Patio Screen Door Repair - How to Do it Yourself
A damaged or worn screen door is not just unsightly; it provides an ideal entry point for flies, mosquitoes, and other pests. Although there are services to repair your patio screen door, it is fairly simple to do the job yourself.
First, lay the screen on a flat surface. Remove the handle from that side by removing the screws that hold it in place.
Damaged Screens
Between weather children, pets, and weather, it's no surprise that holes and tears will eventually appear in your window or door screens. Apart from looking ugly the damaged screens allow pests and flies into your home. Fortunately, repairing the problem is fairly easy. Patch kits and screen repair taps are quick fixes to minor damage. However, they do not work as well on more serious issues. This step-bystep guide will show you how to correctly repair and replace your windows and doors for screen.
Analyzing the damage is the first step. Can you salvage the frame, or does it need replacing? This is vital because, as a rule, window and door screen frames are more susceptible to damage than the mesh. A bent frame 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 a few tools to complete the task. A spline roller for pressing the spline into the frame, a utility knife and scissors are all necessary for this procedure. Using these tools ensures precision and durability in your repairs.
If you are dealing with an extensive hole, start by cutting away as much of the old screen as is possible to make a clear 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. Repair My Windows And Doors should be matched to the grid pattern of your window in the event that it has one. Cut the edges to eliminate any imperfections. Fold over the edges of spline to hide them.
When buying a new screen, make sure you take into consideration the climate of your area. Aluminum screens are sturdy and resistant to snags while fiberglass mesh is a favorite because of its cost and flexibility. You may also wish to select a special insect screen mesh if your region is plagued with mosquitoes and other insects. Whatever type of screen material you pick, be sure that you stretch it tight across the frame to prevent sagging or wrinkles.
Broken Rollers
A broken roller can be a gruelling issue. It's not only making it difficult to move your door and difficult, but it could also allow bugs and other unwanted visitors to enter your home. The good thing is that fixing the rollers isn't as complicated or expensive as replacing your entire door.
Start by inspecting your rollers to identify the issue. It could be that the wheel has flattened out, or maybe one side of the wheel is worn out from constant contact with the track. The wheels are usually fitted with a push fit to the bracket, and you might be able to insert a screwdriver between it and the bracket, and try to lever it off. If you're still unable to remove the roller, spray the shaft area with WD-40 and try it again.
It's also a good idea to examine the tracks, top and bottom. If they're bent, you can straighten them by placing a block of wood against the bent part and beating it with a hammer. It is crucial to wash the tracks well as they could accumulate dust and grit.
Once you have identified the type of roller that is broken then you can purchase a replacement. Bring your old rollers to the hardware store so that you are sure you're buying the correct type. Some doors have more than one roller, so be 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 screws or bolts that adjust the door. Once the screws are loose, you can remove the rollers from the bottom of the door. It is recommended to have someone assist you in this process to help you unwind your hands and concentrate on taking off the rollers.
After installing the new roller The door can be raised and the adjustment screws or bolts tightened. Check the alignment of both the track and the rollers. If everything is correctly positioned the patio screen door will easily slide into place.
Damaged Frame
If your screen door is rubbing against the frame, there are several solutions to correct it. Check that the hinges are tight. A door could be bowed in the event that the hinges are loose. If they're loose make sure you tighten the hinge screws. If this doesn't work, you may have to sand the frame's top to smooth it.
A rotting frame is a common issue with screens. This can be expensive to repair, as it typically requires replacing the entire frame. To avoid this, keep a lookout for signs of rot and treat them as soon as you notice them. Find soft wood that is darker than the rest. Keep an eye on areas that have started to bow or warp. If you find any of these issues you should contact a professional.
Repairing damaged frames with mesh patch kits, which costs between $2-$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 isn't too severe it is possible to try fixing it with a wood filler. To do this, you will need to apply the wood filler over the area that is damaged and wait for it to dry before sanding the area smooth.
You can buy a framelift that is a steel structure that is bolted to your existing frame that lifts it. This is a very expensive option, but is the most effective option if your frame has been severely damaged or rotted.
You can make an easy leg for your screen door with scraps of wood or an old display stand for your photo frame. Then, attach the brackets or wire to the back of the frame to hang it on the wall. You can even add 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 annoying to handle as a damaged frame or door. It might seem like an issue that is minor enough to be ignored and left unaddressed for too long can allow pests such as mosquitoes and flies to get through. This can quickly turn into an issue that is more serious that could lead to costly repairs or the need for 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 tools. You will first need to take off the old spline for your screen door. This can be done by laying the screen door frame flat on any surface such as a table or the ground. Pull the spline out using the screwdriver. If the spline is especially worn or brittle you may find that it breaks as you attempt to remove it from the groove.
As you remove the old spline, make sure that you also remove the caulking used to hold it in place. This will ensure that the new spline fits properly in the grooves.
Once you've removed all the old spline a knife to cut any screen that is left around the frame. This will ensure that you have an even, clean fit on all sides of the frame when you install the new spline.
When you have a clean frame and the new screen material cut to size, it's time to start installing the new spline. Begin 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, pushing it in as you move. Continue this process on each short side of the frame. While you work, try to keep the screen taut using spring clamps or tape.
Repeat the process on the other side after you have completed the splining process for all the short sides. Finish by splining both the bottom and top edges of the frame.