Patio Screen Door Repair - How to Do it Yourself
A worn or torn screen door is not only ugly, it also provides a convenient entryway for flies, mosquitoes and other insects. There are many services that can fix your patio screen doors but it's easy to fix yourself.
Lay the screen flat on a work surface. Take the handle off by removing the screws that secure it.
Screens damaged
It's not too surprising that your door or window screens will begin to develop holes and tears due to weather, pets, and children. In addition to being ugly the damaged screens allow pests and flies into your home. Fortunately, fixing the problem is fairly easy. While patch kits and screen repair tapes offer an easy solution for minor damage, these products do not work for larger problems. This step-by-step guide will teach you how to correctly repair and replace your windows and doors for screen.
The first thing you need to do is determine the damage. Is it possible to salvage the frame, or will it require replacement? It is important to consider this since the frames of window and door screens are more susceptible to being damaged than mesh. A bent frame could pull the screen out of alignment, which can result in holes and weak areas in the mesh.
If you are able to determine if the frame is salvageable or not, you can start fixing the mesh. For this job you'll require a few essential tools. A spline roller for pressing the spline into the frame an utility knife and scissors are all required for this procedure. Utilizing these tools will ensure precision and durability in your repairs.
If you have a large hole in your screen, start by removing as much possible of the old material to create a new space. Then, cut patio door lock repair near me of the new screen material to ensure it is at a minimum half inch bigger all around than the damaged area. The patch should be matched to your window's grid pattern in the event that it has one. Finally, trim the edges of the patch to remove any irregularities and fold the ends of the spline to conceal the edges.
Be aware of the climate of your locale when you are looking to purchase a new screen. Fiberglass mesh is a popular choice for its flexibility and affordability as well as aluminum screens that offer the strength and durability of snag-resistant screens. You might also opt for a specialized insect screen mesh if your area is a victim of mosquitoes and other pests. Whatever type of screen you choose make sure you stretch the fabric tautly over the frame to avoid wrinkles and sagging.
Broken Rollers
A damaged roller on the screen door to your patio can be a frustrating trouble. It can make sliding the door difficult and even allow insects to enter your home. The good news is that repairing the rollers doesn't have to be as difficult or costly as replacing the entire door.
Begin by looking at the rollers to determine what the issue is. You may find that the wheel has sunk or worn out on one side because of constant contact with the track. You can try to take off the wheels by inserting a screwdriver between the bracket and the roller. If you're unable to get the roller to come off, it might be helpful to spritz the shaft area with WD-40 before trying again.
You should also examine the tracks from top to bottom. If they're bent, you can straighten them by placing a block of wood against the bent portion and hitting it with a hammer. It's essential to clean the tracks, as well, as they can trap dirt and sand.
Once you've identified the kind of roller that's damaged, you can buy a replacement. Make sure to bring your old rollers to the hardware store to ensure that you purchase the correct model. Some doors have more than one roller, so be sure to purchase enough rollers to replace them all.
Before installing the new roller make use of a screwdriver to loosen the bolts or screws that adjust the door. on the inside of the door frame near the rollers. Once the screws have been loosened, you can remove rollers from the bottom. This task should be done by someone else so that you don't need to work with your hands.
Once the new roller is installed The door can then be raised and the adjustment screws or bolts can be tightened. Check the alignment of both the track and the rollers. If everything is in order, your patio screen door should slide easily into place.
Frame Damaged
There are a variety of ways you can repair the screen door that is that is rubbing against its frame. First, make sure that the hinges are tight. Loose hinges can cause doors to bind, which means it will stop when you open or close the door. If they are loose, tighten the hinge screws. If this doesn't work, you may need to sand the top of the frame to smooth it.
Another common problem with screen doors is a rotting frame. It can be costly to repair as the frame will need to be replaced. To avoid this, be on the lookout for signs of rot and treat them as soon as you notice them. You should look for wood that is darker than the rest. Be aware of any areas where the wood is starting to bow or warp. Call a professional if you detect any of these problems.
You can repair damaged frames with mesh patch kits, which costs between $2 and $7. The kit includes a small piece mesh and glue that you can use to repair any holes in the screen. If the damage isn't too severe it is possible to repair it with wood filler. To do this apply the filler on the area that is damaged, wait for it to dry, and then sand it to a smooth finish.
You can buy a framelift which is a metallic structure that is bolted to your existing frame that lifts it. It is a costly alternative, but it is the best if your frame has been badly damaged or has rotted.
You can create an easy leg for your screen door using a scrap of wood or an old photo frame display stand. Then, secure a wire or brackets to the back of the frame to hang it on the wall. You can also attach a piece of felt on the bottom to protect the wall from scratches.
Broken Splines
A broken screen spline can be just as annoying to deal with as damaged doors or frames. This may seem like an issue that is easy to ignore. But if you let it go for too long, pests such as insects and mosquitoes can get through. This can quickly turn into an issue that is more serious that could lead to costly repairs or a new door screen.
The good news is that replacing damaged spline can be relatively simple and inexpensive, especially in the event that you already have the tools. Before you begin, you must remove the old spline off the screen door frame. You can do this by placing the screen door frame flat on a surface such as a table or the ground. Pull the spline out by using the screwdriver. If the spline is particularly damaged or worn, you could find that it breaks as you attempt to pull it out of the groove.
When you are removing the old spline make sure that you also remove any caulking that has been used to hold the spline in place. This will ensure that the new spline is able to fit into the grooves.
After you have removed all the old spline, use a knife to cut any excess screen from the frame. This will ensure that you have an even, clean fit on all sides of the frame once you put in the new spline.
Installing the new spline is easy once you have cleaned the frame and cut the new screen material to the appropriate size. Start on the short side of the frame. Roll the spline into the screen channel using your splining device. Continue to roll the spline, pushing it in as you go. Repeat this process for each of the short sides of the frame. While you are working, try to keep the screen taut by using tape or spring clamps.
Repeat the process on the other side after you have completed the splining of all short sides. Complete by splining both of the bottom and top edges of the frame.
