Patio Screen Door Repair - How to Do it Yourself
A damaged or worn-out screen door isn't just unsightly; it provides a convenient entryway for flies, mosquitoes and other pests. There are a variety of services that can repair your patio screen doors, however, it is a simple task to do yourself.
Lay the screen flat on a surface. Remove the handle by taking out the screws that secure it.
Screens damaged
It's not too surprising that your door or window screens will eventually develop holes and tears as a result of weather pets, children, and even pets. Apart from looking ugly the damaged screens allow flies and other pests into your home. Fortunately, repairing these issues is relatively simple. While patch kits and screen repair tapes offer an easy solution for minor damage, they do not work for more serious issues. This step-by-step guide will demonstrate how to repair and replace your screens' windows and doors.
Examining the damage is the first step. Are the frames salvageable or does it require to be replaced? It is important to take into consideration this since window and door screens frames are more likely to be damaged than the mesh. A bent frame could cause the screen to be out of alignment and create holes or weak spots.
Once you've determined whether the frame can be salvaged and you're ready to tackle the mesh. You'll need some essential tools to accomplish this task. A spline roller that presses the spline into the frame, scissors and a utility knife are all essential to complete the process. Utilizing these tools will ensure accuracy 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 make a clean space. Then, cut a patch of the new screen material to ensure it is at a minimum half inch larger than the damaged area. Make sure the patch matches the grid pattern of your window in the event that it has one. Trim the edges to remove any irregularities. Fold over the spline's ends to conceal them.
When buying a new screen, be sure to consider the climate in your region. Fiberglass mesh is a popular choice due to its flexibility and cost and aluminum screens provide strength and snag-resistance. If your area is ravaged by mosquitos and other insects You may want to choose a specialized mesh designed for insect screens. Whatever type of screen material you pick, be sure you stretch it tightly across the frame to prevent sagging or wrinkles.
Broken Rollers
A damaged roller can be a gruelling issue. It's not only making sliding your door difficult and difficult, but it could also allow insects and other undesirables to enter your home. The good thing is that repairing your rollers isn't nearly as expensive or difficult as replacing your 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 side because of the constant contact with the track. You can try to remove the wheels by putting screwscrews between the roller and the bracket. If you are still unable to remove the roller you can spray the shaft with WD-40 and try it again.
It's also a good idea to look at the tracks from both at the top and bottom. If they're bent, you can straighten them by putting a piece of wood against the bent area and rapping it with the Hammer. It is important to clean the tracks, as well because they can hold dirt and sand.
Once you have identified the type of roller that is broken and you are able to purchase an alternative. Make sure to bring your old rollers to the hardware store to ensure that you buy the correct type. If your door has more than one roller, you will need to buy enough to replace all of them.
Use a screwdriver to the inside of the door frame, near the rollers to loosen the adjustment bolts or screws. Once the screws are loose, you can remove the rollers from the bottom of the door. It's best to have someone help you with this step to help you liberate your hands to focus on taking off the rollers.
Once the new roller is installed after installation, the door can be raised and the bolts or screws that adjust can be tightened. Be sure to check the alignment of the rollers as well as the track, too. If everything is in the correct position the patio screen will slide in place easily.
Damaged Frame
If your screen door is getting caught against the frame, there are many ways to fix it. First, make sure that the hinges are tight. 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, tighten the hinge screws. If this doesn't work it is possible to sand the frame's top.
Another issue that is common to screen doors is a rotting frame. It can be costly to fix as the frame will need to be replaced. To avoid this, keep a watchful eye for signs of rot, and treat them immediately if you notice them. Look for soft wood that is darker than the rest. Be on the lookout for any areas where the wood is beginning to warp or bow. Call a professional if you detect any of these problems.
You can fix damaged frames with mesh patch kits costing between $2-$7. patio door repairs includes a tiny piece of mesh and glue that can be used to cover any holes in your screen. If the damage isn't too severe, you can also attempt to repair it using a wood filler. To do this, you will need to apply the wood filler over the damaged area and wait for it dry before sanding the area smooth.
You can buy a framelift which is a metallic structure that is bolted to the frame you already have that lifts it. It is a costly alternative, but it is the most effective option if your frame is badly damaged or has rotted.
You can create an easy leg for your screen door using scraps of wood or an old display stand for a photo frame. Connect wires or brackets to the back of the frame, allowing you to hang the frame on the wall. You can also attach a piece of felt to the bottom of the frame to protect the wall from scratches.
Broken Splines
A damaged screen spline for your screen is the same as damaged frames or doors. It might seem like an issue that is easy to ignore. However, if you let it go for too long, pests such as mosquitoes and flies can slip through. This could soon become an issue that is more serious and could cause more costly repairs or even a new screen door.
The good news is that replacing damaged spline can be relatively simple and affordable, particularly in the event that you already have the equipment. First, you'll need take off the old spline for your screen door. This can be accomplished by placing the frame flat on a work surface, like a table or the ground. Pull the spline out using a screwdriver. If the spline has gotten especially worn or brittle, it may break as you attempt to take it from the groove.
While you are pulling out the old spline, make sure that you take off any caulking used to hold the spline in place. This will ensure that the new spline is properly fitted in the grooves.
Make use of a utility blade to trim the screen around the frame after you have removed the old spline. This will ensure a snug, smooth fit across the entire frame once you have installed the spline.
After you have a clear frame and the new screen material cut to size, it is time to begin installing the new spline. Start on the short side of the frame. Lay the spline in place, and begin rolling it with your splining tool to move it into the screen channel. Continue rolling the spline, and pushing it into the screen channel as you move. Continue this process for each side of the frame. While you are working, use spring clamps or tape to keep the screen taut.
Repeat the process for the second side after you have completed the splining process for all the short sides. Then, finish by splining the top and bottom of the frame.