Patio Screen Door Repair - How to Do it Yourself
A damaged or worn-out patio screen door is not only ugly, it also serves as an entrance for pests such as mosquitoes and insects like flies. There are many services that can repair your patio doors with screen, however, it is a simple task to fix yourself.
First, place the screen on a flat work surface. Remove the handle from the screen by removing the screws holding it in place.
Damaged Screens
It's not too surprising that your door or window screens will begin to develop tears and holes due to weather pets, children, and even pets. Apart from looking ugly damaged, these sections let insects and flies to enter your home. The good news is that fixing these issues is relatively simple. Screen repair kits and patch kits taps are quick fixes for minor damage. However, they don't perform as well for larger issues. This step-by-step guide will teach you how to correctly repair and replace your windows and doors for screen.
Assessing the damage is the first step. Can you salvage the frame, or does it need replacing? It is crucial to think about this because the frames of window and door screens are more susceptible to being damaged than mesh. A bent frame can cause the screen to fall out of place and cause holes or weak spots.
If you are able to determine if the frame is salvageable or not, you can start fixing the mesh. For this task you'll require some essential tools. This requires a spline roll for pressing the spline inside the frame, a utility knife and a pair of scissors. These tools will ensure precision and durability when making repairs.
If you are dealing with a large hole, start by removing as much of the old screen as you can to make a clear opening. Cut an entirely new screen material that is at least a half inch wider in all directions than the damaged part. The patch should be matched to the grid pattern of your window in the event that it has one. Trim the edges to eliminate any irregularities. Fold over the edges of spline to hide them.
Consider the climate of your region when buying a replacement screen. Fiberglass mesh is a popular option due to its flexibility and cost and aluminum screens provide strength and snag-resistance. You could also select a special insect screen mesh if your region is plagued with mosquitoes and other pests. Whatever type of screen material you choose, make sure you stretch it tightly across the frame to avoid sagging or wrinkles.
Broken Rollers
A broken roller can be a frustrating problem. It can make sliding the door a challenge and also allow insects to enter your home. The good thing is that repairing your rollers isn't nearly as expensive or difficult as replacing your door.
Start by examining the rollers to determine what the issue is. It could be that the wheel is flattened out, or maybe the other end of the wheel has worn out due to constant contact with the track. The wheels are typically a push fit on the bracket, so you may be able to put a screwdriver behind the roller between it and the bracket and then try to pull it off. If you still can't remove the roller, spray the shaft area with WD-40 and try it again.
Also, you should check the tracks from top to bottom. If they're bent and need to be straightened, you can do so by putting a piece of wood against the bent part and rapping it with the hammer. It is essential to clean the tracks as well as they could be a source of dust and grit.
Once you've identified the type of roller that's broken you can buy a replacement. Make sure you bring your old rollers to the hardware store to ensure you purchase the right type. If your door has more than one roller then you will need to buy enough to replace all of them.
Before installing the new roller using a screwdriver, loosen the bolts or adjustment screws on the inside of the frame, close to the door rollers. Once the screws are loose, you can take the rollers from the bottom of the door. This task should be done by someone else so that you don't have to use your hands.
After installing the new roller, the door can then be raised, and the bolts or screws for adjustment can be tightened. Verify the alignment of the rollers and track. If everything is correctly positioned the patio screen door should easily slide into its place.
Damaged Frame
If your screen door is getting caught against the frame, there are many solutions to fix it. First, ensure that the hinges are in good condition. Loose hinges could cause doors to be locked, meaning it will stop when you open or close the door. If they're loose, tighten the hinge screws. If this doesn't work then you may need to sand down the top of the frame.
Another common problem with screen doors is a rotting frame. It is costly to fix as the frame needs to be replaced. To avoid this, keep a lookout for signs of rot, and treat them immediately if you notice them. Find signs of decay by observing wood that appears darker than the rest of the frame. Keep an eye out for areas that have started to bow or warp. If you notice any of these problems contact a professional.
Repairing damaged frames by using a mesh adhesive patch kit that costs from $2-$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 minor it is possible to repair it using wood filler. To accomplish this, you'll have to apply the wood filler over the area that is damaged and wait for it dry before sanding the area smooth.
You can buy a framelift that is a steel structure that is bolted on to the frame you already have that lifts it. This can be a costly option, but it can be the best option in cases where your frame is severely damaged or has completely rotted.
To make a simple stand for your screen door, you can create legs from a scrap piece of wood or a picture frame display stand. Then, fasten a wire or brackets to the back of the frame to hang it on the wall. You can also attach a piece of felt to the bottom to protect the wall from scratches.
Broken Splines
A damaged screen spline can be the same as damaged frames or doors. It may appear to be an issue that is minor enough to be ignored however, ignoring it too long can allow pests such as flies and mosquitoes to slip through. This could quickly become the issue of a bigger scale and result in costly repairs or a new screen door.
It is simple to replace a broken spline, particularly with the right tools. You will first need to remove the old spline for your screen door. This can be done by placing the screen door frame flat on a surface like a table or ground. Use Repair My Windows And Doors to pry up the free end of the spline, and then pull it out. If the spline is especially damaged or brittle, you might find that it breaks as you attempt to remove it from the groove.
When you are removing the old spline, make sure you take off the caulking that was that was used to hold it in place. This will ensure that the new spline is properly fitted in the grooves.
Once you have removed all the old spline, use a knife to cut any excess screen off around the frame. This will ensure a secure and smooth fit on all sides of your frame after you install the spline.
When you have a clean frame and the new screen material cut to size, it is time to install the new spline. Start by putting it on one of the shorter sides of the frame. The spline should be rolled into the screen channel using your splining device. Continue rolling the spline and pushing it into the screen channel as you move. Continue this process on each short side of the frame. While you work, apply tape or spring clamps to ensure that the screen stays taut.
After you have splined all of the short sides of the frame, move to the other side and repeat the process. Complete by splining both of the bottom and top edges of the frame.