Patio Screen Door Repair - How to Do it Yourself
A worn or torn screen door is not just ugly; it's also a a convenient entryway for flies, mosquitoes, and other insects. While there are companies to repair your patio screen door, it's fairly simple to do the job yourself.
Then, lay the screen on a flat work surface. Remove the handle from that side by taking out the screws that hold it in place.
Damaged Screens
Between weather, pets and kids It's not a surprise that tears and holes will surely appear in your window or door screens. Aside from being unsightly the damaged screens allow pests and flies into your home. Repairing these issues is simple. While patch kits and screen repair tapes offer a quick fix for minor damage, these products aren't suited to more serious issues. This step-by-step guide will explain how to replace and repair your screens' windows and doors.
The first thing you need to do is evaluate the damage. Is the frame salvageable or does it need to be replaced? It is crucial to think about this since the frames of window and door screens are more likely to be damaged than mesh. patio door repairs near me could cause the screen to fall out of alignment, causing holes or weak spots.
If you are able to determine if the frame is salvageable or not, you can begin working on the mesh itself. You'll need a few tools to complete this task. A spline roller to press the spline into the frame, scissors and a utility knife are all required to complete the process. These tools will ensure precision and durability when making repairs.
If you have a huge hole in your screen, start by removing as much 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 than the damaged area. The patch should be matched to the grid pattern of your window, if it has one. Then cut the edges of the patch to remove any irregularities and fold them over the top of the spline in order to hide them.
Consider the climate of your region when you are looking to purchase a new screen. Fiberglass mesh is a popular choice due to its flexibility and cost as well as aluminum screens that offer durability and snag-proofing. You could also opt for a specialized insect screen mesh if you live in an area that is ravaged by mosquitoes and other insects. Whatever type of screen material you select, make sure to stretch it tautly across the frame to prevent sagging or wrinkles.
Broken Rollers
A broken roller on the screen door to your patio can be a harrowing trouble. It's not only making the process of sliding your door more difficult however, it can let bugs and other unwanted visitors to enter your home. The good news is, repairing your rollers isn't nearly as expensive or difficult as replacing your door.
Start by examining your rollers to identify the issue. It may be that the wheel has flattened out, or maybe one end of the wheel is worn out by constant contact with the track. The wheels are typically fitted with a push fit to the bracket, and you might be able to place a screwdriver between it and the bracket and then try to pull off the roller. If you are still unable to remove the roller then spray the shaft with WD-40, and try again.
It's also a good idea to examine the tracks, top and bottom. You can straighten bent tracks by hammering an object of wooden against the bent part. It is important to wash the tracks well as they can accumulate dust and grit.
After you've identified the type of roller that is damaged then you can purchase an alternative. Make sure you bring your old rollers to the hardware store to ensure that you purchase the right type. Some doors have more than one roller, so make sure to purchase enough rollers to replace them all.
Use a screwdriver to the inside of the door frame near the rollers to loosen the adjustment bolts or screws. Once the screws have been loosened, you can remove rollers from the bottom. It's best to have someone assist you in this step to liberate your hands and concentrate on removing the rollers.
After installing the new roller The door can be raised and the adjustment screws or bolts are tightened. Check the alignment of both the track and rollers. If everything is in order the patio screen door will easily slide into its place.
Damaged Frame
There are several ways to fix your screen door rubbing against its frame. First, ensure that the hinges are in good condition. 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 then tighten the hinge screws. If this isn't working it is possible to sand down the top of the frame.
Another issue that is common to screen doors is a decaying frame. This can be expensive to repair, as it typically involves replacing the entire frame. To avoid this, keep looking for indications of decay. Make sure to treat them as soon as you notice them. Look for soft wood that is darker than the rest. Keep an eye on areas that have started to bow or warp. If you spot any of these problems you should contact a professional.
You can fix damaged frames with a mesh adhesive patch kit costing between $2-$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 attempt to fix it with wood filler. To do this apply the filler to the area that is damaged, wait for it to dry, and then smooth it with sandpaper.
For a more durable solution, you can buy a frame lift, which is a metal structure that bolts onto your frame and raises it up. It can be expensive, but it can be the best option if your frame has been severely damaged or completely rotted.
To make a simple stand for your screen door you can build a leg from a scrap piece of wood or a picture frame display stand. Then, fasten the brackets or wire to the back of the frame to hang it on the wall. You can also attach a piece of felt to the frame's bottom to protect your wall from scratches.
Broken Splines
A damaged screen spline can be just as frustrating to manage as a damaged frame or door. It might seem like a minor issue that can be overlooked and left unaddressed for too long can allow pests like mosquitoes and flies to get through. This could quickly become the issue of a bigger scale that could lead to costly repairs or a new screen door.
The good news is that replacing a broken spline is simple and affordable, especially if you already have the equipment. Before you begin, you must remove the old spline off the screen door frame. This can be done by placing the frame flat on a surface such as a table, or the ground. Pull the spline out using the screwdriver. If the spline has gotten especially worn or brittle, it could break when you try to remove it from the groove.
While you are pulling out the old spline make sure that you remove any caulking that has been used to keep the spline in place. This will ensure that the new spline will be suitable for fitting into the grooves.
Use a utility blade to cut the excess screen around the frame once you have removed the old spline. This will ensure a secure and clean fit on all sides of your frame once you have installed the spline.
Installing the new spline is simple after you've cleaned the frame and cut the new screen material to the appropriate size. Start with one of the short sides of the frame. Place the spline on top and begin rolling it with your splining tool to move it into the screen channel. Continue to roll the spline, pressing it into as you move. Repeat this process for each of the short sides of the frame. While you are working try to keep the screen taut using spring clamps or tape.
Repeat the process on the other side once you have completed the splining of all the short sides. Finally, finish by splining the top and bottom of the frame.