Patio Screen Door Repair - How to Do it Yourself
A damaged or worn screen door isn't just unsightly; it provides an ideal entry point for mosquitoes, flies and other bugs. Although there are services to repair your patio screen door, it's fairly simple to do the job yourself.
Lay the screen flat on a surface. Take the handle off 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 be found in your window or door screens. The damaged screens aren't just ugly, but they also let insects and flies to enter your home. Repairing these issues is fairly easy. While patch kits and screen repair tape provide an easy solution for minor damage, these products don't work well on larger issues. This step-by-step guide will teach you how to correctly repair and replace your screen doors and windows.
Examining the damage is the first step. Is the frame salvageable or does it require to be replaced? This is crucial since, in general window and door screen frames are more susceptible to damage than mesh. A bent frame can cause the screen to be out of place and cause holes or weak spots.
Once you've determined whether the frame is salvageable or not, you can start 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 necessary to complete the process. These tools will guarantee precision and durability when you make repairs.
If you have a huge hole in your screen, begin by removing as much as possible of the old material to create a new space. Then cut a patch of new screen material so that it is at a minimum half an inch larger than the damaged area. If your window is designed with grid patterns, be sure the patch is in line with it. Finally trim the edges of your patch to eliminate any irregularities and fold over the ends of the spline to conceal them.
When buying a new screen, be sure to think about the climate in the area you live in. Fiberglass mesh is a popular option because of its flexibility and affordability and aluminum screens provide strength and snag-resistance. If your area is plagued by mosquitos and other insects You may need to select a special mesh specifically designed for insect screens. Whichever type of screen you pick make sure you stretch the material tightly over the frame to prevent sagging and wrinkles.
Broken Rollers
A broken roller can be a major issue. It's not only making the process of sliding your door more difficult and difficult, but it could also allow insects and other undesirables to enter your home. The good thing is that fixing the rollers isn't as difficult or expensive as replacing your entire door.
Start by examining your rollers to determine the issue. It could be that the wheel has sunk or worn out on one side because of constant contact with track. The wheels are usually fitted with a push fit to the bracket, so you may be able to place an screwdriver between the bracket and the roller and attempt to push off the roller. If you are still unable to remove the roller you can spray the shaft with WD-40 and try again.
Also, you should examine the tracks from top to the bottom. Straighten bent tracks by hammering a piece of wooden against the bent part. It is crucial to keep the tracks clean as well as they can collect grit and dust.
Once you've identified the kind of roller that's damaged, you can purchase a replacement. Bring your old rollers to the hardware store so you are sure you're buying the correct model. If your door has more than one roller then you'll need to buy enough to replace them all.
Before installing the new roller, use a screwdriver to loosen the adjustment screws or bolts on the inside of the door frame, close to the rollers. 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 liberate your hands to focus on taking off the rollers.
Once the new roller is installed, the door can be lowered back to its original position and the adjustment screws or bolts can be tightened. Examine the alignment of the track and the rollers. If everything is in order your patio screen door will slide easily into its place.
Frame Damaged
If your screen door is rubbing against the frame, there are several ways to fix it. First, make sure RepairMyWindowsAndDoors are in good condition. A door could be bowed when hinges are loose. If they're loose, just tighten the hinge screws. If this isn't working it is possible to sand down the frame's top.
Another issue that is common to screen doors is a decaying frame. This can be expensive to repair, since it typically involves replacing the entire frame. To avoid this, be on the lookout for any indications of rot. Take care of them as soon as you spot them. Look for soft wood that is darker than the rest. Keep an eye out for areas that have started to bow or warp. Contact a professional if observe any of these issues.
A mesh patch kit can be used to fix a damaged frame. The kits range from $2 and $7. The kit includes a small piece of mesh and glue which you can use to fill any holes in your screen. If the damage is not too significant it is possible to attempt to repair it using a wood filler. To accomplish this, you'll need to apply the wood filler to the damaged area and wait for it dry before sanding the area smooth.
For a more permanent solution you can purchase frames lifts. A frame lift is a steel structure that bolts to the frame you have and lifts it up. This is a costly option, but can be the most effective option if your frame is badly damaged or rotted.
To make a simple stand for your screen door you can create legs from a scrap piece of wood or even a photo frame display stand. Attach wires or brackets to the back of the frame, allowing you to hang the frame 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 for your screen is just as frustrating as a damaged door or frame. It might appear to be a problem that is easy to ignore. If you allow it to linger for too long, pests like mosquitoes and flies may slip through. This could soon become an issue that is more serious and could result in more costly repairs or even a replacement screen door.
It is easy to repair a damaged spline, especially when you have the proper tools. First, you'll need take off the old spline from the screen door. You can do this by placing the screen door frame flat on a surface like a table or ground. Take the spline off using the screwdriver. If the spline is particularly damaged or brittle, you might find that it breaks as you try to pull it out of the groove.
When you take off the old spline, make sure you remove the caulking used to keep it in place. This will ensure that the new spline will be capable of fitting into the grooves.
Make use of a utility blade to cut the excess screen around the frame once you have removed the old spline. This will ensure a tight, smooth fit across the entire frame once you have installed the spline.
Installing the new spline is easy after you have cleaned the frame and cut the new screen material to size. Start by putting it on one of the shorter sides of the frame. The spline should be rolled into the screen channel using the splining device. 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 work make sure to keep the screen taut with spring clamps or tape.
Once you have splined all of the short sides of the frame move to the opposite side and repeat the process. Then, finish by splining the top and bottom of the frame.