Patio Screen Door Repair - How to Do it Yourself
A worn-out or torn patio screen door isn't only unsightly, but it also creates an easy entryway for pests like mosquitoes and flies. There are many services that can repair your patio screen doors but it's easy to do yourself.
Lay the screen flat on a surface. Remove the handle from that side by taking out the screws that hold it in place.
Damaged Screens
It's not a surprise that your door or window screens will eventually develop tears and holes due to weather pets, children, and even pets. The damaged screens aren't only ugly, but also allow insects and flies to enter your home. The good news is that fixing these issues is relatively simple. While patch kits and screen repair tapes offer an easy fix for minor damage, they aren't suited to larger problems. This step-by-step guide will teach you how to correctly repair and replace your windows and doors for screen.
Examining the damage is the first step. Are the frames salvageable or does it need to be replaced? It is important to consider this as window and door screens frames are more likely to be damaged than the mesh. A bent frame could cause the screen to move out of alignment, resulting in holes and weak areas in the mesh.
Once you've determined whether or not the frame is salvageable, you can begin to tackle the mesh. You'll need some essential tools to complete this task. A spline roller for pressing the spline into the frame an utility knife and scissors are all essential to complete the process. These tools ensure precision and durability in your repairs.
If you've got a large hole in your screen, start by removing as much as possible of the old material to create a new space. Cut a new patch of screen material that is at least one half inch wider in all directions than the damaged area. If your window is designed with grid patterns, be sure that the patch matches to it. Trim the edges to eliminate any imperfections. Fold over the edges of spline to conceal them.
When buying a new screen, be sure to think about the climate in the area you live in. Aluminum screens are sturdy and resistant to snags while fiberglass mesh is popular for its low cost and flexibility. You may also wish to opt for a specialized insect screen mesh if your area is ravaged by mosquitoes and other insects. Whatever type of mesh you choose, make sure you stretch it tightly across the frame to avoid sagging or wrinkles.
Broken Rollers
A damaged roller on your patio screen door can be a major trouble. It can make moving the door a challenge and also allow bugs to get inside your home. The good news is that repairing the rollers isn't as difficult or costly as replacing the entire door.
Begin by inspecting the rollers to determine what the problem is. You may find that the wheel has sunk or worn out on one end due to the constant contact with track. The wheels are generally mounted as a push fit on the bracket, and you might be able to put a screwdriver between it and the bracket and attempt to push off the roller. If you can't get the roller to fall off, it could be beneficial to spray the shaft area with WD-40 prior to trying again.
You should also check the tracks from top to the bottom. If they're bent, you can straighten them by placing a block of wood against the bent area and beating it with a hammer. It is essential to clean the tracks as well, as they may accumulate dust and grit.
Once you've identified the kind of roller that's broken you can purchase a replacement. Make sure you bring your old rollers with you to the hardware store to ensure you purchase the right type. If your door has more than one roller, you will need to buy enough to replace all of them.
Before installing the new roller, use a screwdriver to loosen the bolts or adjustment screws on the inside of the frame near the door rollers. Once the screws have been loose, you can remove the rollers from the bottom. This step is best done by someone else so that you don't need to work with your hands.
Once the new roller is installed The door can then be lowered back to its original position and the bolts or screws that adjust can be tightened. Make sure to verify the alignment of the rollers as well as the track, as well. If everything is in order, your patio screen door should easily slide into place.
Frame Damaged
There are several ways you can repair your screen door that is rubbing against its frame. Make sure that the hinges are in good shape. A hinge that is loose can cause a door to become stuck, which means it will stop when you open or close the door. If they're loose make sure you tighten the hinge screws. If this does not work it is possible to sand the frame's top.
A rotting frame is a common problem with screen door. It can be expensive to repair, since it usually involves replacing the entire frame. To avoid this, be alert for signs of rot. Take care of them as soon as you spot them. Find soft wood that is darker than the rest. Keep an eye on areas where the wood is beginning to bow or warp. Call a professional if you observe any of these issues.
You can fix damaged frames by using mesh patch kits that costs from $2 to $7. The kit includes a small piece of mesh and glue, which you can use to cover any holes in your screen. If the damage is minimal, you can also try fixing it with a wood filler. To do this apply the filler on the damaged area, wait for it to dry, and then smooth it with sandpaper.
Framelifts can be purchased, which is a metal structure bolted onto the frame you already have that lifts it up. This can be very expensive however it is the best option in cases where your frame has been severely damaged or completely damaged or has rotted.
You can make an easy leg for your screen door using scraps of wood or an old display stand for your photo frame. Attach wires or brackets to the back of the frame to hang the frame on the wall. You can add a piece felt to the bottom to protect the wall from scratches.
Broken Splines
A damaged screen spline can be just as annoying to manage as a damaged frame or door. It may appear to be a problem that can be overlooked. However, if you allow it to linger for too long, pests such as mosquitoes and flies can slip through. This could quickly become an issue that is more serious, resulting in expensive repairs or the need for a new screen door.
The positive side is that replacing the broken spline is relatively easy and inexpensive, especially if you already have the tools. Before you can get started you will need to remove the old spline from the screen door frame. You can do this by placing the screen door frame flat on any surface such as a table or the ground. Utilize a screwdriver to pull open the free end of the spline and pull it out. If the spline appears to be particularly damaged or worn, you could discover that it breaks when you try to remove it from the groove.
When you are removing the old spline, make 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.
After you've removed all the old spline, use a utility knife to trim any excess screen from around the frame. This will ensure a snug, smooth fit across the entire frame after you install the spline.
Installing the new spline is straightforward once you have cleaned the frame and cut the new material to size. Start with one of the shorter sides of the frame. Roll the spline into the screen channel using your splining tool. Continue rolling the spline and pushing it into the screen channel as you go. Repeat patio door repairs for all of the short sides of the frame. While you work, apply spring clamps or tape to keep the screen taut.
Repeat the process for the second side once you have completed the splining of all the short sides. Then, you can finish by splining both the top and bottom edges of the frame.