Patio Screen Door Repair - How to Do it Yourself
A worn or torn screen door isn't just unsightly; it provides an ideal entry point for flies, mosquitoes, and other pests. There are a variety of services that can fix your patio screen doors, but it's easy to fix it yourself.
Lay the screen flat on a work surface. Remove the handle from that side by taking out the screws that hold it in place.
Damaged Screens
It's not too surprising that your window or door screens will eventually develop holes and tears due to weather animals, children, and pets. The damaged screens aren't only ugly, but also allow pests and flies in your home. Fortunately, fixing the problem is fairly easy. While patch kits and screen repair tape provide an easy solution for minor damage, these products don't work well on more serious issues. This step-by-step guide will teach you how to properly repair and replace your windows and doors for screen.
Assessing the damage is the first step. Can the frame be repaired or does it require to be replaced? This is vital because, as a rule windows and door screen frames are more prone to being damaged than mesh. sliding patio door repair could cause the screen to be out of place and cause holes or weak spots.
After you've decided whether or not the frame is salvageable and you're ready to build the mesh. You'll need some essential tools to accomplish this task. A spline roller for pressing the spline into the frame scissors and a utility knife are all necessary to complete the process. Using these tools ensures precision and durability in your repairs.
If you have an extensive hole, start by cutting away as much of the old screen as is possible to create a clean opening. Then, cut a patch of new screen material in a way that it is at least a half inch bigger all around than the damaged area. If your window has grid patterns, be sure to match the patch to it. Trim the edges to remove any irregularities. Fold over the edges of spline to conceal them.
Consider the climate of your area when buying a replacement screen. Aluminum screens are strong and resistant to snags, while fiberglass mesh is popular for its low cost and flexibility. If your area is ravaged by pests like mosquitoes and snagged insects you might prefer a specially-designed mesh designed for insect screens. Whatever kind of insect screen you select, make sure to stretch it tautly across the frame to avoid sagging or wrinkles.
Broken Rollers
A broken roller can be a gruelling problem. It can make moving the door difficult and allow bugs to enter your home. The good thing is that fixing your rollers won't be nearly as expensive or difficult as replacing your door.
Begin by inspecting the rollers to determine what the problem is. It could be that the wheel has sunk or worn out on one end due to constant contact with the track. Try to remove the wheels by putting an screwdriver between the bracket and the roller. If you're unable to get the roller to lift off, it may be beneficial to spray the shaft with WD-40 prior to attempting again.
You should also check 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 hitting it with the Hammer. It is important to clean the tracks, as well because they can hold sand and grit.
Once you have identified the type of roller that is broken and you are able to purchase the replacement. Bring your old rollers to the hardware store so that you are sure you're buying the right type. Some doors have more than one roller, so be sure to purchase 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 door 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 a third party so that you don't have to work with your hands.
After installing the new roller the door can be raised and the bolts or screws for adjustment can be tightened. Verify the alignment of the track and rollers. If everything is in order the patio screen door will easily slide into place.
Frame Damaged
There are a variety of ways to repair your screen door that is to stop it from rubbing against the frame. First, make sure that the hinges are tight. A door can bind in the event that the hinges are loose. If they're loose, tighten the hinge screws. If this isn't working, you might need to sand the top of the frame to make it smooth.
Another issue that is common to screen doors is a rotting frame. It can be costly to repair, as it usually involves replacing the entire frame. To avoid this, be on the lookout for any signs of rot. Take care of them as soon as you notice them. Find soft wood that is darker than the rest. Be on the lookout for any areas where the wood is starting to bow or warp. Contact a professional if detect any of these problems.
A mesh adhesive patch kit can be used to fix a damaged frame. The cost of these kits is between $2 and $7. The kit comes with a small piece of mesh and glue, which you can use to cover any holes in your screen. If the damage is minor you can attempt to repair it with wood filler. To do this apply the filler to the damaged area, then wait for it to dry, then sand it smooth.
Framelifts can be purchased that is a steel structure that is bolted to your frame that raises it up. It is a costly alternative, but it is the best if your frame has been badly damaged or rotted.
To create a simple stand for your screen door, you can create a leg from a scrap piece of wood or even a photo frame display stand. Connect wires or brackets to the back to hang the frame 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 could be just as frustrating to deal with as damaged doors or frames. It may appear to be an issue that is minor enough to be ignored, but letting it go long enough can allow pests such as flies and mosquitoes to slip through. This can quickly escalate into a larger problem that could lead to costly repairs or the need for a new screen door.
The good news is that replacing broken spline is simple and affordable, especially when you already have the equipment. Before you can get started you must remove the old spline from the door frame. This can be done by laying the frame flat on a surface like a table or the ground. Use a screwdriver to pry open the free spline and then pull it out. If the spline is extremely worn or brittle it could break when you attempt to take it from the groove.
While you are pulling out the old spline, make sure that you remove any caulking that has been used to hold the spline in place. This will help ensure that the new spline is properly fitted in the grooves.
Once you have removed all of the old spline, use a knife to cut any excess screen off the frame. This will ensure you have an even, clean fit on all sides of the frame once you install the new spline.
When you have a clean frame and have the new screen material cut to size, it's time to install the new spline. Begin with the shorter side of the frame. The spline should be rolled into the screen channel using your splining tool. Continue rolling the spline, and pushing it into the screen channel as you move. Repeat this process for each of the shorter sides of the frame. While you are working, use tape or spring clamps to ensure that the screen stays taut.
Repeat the process on the other side once you have completed the splining of all short sides. Then, you can finish by splining both the top and bottom edges of the frame.