Patio Screen Door Repair - How to Do it Yourself
A worn or torn screen door is not only ugly, it also provides an ideal entrance point for mosquitoes, flies and other pests. While there are companies that will repair your patio screen door, it's relatively easy to do the work yourself.
Lay the screen flat on a surface. Remove the handle from the screen by taking out the screws that hold it in the position.
Damaged Screens
It's not too surprising that your door or window screens will develop holes and tears as a result of weather animals, children, and pets. Aside from being unsightly damaged, these sections let pests and flies into your home. Repairing these problems is simple. Screen repair kits and patch kits tap are quick fixes for minor damage. However, they do not work as well on larger issues. This step-bystep guide will show how to replace and repair your screen windows and doors.
Examining the damage is the first step. Can you salvage the frame, or does it need replacing? This is important since, in general, window and door screen frames are more susceptible to damage than the mesh. A bent frame may cause the screen to fall out of place and cause holes or weak spots.
If you are able to determine if the frame is salvageable or not, you can start working on the mesh itself. You'll need some essential tools to accomplish this task. This procedure calls for a spline roll pressing the spline in the frame, an utility knife and a pair of scissors. Using these tools ensures the highest quality and durability of your 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 sliding door repair of new screen material so that it is at least a half inch bigger all around than the damaged area. Match the patch to the grid pattern of your window, if it has one. Finally, trim the edges of your patch to eliminate any irregularities and fold them over the top of the spline to cover them.
When purchasing your replacement screen, make sure you think about the climate in your region. Fiberglass mesh is a popular choice for its flexibility and affordability, while aluminum screens offer strength and snag-resistance. You could also select a special insect screen mesh if your area is ravaged by mosquitos and other insects. Whatever type of mesh you choose, make sure that you stretch it tight across the frame to prevent sagging or wrinkles.
Broken Rollers
A damaged roller can be a frustrating problem. It's not just making it difficult to move your door and difficult, but it could also allow insects and other pests to get into your home. The good news is that fixing your rollers won't be nearly as costly or complex as replacing your door.
Begin by inspecting the rollers to determine what the issue is. It could be that the wheel has sunk or worn out on one side due to constant contact with the track. The wheels are usually fitted with a push fit to the bracket, and you might be able to place a screwdriver behind the roller between the bracket and the roller, and try to lever it off. If you can't get the roller to fall off, it might be helpful to spritz the shaft with WD-40 prior to attempting again.
You should also examine the tracks from top to bottom. If they're bent and need to be straightened, you can do so by placing a block of wood against the bent portion and beating it with a hammer. It is important to clean the tracks as well, as they may be a source of dust and grit.
Once you have identified the type of roller that is broken then you can purchase an alternative. Make sure to bring your old rollers with you to the hardware store to ensure that you purchase the right type. If your door has more than one roller then you'll need to purchase enough to replace all of them.
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 is recommended to have someone assist you in this step to help you liberate your hands and concentrate on removing the rollers.
After installing the new roller, the door can then be raised, and the bolts or screws for adjustment can be are tightened. Be sure to check the alignment of the rollers and the track, too. If everything is in the right place, your patio screen should slide into place easily.
Frame Damaged
If your screen door is getting caught against the frame, there are several solutions to correct it. First, ensure that the hinges are secure. Loose hinges can cause a door to bind, which means it will stop when you open or close the door. If they are loose, simply tighten the hinge screws. If this isn't working, you might require sanding the frame's top to make it smooth.
A rotting frame is a common problem with screen door. It is costly to repair since the frame needs to be replaced. To avoid this, keep a eye out for signs of rot and treat them as soon as you notice them. Look for soft wood that is darker than the rest. You should also keep an eye on areas where the wood has started to bow or warp. If you spot any of these problems, call an expert.
You can fix damaged frames by using mesh adhesive patch kits that costs from $2 to $7. The kit comes with tiny pieces of mesh and glue that you can use to repair any holes in the screen. If the damage is minimal, you can also try fixing it using a wood filler. To do this, you'll have to apply the wood filler to the damaged area and then wait for it to dry before sanding it smooth.
For a more permanent solution, you can buy a frame lift, which is a metal structure that is bolted onto the frame you have and lifts it up. It can be expensive however it is the best option if your frame has been severely damaged or is completely rotted.
To build an easy stand for your screen door you can create a leg from a scrap piece of wood or a picture frame display stand. Attach wires or brackets to the back to place the frame on the wall. You can also attach a piece of felt to the bottom of the frame to shield your wall from scratches.
Broken Splines
A damaged screen spline could be just as annoying to handle as a damaged frame or door. It may seem like an issue that is easy to ignore. However, if you leave it unattended for too long, pests like mosquitoes and flies can slip through. This can quickly escalate into the issue of a bigger scale that could lead to costly repairs or the need for a new screen door.
The good news is that replacing a broken spline is simple and affordable, especially if you already have the tools. You will first need to take off the old screen door spline. This can be done by placing the frame flat on a surface like 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 appears to be particularly worn or brittle you may notice that it cracks as you attempt to remove it from the groove.
When you are removing the old spline, make sure that you take off any caulking that has been used to keep the spline from moving. This will ensure that the new spline will be capable of fitting into the grooves.
Once you have removed all the old spline, you can use a knife to cut any excess screen off around the frame. This will ensure that you get an even, clean fit on all sides of the frame when you install the new spline.
After you have a clear frame and have the new screen material cut to size, it's time to install the new spline. Start with the short side of the frame. Lay the spline in place and then begin rolling it with your splining tool to move it into the screen channel. Continue to roll the spline, pushing it in as you move. Repeat this process for each of the short sides of the frame. While you work, use tape or spring clamps to ensure that the screen stays taut.
Repeat the process for the second side once you've completed the splining of all short sides. Complete by splining both of the bottom and top edges of the frame.