Patio Screen Door Repair - How to Do it Yourself
A worn or torn screen door isn't just unsightly; it provides an ideal entrance point for mosquitoes, flies and other pests. While there are services that can repair your patio screen door, it is quite simple to complete the job yourself.
Lay the screen flat on a work surface. Remove the handle by taking off the screws that hold it in place.
Screens damaged
It's not a surprise that your window or door screens will develop holes and tears due to weather, pets, and children. The damaged screens aren't just ugly, but they also let insects and flies to enter your home. Fortunately, fixing these issues is relatively simple. Screen repair kits and patch kits taps are quick fixes for minor damage. However, they do not work as well on more serious issues. This step-by-step guide will explain how to repair and replace your screen windows and doors.
Analyzing the damage is the first step. Is the frame salvageable or does it require to be replaced? It is important to take into consideration this since windows and door screen frames are more likely to be damaged than mesh. A bent frame may cause the screen to be out of alignment and create holes or weak spots.
If you are able to determine if the frame is salvageable or not, you can start working on the mesh itself. To accomplish this you'll require some essential tools. This process requires a spline roll for pressing the spline inside the frame, a utility knife and scissors. These tools will ensure accuracy and durability when you make repairs.
If you're dealing with a large hole, begin by cutting away as much of the old screen as possible to make a clear opening. Cut an entirely new screen material that is at least a half inch larger all around than the damaged part. If your window is designed with grid patterns, be sure that the patch matches to it. Trim the edges to remove any irregularities. Fold over the ends of spline to conceal them.
When purchasing your replacement screen, make sure you consider the climate in your area. Aluminum screens are strong and resistant to snags, while fiberglass mesh is well-known for its low cost and flexibility. If your area is ravaged by mosquitos and other insects, you may want to choose a specialized mesh specifically designed for insect screens. Whatever kind of insect screen you choose, make sure you stretch it tightly across the frame to prevent sagging or wrinkles.
Broken Rollers
A broken roller on your patio screen door can be a frustrating inconvenience. It can make sliding the door a challenge and also allow insects to enter your home. The good news is that repairing the rollers doesn't have to be as difficult or expensive as replacing your entire door.
Start by examining your rollers to identify the problem. It could be that the wheel is flattened out, or maybe one end of the wheel has worn out by constant contact with the track. You can try to take off the wheels by putting an screwdriver between the bracket and the roller. If you're still unable to remove the roller then spray the shaft with WD-40 and try again.
It's recommended to take a look at the tracks, both at the top and bottom. Straighten bent tracks by hammering an object of wood against the bent portion. It's important to clean out the tracks, as well as they could hold grit and sand.
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 you can ensure you're purchasing the correct type. Some doors have more than one roller, so make sure to purchase enough rollers to replace them all.
Before installing the new roller, use a screwdriver to loosen the bolts or screws that adjust the door. on the inside of the frame near the door rollers. After the screws are loose, you can take the rollers from the bottom. This task should be performed by a person else so that you don't need to make use of your hands.
After the new roller has been installed, the door can be lowered back to its original position and the adjustment screws or bolts can be tightened. Be sure to check the alignment of the rollers and track, too. If everything is in the right position the patio screen will be able to slide into place with ease.
Frame Damaged
If your screen door is rubbing against the frame, there are a variety of solutions to fix it. Make sure the hinges are tight. A door could be bowed when hinges are loose. If they are loose, just tighten the hinge screws. If this isn't working it is possible to sand the top of the frame.
Another common problem with screen doors is a rotting frame. It can be costly to repair since the frame will need to be replaced. To avoid this, be on the lookout for signs of rot and address them as soon as you notice them. Look for soft wood that is darker than the rest. Keep an eye out for any areas in which the wood is beginning to bow or warp. If you notice any of these problems you should contact a professional.
Repairing a damaged frame by using mesh patch kits that costs from $2-$7. The kit includes small pieces of mesh and glue that can be used to fix any holes in the screen. If the damage is minimal it is possible to try fixing it with a wood filler. To accomplish this, you'll need to apply the wood filler over the affected area and then 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 frame that raises it. It can be expensive however it could be the best option in cases where your frame has been severely damaged or completely decayed.
To make a simple stand for your screen door you can build legs from a scrap piece of wood or a picture frame display stand. Attach brackets or wires to the back to hang the frame on the wall. You can add a piece felt to the bottom of the frame to protect the wall from scratches.
Broken Splines
A damaged screen spline can be as difficult to deal with as damaged doors or frames. It may seem like a minor issue that can be overlooked however, ignoring it long enough can let pests like flies and mosquitoes to slip through. This can quickly become an even bigger issue and cause more costly repairs or even a new screen door.
It is not difficult to replace a broken spline, especially when you have the proper tools. Before you can begin, you must remove the old spline from the door frame. This can be done by laying the frame flat on a work surface like a table or the ground. Pull the spline out with a screwdriver. If the spline is particularly worn or brittle you may find that it breaks as you attempt to pull it out of the groove.
As you remove the old spline, be sure to also take off the caulking that was used to keep it in place. This will ensure that the new spline is properly fitted into the grooves.
Use a utility blade to trim the excess screen around the frame once you have removed the old spline. This will ensure a secure and straight fit on all sides of your frame when you install the spline.
Installing the new spline is easy once you have cleaned the frame and cut the new material to size. Start with one of the short sides of the frame. Lay patio door lock repair near me in place and begin rolling it with your splining tool to work it into the screen channel. Continue rolling the spline and pushing it into the screen channel as you go. Continue this process for each of the shorter sides of the frame. As you are working, try to keep the screen taut with spring clamps or tape.
Repeat the process for the second side after you have completed the splining of all the short sides. Complete by splining both of the bottom and top edges of the frame.