Patio Screen Door Repair - How to Do it Yourself
A damaged or worn screen door isn't only ugly, it also provides an ideal entry point for mosquitoes, flies and other insects. There are numerous services that can repair your patio screen doors, but it's easy to fix it yourself.
Lay the screen flat on a surface. Remove the handle from that side by removing the screws holding it in the position.
Screens damaged
It's not surprising that your door or window screens will develop holes and tears as a result of weather, pets, and children. Apart from looking ugly, these damaged sections allow pests and flies into your home. Repairing these issues is easy. While patch kits and screen repair tape offer a quick fix for minor damage, they do not work for more serious issues. This step-by-step guide will explain how to replace and repair your screen windows and doors.
Examining the damage is the first step. Are there ways to salvage the frame or will it need replacing? This is vital because, generally window and door frame screens are more prone to damage than the mesh. A bent frame could cause the screen to be out of alignment and create holes or weak spots.
Once you've determined whether the frame is salvageable or not, you can start addressing the mesh itself. For this job you'll require some essential tools. A spline roller that presses the spline into the frame a utility knife and scissors are all necessary to complete the process. These tools will ensure accuracy and durability when you do repairs.
If you have a large hole in your screen, start by removing as much as possible of the old material to make a clean space. Then cut a patch of new screen material so that it is at least half inch bigger all around than the damaged area. If your window has grid patterns, be sure that the patch matches to it. Trim the edges to eliminate any irregularities. Fold over the ends of spline to conceal them.
Take into patio door sliding smoothly of your locale when buying a replacement screen. Aluminum screens are sturdy and resistant to snags, while fiberglass mesh is a favorite for its low cost and flexibility. You could also select a special insect screen mesh if you live in an area that is ravaged by mosquitos and other insects. Whichever type of screen you select be sure to stretch the fabric tautly over the frame to prevent wrinkles and sagging.
Broken Rollers
A broken roller on your patio screen door can be a major trouble. Not only does it make it difficult to move your door, but it can also allow bugs and other pests to get into your home. The good news is that repair of your rollers isn't as costly or complex as replacing your door.
Start by inspecting your rollers to determine the issue. It could be that the wheel has sunk or worn out on one end due to constant contact with the track. You can try to take off the wheels by inserting a screwdriver between the bracket and the roller. If you can't get the roller to come off, it may be beneficial to spray the shaft area with WD-40 before trying again.
It is also important to examine the tracks from top to the bottom. You can straighten bent tracks by hammering a piece of wooden against the bent portion. It is essential to wash the tracks well, as they may accumulate dust and grit.
Once you have identified the type roller that is broken and you are able to purchase a replacement. Bring your old rollers to the hardware store so that you can be sure you're buying the correct type. Some doors have more than one roller, so make sure to buy enough rollers to replace them all.
Before installing the new roller make use of a screwdriver to loosen the bolts or screws that adjust the door. on the inside of the frame, close to the rollers. Once the screws are loose, you can take the rollers from the bottom of the door. It is best to have a person assist you in this step to free up your hands to focus on getting rid of the rollers.
After installing the new roller The door can be raised, and the bolts or screws for adjustment can be tightened. Make sure to verify the alignment of the rollers and the track, too. If everything is properly positioned, your patio screen door will be able to slide effortlessly into its place.
Damaged Frame
If your screen door is scratching against the frame, there are many solutions to fix it. Check that the hinges are secure. Doors can become sluggish in the event that the hinges are loose. If they are loose, simply tighten the hinge screws. If this isn't working, you might need to sand the top of the frame to make it smooth.
Another common issue with screen doors is a decaying frame. It can be costly to fix, since it typically requires replacing the entire frame. To avoid this, be alert for indications of decay. Take care of them as soon as you notice them. Look for signs of decay by observing wood that appears darker than the rest of the frame. Also, keep an eye on areas where the wood is beginning to bow or warp. Call a professional if you observe any of these issues.
A mesh adhesive patch kit can be used to repair a damaged frame. The cost of these kits is between $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 minor, you can try to repair it with wood filler. To accomplish this, you'll have to apply the wood filler to the affected area and wait for it to be dry before sanding it smooth.
You can buy a framelift that is a steel structure bolted onto your frame that raises it. It is a costly alternative, but it is the most effective option if your frame has been severely damaged or rotted.
You can build an easy leg for your screen door using a scrap of wood or an old display stand for your photo frame. Then, fasten the brackets or wire 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 damaged screen spline could be as difficult to handle as a damaged frame or door. It might appear to be a problem that can be ignored. But if you let it go for too long, pests like mosquitoes and flies can slip through. This can quickly turn into an issue that is more serious and result in costly repairs or a new screen door.
It is not difficult to repair a damaged spline, particularly with the right tools. First, you'll need remove the old spline from the screen door. This can be accomplished by laying the frame flat on a work surface such as a table or the ground. Use a screwdriver to pry open the free spline, and then pull it out. If the spline is especially damaged or worn, you could discover that it breaks when you try to pull it out of the groove.
As you remove the old spline make sure that you also remove the caulking used to keep it in place. This will help ensure that the new spline will fit into the grooves.
When you have removed all the old spline, use a knife to cut any excess screen off the frame. This will ensure that you have an even, clean fit on all sides of the frame once you install the new spline.
After you have a clear frame and have the new screen material cut to size, it's time to begin installing the new spline. Start with one of the shorter sides of the frame. Incorporate the spline into the screen channel using the splining device. Continue to roll the spline, pushing it in 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 by using tape or spring clamps.
Repeat the process on the other side once you have completed the splining of all short sides. Finally, finish by splining the top and bottom of the frame.