Patio Screen Door Repair - How to Do it Yourself
A worn or torn screen door is not just unsightly; it provides a convenient entryway for flies, mosquitoes, and other pests. While there are companies to repair your patio screen door, it's fairly simple to do the job yourself.
Lay the screen flat on a surface. Remove the handle by taking off the screws that secure it.
Screens damaged
It's not a surprise that your door or window screens will begin to develop holes and tears as a result of weather animals, children, and pets. Apart from looking ugly damaged, these sections let pests and flies into your home. The good news is that fixing these issues is relatively simple. While patch kits and screen repair tape provide an easy fix for minor damage, these products do not work for larger problems. This step-by-step guide will demonstrate how to repair and replace your screens' windows and doors.
Analyzing the damage is the first step. Is it possible to salvage the frame, or will it require replacement? This is vital because, as a rule, window and door frame screens are more prone to damage than the mesh. A bent frame can cause the screen to move out of alignment, which can result in holes and weak spots in the mesh.
Once you've determined whether the frame is salvageable or not, you can start addressing the mesh itself. To accomplish this you'll require some essential tools. A spline roller that presses the spline into the frame, scissors and a utility knife are all necessary for this process. Utilizing these tools will ensure accuracy and durability in your repairs.
If you're dealing with an extensive hole, start by removing as much of the old screen as you can to create a clean opening. Cut a new patch of screen material that is at least one half inch wider in all directions than the damaged area. Match the patch to your window's grid pattern in the event that it has one. Finally, cut the edges of the patch to eliminate any imperfections and fold the ends of the spline to conceal the edges.
When buying a new screen, make sure you consider the climate in your region. Fiberglass mesh is a popular choice because of its flexibility and affordability, while aluminum screens offer the strength and durability of snag-resistant screens. If your area is plagued by mosquitos and other insects You may need to select a special mesh for insect screens. Whatever kind of insect screen you select, make sure you stretch it tightly across the frame to prevent wrinkles or sagging.
Broken Rollers
A damaged roller on your patio screen door could be a major issue. It's not only making sliding your door difficult and difficult, but it could also allow insects and other pests to get into your home. The good thing is that fixing the rollers isn't as complicated or expensive as replacing your entire door.
Start by examining the rollers to determine what the issue is. You may find that the wheel is flattened or worn out on one end due to the constant contact with track. Try to remove the wheels by inserting an screwdriver between the bracket and the roller. If you can't get the roller to come off, it might be beneficial to spray the shaft with WD-40 prior to trying again.
patio door refurbishment 's recommended to take a look at the tracks, both at the top and bottom. If they're bent you can straighten them by holding a block of wood against the bent area and hitting it with the hammer. It's important to clean out the tracks as well, as they can trap sand and grit.
Once you've identified the type of roller that is damaged, you can buy the replacement. Bring your old rollers to the hardware store so that you can be sure you're buying the correct type. If your door has more than one roller, you'll need to purchase enough to replace all of them.
Before installing the new roller make use of a screwdriver to loosen the bolts or adjustment screws on the inside of the frame, near 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 work with your hands.
Once the new roller is installed, the door can be raised and the adjustment screws or bolts can be tightened. Check the alignment of both the track and the rollers. If everything is in its proper place your patio screen will slide in place easily.
Damaged Frame
If your screen door is scratching against the frame, there are several ways to correct it. Make sure that the hinges are tight. Doors can become sluggish in the event that the hinges are loose. If they are loose, just tighten the hinge screws. If this does not work then you may need to sand down the top of the frame.
Another common issue with screen doors is a decaying frame. It can be costly to repair, as it typically involves replacing the entire frame. To avoid this, be on the eye out for signs of rot and treat them as soon as you notice them. You should look for wood that is darker than the rest. Also, keep an eye out for areas where the wood has started to bow or warp. If you find any of these problems contact a professional.
A mesh adhesive patch kit can be used to repair a damaged frame. The cost of these kits is between $2 and $7. The kit includes a small piece of mesh and glue, that can be used to cover any holes in your screen. If the damage isn't too severe you could also attempt to repair it using a wood filler. To do this apply the filler on the damaged area, wait for it to dry, then sand it to a smooth finish.
Framelifts can be purchased which is a metallic structure that is bolted on to your frame that raises it. It is a costly alternative, but it is the most effective option if your frame has been badly damaged or has rotted.
To build a simple stand for your screen door you can make a leg from a scrap piece of wood or a picture frame display stand. Then, attach 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 frame's bottom to protect your wall from scratches.
Broken Splines
A broken screen spline can be just as annoying to handle as damaged doors or frames. It may appear to be something minor that could be ignored, but letting it go long enough can allow pests such as mosquitoes and flies to get through. This can quickly become a bigger problem and could result in more costly repairs or even a replacement screen door.
It is easy to replace a broken spline, especially with the right tools. Before you can begin, you must remove the old spline from the door frame. This can be accomplished by laying the frame flat on a work surface such as a table or the ground. Take the spline off using the screwdriver. If the spline has gotten especially worn or brittle, it could break when you try to remove it from the groove.
When you are removing the old spline make sure you take off the caulking that was used to hold it in place. This will help ensure that the new spline will fit in the grooves.
Make use of a utility blade to cut the excess screen around the frame after you have removed the old spline. This will ensure a snug and straight fit across the entire frame once you have installed the spline.
Once you have a clean frame and the new screen material cut to size, it is time to start installing the new spline. Start with the short side of the frame. Lay the spline in place, 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 move. Repeat this process on each short side of the frame. While you work, use spring clamps or tape to ensure that the screen stays taut.
Repeat the process on the opposite side once you have completed the splining of all short sides. Then, finish by splining the top and bottom of the frame.