Patio Screen Door Repair - How to Do it Yourself
A damaged or worn patio screen door is not only ugly, it also provides an easy entry point for pests like mosquitoes and Flies. While there are companies to repair your patio screen door, it is fairly simple to do the job yourself.
Lay the screen flat on a surface. Remove the handle by taking off the screws that hold it in place.
Screens damaged
It's not too surprising that your window or door screens will eventually develop tears and holes due to weather animals, children, and pets. Aside from being unsightly, these damaged sections allow insects and flies to enter your home. Fortunately, repairing the problem is fairly easy. Patch kits and screen repair taps are quick fixes for minor damage. However, they don't perform as well for larger problems. This step-by-step guide will show you how to correctly repair and replace your screen doors and windows.
The first thing you need to do is evaluate the damage. Can the frame be repaired or does it require to be replaced? It is important to consider this because the frames of window and door screens are more susceptible to being damaged than mesh. A bent frame may cause the screen to fall out of place and cause holes or weak spots.
Once you've determined whether or not the frame can be salvaged and you're ready to tackle the mesh. For this task you'll require a few essential tools. A spline roller to press the spline into the frame, a utility knife and scissors are all required to complete the process. Utilizing these tools will ensure the highest quality and durability of your repairs.
If you have a large hole, begin by cutting away as much of the old screen as you can to make a clear opening. Cut an entirely new screen material that is at least half an inch larger all around than the damaged part. If local patio door repair service has grid patterns, be sure that the patch matches with it. Trim the edges to remove any irregularities. Fold over the ends of spline to hide them.
When buying a new screen, be sure to take into consideration the climate of the area you live in. Fiberglass mesh is a popular option because of its flexibility and affordability as well as aluminum screens that offer strength and snag-resistance. You may also wish to choose a specially designed insect screen mesh if you live in an area that is ravaged by mosquitoes or other pests. Whatever type of mesh 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 harrowing trouble. It can make sliding the door difficult and allow insects to enter your home. The good news is, repairing your rollers isn't nearly as expensive or difficult as replacing your door.
Start by examining your rollers to identify the issue. It could be that the wheel has flattened out, or perhaps the other end of the wheel has worn out by constant contact with the track. The wheels are usually a push fit on the bracket, so you may be able to place a screwdriver between it and the bracket and then try to pull off the roller. If you're unable to get the roller to come off, it could be helpful to spritz the shaft with WD-40 before trying again.
It is also important to look at the tracks from top to bottom. You can straighten bent tracks by hammering a piece of wooden against the bent part. It is important to wash the tracks well as they can be a source of dust and grit.
Once you've identified the type of roller that is broken then you can purchase a 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 buy enough rollers to replace them all.
Before installing the new roller, use a screwdriver to 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. It is best to have a person assist you in this process to unwind your hands to focus on removing the rollers.
After installing the new roller the door can be raised, and the adjustment screws or bolts are tightened. Make sure to verify the alignment of the rollers and the track, too. If everything is properly positioned, your patio screen door should easily slide into position.
Damaged Frame
If your screen door is scratching against the frame, there are many ways to correct it. Make sure the hinges are tight. In the event of loose hinges, it can cause a door to bind, which means it will stop when you open or close the door. If they're loose, tighten the hinge screws. If this doesn't work, you may require sanding the frame's top to smooth it.
A frayed frame is another common issue with screens. It can be costly to fix as the frame will need to be replaced. To avoid this, keep a eye out for signs of rot and treat them as soon as you notice them. Look for signs of decay by observing wood that looks darker than the rest of the frame. Also, keep an eye out for areas where the wood is beginning to bow or warp. If you find any of these issues you should contact an expert.
You can fix damaged frames by using mesh adhesive patch kits, which costs between $2 to $7. The kit includes a tiny piece of mesh and glue which you can use to fill any holes in your screen. If the damage isn't too severe it is possible to try fixing it using a wood filler. To do this, you'll need to apply the wood filler over the area that is damaged and wait for it to dry before sanding it smooth.
Framelifts can be purchased that is a steel structure that is bolted to the frame you already have that lifts it. This is a costly option, but can be the most effective option if your frame is badly damaged or rotted.
You can create a simple leg for your screen door using a scrap of wood or an old display stand for a photo frame. 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 frame's bottom to shield your wall from scratches.
Broken Splines
A broken screen spline can be as difficult to handle as a damaged frame or door. It may appear to be a problem that is easy to ignore. If you let it go for too long, pests such as insects and mosquitoes can get through. This could quickly become a larger problem, resulting in expensive repairs or a new door screen.
It is simple to replace a broken spline, particularly with the right tools. First, you'll need take off the old screen door spline. This can be done by placing the frame flat on a surface like a table or the ground. Remove the spline using the screwdriver. If the spline has gotten especially worn or brittle, it may break as you attempt to remove it from the groove.
When you take off the old spline, be sure to also remove the caulking used to hold it in place. This will ensure that the new spline is capable of fitting into the grooves.
After you've removed all the old spline, use a knife to cut any screen that is left around the frame. This will ensure you have a clean, tight fit on all sides of the frame once you put in the new spline.
Installing the new spline is straightforward after you've cleaned the frame and cut the new material to size. Begin with one of the shorter sides of the frame. Roll the spline into the screen channel using the splining device. Continue to roll the spline, pressing it into as you move. Continue this process on each short side of the frame. While you are working, use spring clamps or tape to ensure that the screen stays taut.
After you have splined all of the short sides of the frame, move to the opposite side and repeat the process. Then, finish by splining the top and bottom of the frame.