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 bugs. While there are services that will repair your patio screen door, it is relatively easy to do the job yourself.
Lay the screen flat on a work surface. Remove the handle from the screen by removing the screws that hold it in place.
Screens damaged
Between weather children, pets, and weather, it's no surprise that holes and tears are bound to appear in your window or door screens. In addition to being ugly the damaged screens allow flies and other pests into your home. Repairing these issues is simple. Screen repair kits and patch kits taps are quick fixes for minor damage. However, they won't work as well on more serious issues. This step-by-step guide will explain how to repair and replace your doors and windows.
The first thing to do is evaluate the damage. Are there ways to salvage the frame, or does it need replacing? It is crucial to think about this since window and door screens frames are more susceptible to being damaged than mesh. A bent frame can cause the screen to become out of alignment, causing holes or weak spots.
Once you've determined whether the frame is salvageable or not, you can start working on the mesh itself. For this task, you'll need a few essential tools. A spline roller to press the spline into the frame, a utility knife and scissors are all necessary for this procedure. These tools will guarantee precision and durability when making repairs.
If you have a large hole in your screen, start by removing as much as possible of the old material to create a clean space. Cut a new piece of screen material that is at least a half inch bigger all around than the damaged area. If your window has a grid pattern, make sure to match the patch with it. Trim the edges to remove any irregularities. Fold over the ends of spline to hide them.
When you are purchasing a replacement screen, be sure to take into consideration the climate of your area. 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 pests you might want to choose a specialized mesh designed for insect screens. Whatever type of screen material you choose, make sure you stretch it tightly across the frame to avoid wrinkles or sagging.
Broken Rollers
A damaged roller on your patio screen door can be a major trouble. It can make moving the door difficult and allow bugs to get inside your home. The good news is that repairing the rollers isn't as complicated or costly as replacing your entire door.
Start by examining your rollers to find the issue. You may find that the wheel is flattened or worn out on one end because of the constant contact with track. You can try to take off the wheels by putting screwscrews between the bracket and 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 look at the tracks from top to the bottom. You can straighten bent tracks by hammering a block of wooden against the bent part. It is crucial to clean the tracks as well, as they may accumulate dust and grit.
After you've identified the type roller that is damaged and you are able to purchase the replacement. Make sure you bring your old rollers with you to the hardware store to ensure you buy the correct type. If your door has more than one roller then you'll need to purchase enough to replace all of them.
Before installing the new roller using a screwdriver, loosen the adjustment screws or bolts on the inside of the door frame, close to the rollers. After the screws are loose, you can take the rollers from the bottom. This is best done by someone else so that you don't have to use your hands.
After the new roller has been installed after installation, the door can be lowered back to its original position and the adjustment screws or bolts can be tightened. Make sure to verify the alignment of the rollers and the track, too. If everything is in the right place your patio screen will slide into place easily.
Damaged Frame
There are a variety of ways you can repair your screen door that is that is rubbing against its frame. First, ensure that the hinges are tight. A hinge that is loose could cause doors to become stuck, which means it will stop when you open or close the door. If they're loose, just tighten the hinge screws. If this fails, you may have to sand the frame's top to smooth it.
Another common problem with screen doors is a rotting frame. This can be expensive to repair, as it typically involves replacing the entire frame. To avoid this, keep on the lookout for any signs of rot. Treat them as soon you notice them. You should look for wood that is darker than the rest. Also, keep an eye on areas where the wood is beginning to bow or warp. If you spot any of these issues contact a professional.
A mesh adhesive patch kit can be used to repair damaged frames. The kits range from $2 and $7. The kit comes with small pieces of mesh and glue that you can use to repair any holes in the screen. If the damage is not too significant it is possible to try fixing it with a wood filler. To accomplish this, you'll have to apply the wood filler over the affected area and wait for it dry before sanding it smooth.
For a more durable solution you can opt for frames lifts. A frame lift is a metal structure that bolts onto your existing frame and lifts it up. This is a very expensive option, but is the best option if your frame is badly damaged or rotted.
To create a simple stand for your screen door, you can make a leg from a scrap piece of wood or a photo frame display stand. Then, fasten a wire or brackets to the back of the frame to hang it on the wall. You can also add a piece of felt on the bottom to protect the wall from scratches.
Broken Splines
A damaged screen spline for your screen is just as frustrating as damaged doors or frames. It might seem like an issue that is minor enough to be overlooked however, ignoring it too long can allow pests such as flies and mosquitoes to slip through. This can quickly escalate into a larger problem and result in costly repairs or a new screen door.
It is not difficult to replace a broken screen spline if you have the right tools. Before you can begin, you must remove the old spline from the door frame. You can do this by placing the screen door frame flat on a surface like a table or ground. Utilize a screwdriver to pull through the free end of the spline and pull it out. If the spline has gotten especially worn or brittle, it may break as you try to remove it from the groove.
While you are pulling out the old spline, ensure that you take off any caulking that has been used to keep the spline from moving. RepairMyWindowsAndDoors will ensure that the new spline is suitable for fitting into the grooves.
When you've removed all the old spline, use a knife to cut any excess screen off the frame. This will ensure a tight, smooth fit across the entire frame once you have installed the spline.
Installing the new spline is simple after you have cleaned the frame and cut the new material to size. Begin with one of the shorter sides of the frame. Incorporate the spline into the screen channel using the splining device. Continue to roll the spline, pressing it into as you move. Repeat this process on each side of the frame. While you are working, use tape or spring clamps to ensure that the screen stays taut.
Repeat the process on the opposite side after you have completed the splining process for all the short sides. Finally, finish by splining the top and bottom of the frame.