Patio Screen Door Repair - How to Do it Yourself
A damaged or worn patio screen door is not only ugly, it also serves as an entry point for pests like mosquitoes and Flies. There are numerous services that can repair your patio screen doors, however, it is a simple task to fix yourself.
Lay the screen flat on a 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 window or door screens will begin to develop holes and tears due to weather, pets, and children. In addition to being ugly damaged, these sections let pests and flies into your home. Fortunately, fixing the problem is fairly easy. While patch kits and screen repair tapes offer an easy fix for minor damage, these products do not work for larger problems. This step-bystep guide will show you how to properly repair and replace your windows and doors for screen.
Analyzing the damage is the first step. Are the frames salvageable or does it need to be replaced? This is vital because, as a rule, window and door screen frames are more prone to damage than the mesh. A bent frame could cause the screen to be out of alignment, causing holes or weak spots.
Once you've determined whether the frame is salvageable or not, you can begin fixing the mesh. You'll need some essential tools to complete this task. This requires a spline roll for pressing the spline inside the frame, a utility knife and scissors. These tools will ensure accuracy and durability when you do repairs.
If you're dealing with a large hole, begin by cutting away as much of the old screen as is possible to make a clear opening. Then cut a patch of new screen material so that it is at least a half inch bigger all around than the damaged area. Match the patch to your window's grid pattern If it has one. Finally cut the edges of the patch to eliminate any irregularities and fold the ends of the spline to cover them.
When buying a new screen, make sure you consider the climate in your area. Fiberglass mesh is a popular option due to its flexibility and cost and aluminum screens provide the strength and durability of snag-resistant screens. You may also wish to select a special insect screen mesh if your area is ravaged by mosquitoes or other insects. Whatever type of mesh you choose, make sure that you stretch it tight across the frame to avoid wrinkles or sagging.
Broken Rollers
A damaged roller on the screen door to your patio can be a frustrating inconvenience. It can make sliding the door difficult and even allow bugs to get inside your home. The good news is, repair of your rollers isn't as expensive or difficult as replacing your door.
Start by examining your rollers to determine the problem. You may find that the wheel is flattened or worn out on one side due to constant contact with the track. The wheels are generally mounted as a push fit on the bracket, and you might be able to place a screwdriver between the bracket and the roller and attempt to push off the roller. If you are unable to get the roller to lift off, it might be helpful to spritz the shaft area with WD-40 prior to attempting again.
It is also important to look at the tracks from top to the bottom. Straighten bent tracks by hammering an object of wooden against the bent portion. It's important to clean out the tracks, as well because they can hold dirt and sand.
After you've identified the type of roller that is broken and you are able to purchase a replacement. Make sure you bring your old rollers with you to the hardware store to ensure that you buy the correct type. Some doors have more than one roller, so be sure to purchase enough 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. After the screws are loosened, you can remove rollers from the bottom. It is best to have a person assist you in this process to help you liberate your hands and focus on removing the rollers.
After the new roller has been installed The door can then be raised back into place and the bolts or screws that adjust can be tightened. Check the alignment of both the track and the rollers. If everything is in its proper place the patio screen will slide into place easily.
Frame Damaged
If your screen door is rubbing against the frame, there are many solutions to correct it. Check that the hinges are in good shape. Doors can become sluggish in the event that the hinges are loose. If they are loose, just tighten the hinge screws. If this isn't working, you might require sanding the top of the frame to make it smooth.
Another issue that is common to screen doors is a rotting frame. It can be expensive to repair since the frame will need to be replaced. To avoid this, be alert for indications of rot. Take care of them as soon as you spot them. Find soft wood that is darker than the rest. Keep an eye out for any areas where the wood is beginning to warp or bow. Contact a professional if detect any of these problems.
A mesh patch kit can be used to fix a damaged frame. These kits cost between $2 to $7. The kit includes tiny pieces of mesh and glue that can be used to fix any holes in the screen. If the damage isn't too severe, you can try to repair it with wood filler. To do this apply the filler on the damaged area, then wait for it to dry, then smooth it with sandpaper.
You can buy a framelift which is a metallic structure that is bolted on to your existing frame that lifts it up. This is a costly option, but is the best option if your frame has been severely damaged or has rotted.
You can build an easy leg for your screen door with wood scraps or an old display stand for a photo frame. 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 to the bottom to protect the wall from scratches.
Broken Splines
A damaged screen spline can be just as frustrating to manage as damaged doors or frames. It may seem like an issue that is easy to ignore. But if you let it go for too long, pests such as mosquitoes and flies may slip through. This can quickly become a bigger problem and could result in more expensive repairs or even a replacement screen door.
The good news is that replacing damaged spline can be relatively simple and inexpensive, especially when you already have the equipment. First, sliding patio door repair 'll need to remove the old spline for your screen door. This can be done by placing the screen door frame flat on any surface like a table or a floor. Take the spline off using a screwdriver. If the spline appears to be particularly worn or brittle you may find that it breaks as you attempt to remove it from the groove.
While you are pulling out the old spline, ensure that you also remove any caulking that has been used to keep the spline from moving. This will ensure that the new spline will be suitable for fitting into the grooves.
Once you've removed all the old spline, use a utility knife to trim any screen that is left around the frame. This will ensure you have a tight, clean fit on all sides of the frame once you install the new spline.
Once you have a clean frame and the new screen material cut to size, it is time to install the new spline. Begin with the shorter side of the frame. Lay the spline in place, and then begin rolling it using your splining tool to work it into the screen channel. Continue rolling the spline, and pushing it into the screen channel as you move. Continue this process on each short side of the frame. As you are working try to keep the screen taut with tape or spring clamps.
After you have splined all of the short sides of the frame, move to the opposite side and repeat the process. Finish by splining both the bottom and top edges of the frame.