
If your screen door is rubbing against the frame, there are a variety of ways to correct it. Check that the hinges are secure. A hinge that is loose can cause doors to become stuck, which means it will stop when you open or close the door. If they're loose, just tighten the hinge screws. If this doesn't work, you may need to sand the frame's top to smooth it.
Another issue that is common to screen doors is a decaying frame. It can be costly to fix, since it typically involves replacing the entire frame. To avoid this, be on the lookout for signs of rot and treat them when you spot them. Find soft wood that is darker than the rest. Also, keep an eye out for areas where the wood is beginning to bow or warp. If you spot any of these problems, call a professional.
A mesh patch kit can be used to fix damaged frames. The kits range from $2 to $7. The kit includes a tiny piece of mesh and glue which can be used to cover any holes in your screen. If the damage is not too significant you could also attempt to repair it using a wood filler. To do this, apply the filler to the damaged area, wait for it to dry, and then sand it smooth.
For a more durable solution you can purchase frames lifts. A frame lift is a steel structure that bolts onto your existing frame and lifts it up. This is a very expensive option, but is the most effective option if your frame has been badly damaged or rotted.
To create an easy stand for your screen door you can create legs from a scrap piece of wood or even a photo frame display stand. Attach brackets or wires to the back to hang the frame on the wall. You can also attach a piece of felt on the bottom to protect the wall from scratches.
Broken Splines
A broken screen spline can be just as frustrating to handle as a damaged frame or door. It might seem like something minor that could be overlooked, but letting it go too long can allow pests like mosquitoes and flies to pass through. This can quickly escalate into an issue that is more serious that could lead to costly repairs or a new door screen.
It is not difficult to replace a broken spline, especially if you have the right tools. First, you'll need to take off the old screen door spline. This can be accomplished by placing the frame flat on a work surface, like a table or the ground. Remove the spline using a screwdriver. If the spline is particularly damaged or worn, you could find that it breaks as you try to pull it out of the groove.
When you are removing the old spline, make sure you remove the caulking that was used to hold it in place. This will ensure that the new spline is capable of fitting into the grooves.
Once you have removed all of the old spline, you can use a knife to cut any excess screen off the frame. This will ensure a snug and clean fit on all sides of your frame when you install the spline.
Installing the new spline is easy after you have cleaned the frame and cut the new screen material to size. Start by putting it on one of the short sides of the frame. The spline should be rolled into the screen channel using your splining device. Continue to roll the spline, pressing it into as you move. Repeat this process for each of the short sides of the frame. As you are working try to keep the screen taut using spring clamps or tape.
Repeat the process for the second side once you've completed the splining of all the short sides. Complete by splining both of the bottom and top edges of the frame.