Patio Screen Door Repair - How to Do it Yourself
A worn or torn screen door is not just unsightly; it provides a convenient entryway for flies, mosquitoes, and other insects. While there are services to repair your patio screen door, it's fairly simple to do the work yourself.
First, place the screen on a flat surface. Take the handle off by removing the screws that hold it in place.
Damaged Screens
It's not surprising that your door or window screens will eventually develop holes and tears as a result of weather, pets, and children. In addition to being ugly, these damaged sections allow insects and flies to enter your home. Repairing these problems is simple. While patch kits and screen repair tape provide a quick fix for minor damage, they do not work for larger problems. This step-by-step guide will explain how to repair and replace your screen windows and doors.
The first thing to do is evaluate the damage. Can the frame be repaired, or does it need to be replaced? It is important to take into consideration this as the frames of window and door screens are more susceptible to being damaged than mesh. A bent frame can cause the screen to move out of its alignment, leading to holes and weak areas in the mesh.
Once you've determined whether or not the frame can be salvaged then you can begin to build the mesh. For this task you'll require some essential tools. A spline roller that presses the spline into the frame, scissors and a utility knife are all essential for this procedure. Using these tools ensures the highest quality and durability of your repairs.
If you've got a large hole in your screen, begin by removing as much as possible of the old material to make a clean space. Cut an entirely new screen material that is at least a half inch larger all around than the damaged part. Make sure the patch matches the grid pattern of your window, if it has one. Then, trim the edges of your patch to eliminate any imperfections and fold the ends of the spline to cover them.
Take into consideration the climate of your locale when you are looking to purchase a new screen. Fiberglass mesh is a popular choice because of its flexibility and affordability and aluminum screens provide the strength and durability of snag-resistant screens. You could also select a special insect screen mesh if your region is a victim of mosquitos and other pests. Whatever kind of screen you pick be sure to stretch the material tightly over the frame in order to prevent wrinkles and sagging.
Broken Rollers
A damaged roller can be a frustrating problem. It can make moving the door difficult and even allow bugs to enter your home. The good thing is that fixing the rollers doesn't have to be as difficult or costly as replacing your entire door.
Start by inspecting your rollers to find the issue. It could be that the wheel is flattened or worn out on one end because of the constant contact with track. The wheels are usually mounted as a push fit on the bracket, so you may be able to insert a screwdriver behind the roller between it and the bracket and then try to pull off the roller. If you are still unable to remove the roller, spray the shaft area with WD-40 and try it again.
It is also important to examine the tracks from top to bottom. If they're bent, you can straighten them by putting a piece of wood against the bent portion and rapping it with the hammer. It is essential to wash the tracks well as they can collect grit and dust.
Once you have identified the type of roller that is damaged, you can buy the replacement. Make sure patio door repair RepairMyWindowsAndDoors bring your old rollers with you to the hardware store to ensure that you purchase the correct model. If your door has more than one roller then you'll need to purchase enough to replace all of them.
Use a screwdriver to the inside of your door frame, near the rollers to loosen the screws or bolts that adjust the door. After the screws are loose, you can remove the rollers from the bottom. It's best to have someone assist you in this step to free up your hands to focus on getting rid of the rollers.
After the new roller has been installed The door can then be lowered back to its original position and the adjustment screws or bolts can be tightened. Be sure to check the alignment of the rollers and the track, too. If everything is in the right position, your patio screen should slide in place easily.
Frame Damaged
There are many ways you can fix your screen door to stop it from rubbing against the frame. First, make sure the hinges are tight. Doors can become sluggish when hinges are loose. If they are loose, tighten the hinge screws. If this isn't working, you might need to sand down the frame's top.
Another issue that is common to screen doors is a decaying frame. It can be costly to repair, since it typically involves replacing the entire frame. To avoid this, be on the lookout for signs of rot and address them as soon as you notice them. Look for signs of rot by looking for soft wood that looks darker than the rest of the frame. Also, keep an eye out for areas where the wood has started to bow or warp. Call a professional if you observe any of these issues.
A mesh patch kit can be used to fix damaged frames. The kits range from $2 to $7. The kit includes a small piece of mesh and glue, that can be used to cover any holes in your screen. If the damage is not too significant you could also try fixing it with a wood filler. To do this apply the filler to the area that is damaged, wait for it to dry, then sand it to a smooth finish.
Framelifts can be purchased that is a steel structure that is bolted to your frame that raises it. This is a costly option, but is the best if your frame has been severely damaged or has rotted.
To build a simple stand for your screen door, you can make a leg from a scrap piece of wood or even a photo frame display stand. Then, attach a wire or brackets to the back of the frame to hang it on the wall. You can also attach a piece of felt to the bottom of the frame to protect your wall from scratches.
Broken Splines
A broken screen spline is the same as damaged frames or doors. It may seem like something minor that could be overlooked, but letting it go long enough can allow pests like flies and mosquitoes to slip through. This can quickly become an even bigger issue and result in more expensive repairs or even a new screen door.
The positive side is that replacing the damaged spline can be relatively simple and affordable, particularly when you already have the equipment. First, you'll need to take off the old spline for your screen door. This can be done by placing the frame flat on a work surface such as a table or the ground. Utilize a screwdriver to pull through the free end of the spline and then pull it out. If the spline has gotten extremely worn or brittle it may break as you try to remove it from the groove.
As you remove the old spline, be sure that you also remove the caulking that was used to hold it in place. This will ensure that the new spline will be suitable for fitting into the grooves.
When you have removed all the old spline, you can use a utility knife to trim any excess screen from around the frame. This will ensure a tight and smooth fit across the entire frame once you have installed the spline.
After you have a clear frame and the new screen material cut to size, it's time to begin installing the new spline. Start with one of the short sides of the frame. Lay the spline in place and begin rolling it with your splining tool to work it into the screen channel. Continue to roll the spline, pushing it in as you go. Repeat this process on each short side of the frame. While you are working make sure to keep the screen taut by using tape or spring clamps.
After 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.