Patio Screen Door Repair - How to Do it Yourself
A damaged or worn screen door isn't just ugly; it's also a an ideal entry point for mosquitoes, flies and other pests. Although there are services that can repair your patio screen door, it's quite simple to complete the job yourself.
Lay the screen flat on a surface. Remove the handle by taking out the screws that hold it in place.
Damaged Screens
It's not a surprise that your door or window screens will begin to develop holes and tears due to weather pets, children, and even pets. The damaged screens aren't only unsightly but also allow pests and flies in your home. Repairing these issues is fairly simple. Screen repair kits and patch kits tap are quick fixes for minor damage. However, they don't work as well on more serious problems. This step-bystep guide will show how to repair and replace your screen windows and doors.
Examining the damage is the first step. Is the frame salvageable or does it need to be replaced? This is vital because, as a rule windows and door screen frames are more prone to being damaged than mesh. A bent frame can pull the screen out of alignment, resulting in holes and weak spots in the mesh.
After you've decided whether or not the frame can be salvaged, you can begin to work on the mesh. 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 essential for this procedure. These tools ensure the highest quality and durability of your repairs.
If you have a huge hole in your screen, begin by removing as much possible of the old material to create a new space. Then, cut a patch of the new screen material in a way that it is at least a half an inch larger than the damaged area. Match the patch to the grid pattern of your window, if it has one. Then cut the edges of the patch to eliminate any irregularities and fold over the ends of the spline to conceal the edges.
When purchasing your replacement screen, you should consider the climate in your area. Aluminum screens are sturdy and resistant to snags, while fiberglass mesh is popular for its affordability and flexibility. If your area is plagued by pests like mosquitoes and snagged insects you might need to select a special mesh designed for insect screens. Whatever type of screen you select be sure to stretch the fabric tautly over the frame to avoid sagging and wrinkles.
Broken Rollers
A damaged roller can be a frustrating problem. It can make moving the door difficult and even allow insects to enter your home. The good news is that repairing the rollers isn't as complicated or costly as replacing your entire door.
Begin by looking at your rollers to find the problem. You may find that the wheel is flattened or worn out on one end because of the constant contact with track. The wheels are generally fitted with a push fit to the bracket, so you might be able to place a screwdriver between the bracket and the roller, and try to lever off the roller. If you're unable to get the roller to fall off, it could be helpful to spritz the shaft with WD-40 prior to trying again.
It is also important to examine the tracks from top to bottom. If they're bent and need to be straightened, you can do so by holding a block of wood against the bent area and rapping it with the hammer. It is crucial to keep the tracks clean as well as they could accumulate dust and grit.
Once you've identified what kind of roller that's broken, you can purchase a replacement. Be sure to take your old rollers with you to the hardware store to ensure that you purchase the correct model. Some doors have more than one roller, so be sure to buy enough rollers to replace them all.
Before installing the new roller using a screwdriver, loosen the adjustment screws or bolts on the inside of the door frame near the door rollers. Once the screws are loose, you can take the rollers from the bottom of the door. This step is best done by a third party so that you don't have to make use of your hands.
After installing the new roller the door can be raised, and the adjustment screws or bolts are tightened. Check the alignment of both the track and rollers. If everything is in the correct place the patio screen will slide into place easily.
Frame Damaged
If your screen door is scratching against the frame, there are many solutions to correct it. Make sure that the hinges are secure. A door could be bowed in the event that the hinges are loose. If they're loose, just tighten the hinge screws. If this doesn't work, you might need to sand the frame's top.
A rotting frame is a frequent issue with screen doors. It can be expensive to fix, since it typically involves replacing the entire frame. To avoid this, keep looking for indications of decay. Treat them as soon you notice them. Look for signs of rot by looking for soft wood that appears darker than the rest of the frame. Be on the lookout for any areas where the wood is starting to bow or warp. If you spot any of these issues contact an expert.
Repairing a damaged frame by using mesh patch kits that costs from $2 to $7. The kit comes with a small piece of mesh and glue, that you can use 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 accomplish this, you'll need to apply the wood filler to the affected area and wait for it to dry before sanding it smooth.
You can buy a framelift which is a metallic structure that is bolted to the frame you already have that lifts it up. This can be very expensive however it could be the best option in cases where your frame is badly damaged or completely decayed.
You can create a simple leg for your screen door using scraps of wood or an old display stand for your photo frame. patio door repair or wires to the back to place the frame on the wall. You can also attach a piece of felt to the bottom of the frame to shield your wall from scratches.
Broken Splines
A broken screen spline can be as difficult to deal with as a damaged frame or door. It may appear to be a minor issue that can be overlooked however, ignoring it too long could let pests like mosquitoes and flies to get through. This can quickly become a bigger problem and could result in more costly repairs or even a new screen door.
The positive side is that replacing the broken spline is simple and affordable, particularly if you already have the equipment. Before you begin, you will need to remove the old spline off the screen door frame. This can be done by placing the screen door frame flat on any surface, like a table or a floor. Pull the spline out by using a screwdriver. If the spline is especially damaged or brittle, you might notice that it cracks as you try to pull it out of the groove.
When you're removing the old spline, make sure that you also remove any caulking that has been used to hold the spline in place. This will help ensure that the new spline fits properly in the grooves.
Use a utility blade to trim the screen around the frame after you have removed the old spline. This will ensure a snug, straight fit on all sides of your frame once you have installed the spline.
Installing the new spline is simple after you have cleaned the frame and cut the new screen material to the appropriate size. Start on the short side of the frame. Place the spline on top and then 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 go. Repeat this process for all of the shorter sides of the frame. As you are working try to keep the screen taut by using spring clamps or tape.
Once you have splined each of the short sides of the frame shift to the opposite side and repeat the process. Then, you can finish by splining both the bottom and top edges of the frame.