Patio Screen Door Repair - How to Do it Yourself
A damaged or worn-out patio screen door is not only ugly, it also provides an easy entrance for pests such as mosquitoes and Flies. While there are companies to repair your patio screen door, it's fairly simple to do the job yourself.
First, place the screen on a flat surface. Remove the handle from the screen by taking out the screws holding it in the position.
Damaged Screens
Between the weather children, pets, and weather, it's no surprise that tears and holes will eventually appear in your window or door screens. In addition to being ugly damaged, these sections let flies and other pests into your home. Repairing these problems is simple. While patch kits and screen repair tape offer a quick fix for minor damage, these products don't work well on larger issues. This step-bystep guide will show how to repair and replace your screens' windows and doors.
The first thing you need to do is evaluate the damage. Is the frame salvageable or does it need to be replaced? It is important to take into consideration this as the frames of window and door screens are more likely to be damaged than mesh. A bent frame could cause the screen to move out of alignment, which can result in holes and weak areas in the mesh.
Once you know whether the frame is salvageable or not, you can begin addressing the mesh itself. For this job you'll require a few essential tools. This procedure requires a spline roll for pressing the spline in the frame, an utility knife and a pair of scissors. These tools ensure precision and durability in your repairs.
If you are dealing with a large hole, start by removing as much of the old screen as possible to make a clear opening. Then cut a patch of new screen material in a way that it is at least a half an inch larger than the damaged area. Match the patch to the grid pattern of your window If it has one. Trim the edges to remove any irregularities. Fold over the edges of spline to conceal them.
Take into consideration the climate of your area when buying a replacement screen. Aluminum screens are strong and resistant to snags, while fiberglass mesh is a favorite because of its cost and flexibility. You may also wish to choose a specially designed insect screen mesh if your area is a victim of mosquitoes or other pests. Whichever type of screen you select make sure you stretch the material tautly over the frame to prevent sagging and wrinkles.
Broken Rollers
A broken roller can be a frustrating problem. It can make moving the door difficult and even allow bugs to get inside your home. The good news is that repair of your rollers isn't as expensive or difficult as replacing your door.
Start by examining the rollers to determine what the issue is. It may be that the wheel is flattened out, or maybe one side of the wheel has worn out due to constant contact with the track. The wheels are typically mounted as a push fit on the bracket, so you may be able to place a screwdriver between the bracket and the roller, and try to lever off the roller. If you are unable to get the roller to come off, it could be helpful to spritz the shaft area with WD-40 prior to trying again.
It's an excellent idea to look at the tracks from top and bottom. Straighten bent tracks by hammering a block of wood against the bent part. It is important to wash the tracks well as they can be a source of dust and grit.
After you've identified the type roller that is broken, you can buy the replacement. Bring your old rollers to the hardware store so you are sure you're buying 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 make use of a screwdriver to loosen the bolts or adjustment screws on the inside of the door frame near the rollers. After the screws are loose, you can remove the rollers from the bottom. This step is best performed by a person else so that you don't need to make use of your hands.
After installing the new roller, the door can then be raised and the adjustment screws or bolts are tightened. Make sure to verify the alignment of the rollers as well as the track, too. If everything is properly positioned the patio screen door will be able to slide effortlessly into its place.
Frame Damaged
There are several ways you can repair the screen door that is rubbing against its frame. First, make sure that the hinges are tight. In the event of loose hinges, it can cause doors to bind, which means it will stop when you open or close the door. If they're loose, simply tighten the hinge screws. If this isn't working it is possible to sand down the top of the frame.
Another common issue with screen doors is a decaying frame. It can be costly to fix as the frame needs to be replaced. To avoid this, be looking for indications of decay. Make sure to treat them as soon as you spot them. You should look for wood that is darker than the rest. You should also keep an eye on areas that have started to bow or warp. Call a professional if you notice any of these issues.
A mesh patch kit can be used to fix a damaged frame. The cost of these kits is between $2 to $7. The kit includes a small piece mesh and glue that can be used to fix any holes in the screen. If the damage is not too significant you could also attempt to repair it using a wood filler. To accomplish this, you'll need to apply the wood filler over the affected area and then wait for it to dry before sanding the area smooth.
If you want a solution that is more permanent you can purchase frames lifts. A frame lift is a metal structure that bolts onto the frame you have and lifts it up. This is a very expensive alternative, but it is the best if your frame is badly damaged or rotted.
To make an easy stand for your screen door, you can create legs from a scrap piece of wood or a picture frame display stand. Connect wires or brackets to the back to hang the frame on the wall. patio doors repairs near me RepairMyWindowsAndDoors can even add a piece of felt to the frame's bottom to shield your wall from scratches.
Broken Splines
A damaged screen spline can be just as annoying to handle as a damaged frame or door. It might seem like an issue that is minor enough to be overlooked, but letting it go long enough can allow pests such as mosquitoes and flies to pass through. This could quickly become the issue of a bigger scale, resulting in expensive repairs or the need for a new screen door.
The good news is that replacing a broken spline is simple and affordable, especially if you already have the tools. First, you'll need to remove the old spline from the screen door. This can be done by laying the frame of the screen door flat on any surface, like a table or ground. Utilize a screwdriver to pull up the free spline and pull it out. If the spline is especially worn or brittle, it may break as you attempt to take it from the groove.
When you take off the old spline make sure to also remove the caulking that was used to hold it in place. This will help ensure that the new spline is properly fitted in the grooves.
Make use of a utility blade to cut the excess screen around the frame once you have removed the old spline. This will ensure a tight and smooth fit across the entire frame when you install the spline.
Installing the new spline is easy after you've cleaned the frame and cut the new material to size. Start with the short side of the frame. Roll the spline into the screen channel using your splining device. Continue to roll the spline, bringing it in as you go. Repeat this process on each side of the frame. As you are working, try to keep the screen taut using spring clamps or tape.
Repeat the process on the other side after you have completed the splining of all short sides. Finally, finish by splining the top and bottom of the frame.