Patio Screen Door Repair - How to Do it Yourself
A worn-out or torn patio screen door isn't only unsightly, but it also provides an easy entrance for pests such as mosquitoes and Flies. There are a variety of solutions to repair your patio screen doors, but it is easy to do yourself.
Lay the screen flat on a work surface. Take the handle off by removing the screws that hold it in place.
Damaged Screens
It's not surprising that your door or window screens will eventually develop holes and tears as a result of weather animals, children, and pets. In addition to being ugly the damaged screens allow flies and other pests into your home. Fortunately, repairing the problem is fairly easy. While patio doors repair near me and screen repair tape offer an easy solution for minor damage, these products aren't suited to more serious issues. This step-by-step guide will explain how to repair and replace your screen windows and doors.
Assessing the damage is the first step. Are there ways to salvage the frame, or does it require replacement? This is important because, as a rule window and door screen frames are more susceptible to damage than the mesh. A bent frame could cause the screen to move out of alignment, resulting in holes and weak spots in the mesh.
After you've decided whether the frame can be salvaged then you can begin to build the mesh. You'll need some essential tools to complete this task. 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, start by removing as much possible of the old material to create a clean space. Cut a new patch of screen material that is at least half an inch larger than the damaged part. If your window has grid pattern, make sure the patch is in line to it. Then, trim the edges of your patch to eliminate any irregularities and fold over the ends of the spline to conceal them.
When purchasing your replacement screen, be sure to think about the climate in your area. Aluminum screens are durable and resistant to snags while fiberglass mesh is popular because of its cost and flexibility. You may also wish to opt for a specialized insect screen mesh if your area is ravaged by mosquitoes or other insects. Whatever kind of insect screen you select, make sure that you stretch it tight across the frame to avoid sagging or wrinkles.
Broken Rollers
A damaged roller can be a gruelling problem. It's not only making sliding your door difficult and difficult, but it could also allow bugs and other unwanted visitors to enter your home. The good news is that repairing the rollers isn't as difficult or costly as replacing your entire door.
Start by examining the rollers to determine what the issue is. It could be that the wheel is flattened or worn out on one end because of constant contact with the track. You can try to remove the wheels by putting a screwdriver between the bracket and the roller. If you still can't remove the roller, spray the shaft area with WD-40 and try again.
It's an excellent idea to take a look at the tracks, both at the top and bottom. Straighten bent tracks by hammering a piece of wood against the bent section. It is crucial 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 damaged, you can purchase a new one. Bring your old rollers to the hardware store so that you can ensure you're purchasing the correct type. Some doors have more than one roller, so make sure to purchase enough rollers to replace them all.
Use a screwdriver to the inside of the door frame near the rollers to loosen the screws or bolts that adjust the door. Once the screws are loose, you can remove the rollers from the bottom of the door. This is best done by a third party so that you don't need to use your hands.
After the new roller has been installed The door can then be raised and the adjustment screws or bolts can be tightened. Make sure to verify the alignment of the rollers and the track, as well. If everything is correctly positioned your patio screen door should be able to slide effortlessly into place.
Frame Damaged
If your screen door is scratching against the frame, there are several solutions to correct it. Make sure that the hinges are secure. A door can bind when hinges are loose. If they're loose make sure you tighten the hinge screws. If this doesn't work it is possible to sand down the frame's top.
A frayed frame is another common issue with screens. This can be expensive to repair, since it typically requires replacing the entire frame. To avoid this, keep looking for indications of decay. Make sure to treat them as soon as you notice them. Look for soft wood that is darker than the rest. Be aware of any areas in which the wood is beginning to warp or bow. Call a professional if you notice any of these issues.
You can fix damaged frames by using mesh adhesive patch kits that costs from $2-$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 minor you can attempt to fix it with wood filler. To do this apply the filler on the damaged area, wait for it to dry, and then sand it to a smooth finish.
You can buy a framelift that is a steel structure bolted onto the frame you already have that lifts it up. It can be expensive however it is the best option if your frame has been severely damaged or completely decayed.
To build a simple stand for your screen door, you can create legs from a scrap piece of wood or even a photo frame display stand. Attach brackets or wires to the back of the frame, allowing you to hang the frame on the wall. You can even attach a piece of felt to the bottom of the frame to shield your wall from scratches.
Broken Splines
A damaged screen spline can be just as frustrating as damaged frames or doors. It may seem like a minor issue that can be ignored, but letting it go long enough can allow pests like flies and mosquitoes to slip through. This can quickly turn into the issue of a bigger scale, resulting in expensive repairs or the need for a new screen door.
It is not difficult to repair a damaged spline, particularly with the right tools. You will first need to take off the old screen door spline. This can be done by laying the frame flat on a surface like a table or the ground. Remove the spline with a screwdriver. If the spline is especially worn or brittle, it may break as you attempt to remove it from the groove.
When you are removing the old spline, make sure that you take off any caulking that has been used to keep the spline in place. This will help ensure that the new spline is properly fitted into the grooves.
Make use of a utility blade to trim the screen around the frame once you have removed the old spline. This will ensure you have an even, clean fit on all sides of the frame when you put in the new spline.
Installing the new spline is easy after you've cleaned the frame and cut the new material to size. Start on the short side of the frame. Lay the spline in place and begin rolling it with your splining device to work it into the screen channel. Continue rolling the spline and pushing it into the screen channel as you move. Repeat this process for each of the shorter sides of the frame. While you work, use spring clamps or tape to keep the screen taut.
Once you have splined each of the short sides of the frame, move to the other side and repeat the process. Then, you can finish by splining both the top and bottom edges of the frame.