Patio Screen Door Repair - How to Do it Yourself
A worn-out or torn screen door for your patio is not only ugly, it also serves as an entry point for pests like mosquitoes and insects like flies. Although there are services that will repair your patio screen door, it is relatively easy to do the work yourself.
Lay the screen flat on a surface. Take the handle off by taking off the screws that secure it.
Screens damaged
Between weather, pets and kids, it's no surprise that holes and tears are bound to be found in your door or window screens. The damaged screens aren't only ugly, but also allow pests and flies into your home. Repairing these issues is fairly simple. Patch kits and screen repair tap 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 repair and replace your screen doors and windows.
Assessing the damage is the first step. Is the frame salvageable or does it need to be replaced? It is crucial to think about this since windows and door screen frames are more susceptible to being damaged than mesh. A bent frame could pull the screen out of alignment, which can result in holes and weak areas in the mesh.
Once you've determined whether or not the frame is salvageable, you can begin to build the mesh. To accomplish this you'll require some essential tools. A spline roller to press the spline into the frame scissors and a utility knife are all required for this procedure. These tools will guarantee precision and durability when you make repairs.
If you are dealing with a large hole, start by cutting away as much of the old screen as you can to make a clear opening. Then cut a patch of new screen material in a way that it is at a minimum half an inch larger than the damaged area. The patch should be matched to the grid pattern of your window, if it has one. Trim the edges to remove any imperfections. Fold over the edges of spline to hide them.
When buying a new screen, be sure to consider the climate in your region. Aluminum screens are durable and resistant to snags, while fiberglass mesh is well-known for its affordability and flexibility. If your area is ravaged by mosquitos and other pests You may want to choose a specialized mesh designed for insect screens. Whatever kind of screen you choose make sure you stretch the material tightly over the frame to avoid wrinkles and sagging.
Broken Rollers
A broken roller on your patio screen door could be a major issue. It's not only making it difficult to move your door, but it can also allow bugs and other pests to get into your home. The good news is that repair of your rollers isn't as costly or complex as replacing your door.
Begin by inspecting the rollers to determine what the problem is. It could be that the wheel has flattened out, or perhaps one side of the wheel is worn out from constant contact with the track. Try to remove the wheels by putting screwscrews between the roller and the bracket. If you are unable to get the roller to fall off, it could be helpful to spritz the shaft with WD-40 prior to trying again.
RepairMyWindowsAndDoors 's recommended to examine the tracks, both at the top and bottom. If they're bent you can straighten them by putting a piece of wood against the bent portion and rapping it with the hammer. It's important to clean out the tracks as well because they can hold dirt and sand.
Once you have identified the type roller that is damaged then you can purchase a replacement. Bring your old rollers to the hardware store so that you can ensure you're purchasing the correct model. If your door has more than one roller, you will need to buy enough to replace all of them.
Before installing the new roller, use a screwdriver to loosen the adjustment screws or bolts on the inside of the door frame, close to the door rollers. Once the screws have been loose, you can remove the rollers from the bottom. This task should be done by a third party so that you don't have to use your hands.
After the new roller has been installed after installation, the door can be raised and the bolts or screws that adjust can be tightened. Be sure to check the alignment of the rollers and track, as well. If everything is properly positioned, your patio screen door should easily slide into position.
Damaged Frame
There are a variety of ways to repair your screen door that is that is rubbing against its frame. Check that the hinges are tight. A door could be bowed when hinges are loose. If they are loose, simply tighten the hinge screws. If this doesn't work, you may have to sand the top of the frame to smooth it.
Another common problem with screen doors is a decaying frame. This can be expensive to repair, since it typically involves replacing the entire frame. To avoid this, be on the lookout for signs of rot and address them immediately if you notice them. Look for soft wood that is darker than the rest. Be on the lookout for any areas in which the wood is beginning to warp or bow. If you find any of these problems contact a professional.
You can repair damaged frames with mesh patch kits that costs from $2 to $7. The kit includes a small piece of mesh and glue, that you can use to fill any holes in your screen. If the damage is not too significant it is possible to try fixing it using a wood filler. To do this apply the filler to the damaged area, wait for it to dry, and then sand it to a smooth finish.
You can purchase a framelift which is a metallic structure that is bolted on to your existing frame that lifts it. This can be very expensive however it could be the best option if your frame has been severely damaged or completely decayed.
You can make a simple leg for your screen door using wood scraps or an old photo frame display stand. Then, fasten the brackets or wire to the back of the frame to hang it on the wall. You can also attach a piece of felt to the bottom of the frame to protect the wall from scratches.
Broken Splines
A broken screen spline can be just as annoying to handle as damaged doors or frames. This may seem like a problem that can be ignored. But if you let it go for too long, pests such as insects and mosquitoes can get through. This can quickly become an issue that is more serious and could result in more expensive repairs or even a replacement screen door.
It is not difficult to replace a broken spline, especially when you have the proper tools. Before you can begin, you'll need to take out the old spline from the screen door frame. You can do this by laying the screen door frame flat on any surface, like a table or a floor. Use a screwdriver to pry open the free spline, and then pull it out. If the spline is especially damaged or worn, you could find that it breaks as you attempt to pull it out of the groove.
When you take off the old spline, be sure you take off the caulking that was used to hold it in place. This will ensure that the new spline will be able to fit into the grooves.
When you have removed all the old spline, you can use a knife to cut any screen that is left around the frame. This will ensure that you get a clean, tight fit on all sides of the frame once you put in 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. Start on the short side of the frame. Lay the spline down and begin rolling it with your splining tool to work it into the screen channel. Continue rolling the spline, and pushing it into the screen channel as you go. Continue this process for each short side of the frame. While you work, apply spring clamps or tape to ensure that the screen stays taut.
After you have splined all of the short sides of the frame shift to the opposite side and repeat the process. Complete by splining both of the top and bottom edges of the frame.