Patio Screen Door Repair - How to Do it Yourself
A worn-out or torn patio screen door isn't only ugly, it also serves as an entrance for pests such as mosquitoes and insects like flies. Although there are services that can repair your patio screen door, it is fairly simple to do the work yourself.
Then, lay the screen on a flat work surface. Remove the handle by taking off the screws that hold it in place.
Damaged Screens
Between weather, pets and kids It's no wonder that holes and tears will eventually be found in your door or window screens. These damaged sections are not only ugly, but also allow insects and flies to enter your home. Repairing these problems is simple. While patch kits and screen repair tape provide an easy solution for minor damage, these products aren't suited to more serious issues. This step-by-step guide will demonstrate how to replace and repair your screens' windows and doors.
The first thing you need to do is evaluate the damage. Can the frame be repaired, or does it need to be replaced? This is crucial because, generally, window and door screen frames are more prone to damage than mesh. A bent frame can cause the screen to be out of place and cause holes or weak spots.
Once you know whether the frame is salvageable or not, you can start working on the mesh itself. You'll need some essential tools to complete this task. This procedure calls for a spline roll pressing the spline inside the frame, an utility knife and scissors. These tools will guarantee precision and durability when you make repairs.
If you have a large hole in your screen, start by removing as much as possible of the old material to make a clean space. Cut a new piece of screen material that is at least half an inch wider all around than the damaged portion. If your window is designed with a grid pattern, make sure the patch is in line with it. Trim the edges to eliminate any imperfections. Fold over the edges of spline to hide them.
When you are purchasing a replacement screen, be sure to take into consideration the climate of your region. Fiberglass mesh is a popular choice due to its flexibility and cost, while aluminum screens offer durability and snag-proofing. You could also select a special insect screen mesh if your region is ravaged by mosquitos and other pests. Whatever type of screen material you pick, be sure to stretch it tautly across the frame to avoid wrinkles or sagging.
Broken Rollers
A damaged roller on your patio screen door can be a frustrating inconvenience. It's not only making it difficult to move your door however, it can also allow bugs and other undesirables to enter your home. The good news is that repairing the rollers isn't as difficult or expensive as replacing your entire door.
Start by examining the rollers to determine what the issue is. You might find that the wheel is flattened or worn out on one side due to the constant contact with track. The wheels are typically mounted as a push fit on the bracket, so you may be able to insert a screwdriver behind the roller between it and the bracket and attempt to push it off. If you're still unable to remove the roller you can spray the shaft with WD-40 and try again.
It's an excellent idea to look at the tracks from both at the top and bottom. If they're bent and need to be straightened, you can do so by placing a block of wood against the bent portion and hitting it with a Hammer. It is important to wash the tracks well as they could be a source of dust and grit.
Once you've identified the type of roller that's broken you can purchase a new one. Be sure to take your old rollers to the hardware store to ensure you buy the correct type. If your door has more than one roller, you will need to buy enough to replace all of them.
Before installing the new roller using a screwdriver, loosen the adjustment screws or bolts on the inside of the frame near the door rollers. After the screws are loosened, you can remove rollers from the bottom. It is best to have a person assist you in this process, so that you can liberate your hands and concentrate on taking off the rollers.
Once the new roller is installed after installation, the door can be raised back into place and the adjustment screws or bolts can be tightened. Be sure to check the alignment of the rollers and the track, too. If everything is in its proper place, your patio screen should slide in place easily.
Damaged Frame
There are many ways to repair the screen door that is to stop it from rubbing against the frame. First, ensure that the hinges are in good condition. 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 are loose, just tighten the hinge screws. If this fails, you may need to sand the top of the frame to smooth it.
A rotting frame is another common problem with screen door. It is costly to repair since the frame will have to be replaced. To avoid this, be on the eye out for signs of rot and treat them immediately if you notice them. Find signs of rot by looking for soft wood that looks darker than the rest of the frame. Be on the lookout for any areas in which the wood is beginning to warp or bow. If you find any of these problems, call an expert.
A mesh patch kit can be used to fix a damaged frame. The kits range from $2 to $7. The kit includes a tiny piece of mesh and glue that you can use to fill any holes in your screen. If the damage isn't too severe, you can also try fixing it using a wood filler. To do this, apply the filler to the area that is damaged, wait for it to dry, then sand it to a smooth finish.
For replacement glass for patio doors can opt for frame lifts, which is a metal structure that bolts onto the frame you have and lifts it up. It can be expensive however it is the best option in cases where your frame is badly damaged or is completely damaged or has rotted.
You can create an easy leg for your screen door using a scrap of wood or an old display stand for your photo frame. Then, fasten the brackets or wire to the back of the frame to hang it on the wall. You can even attach a piece of felt to the bottom of the frame to protect your wall from scratches.
Broken Splines
A damaged screen spline can be similar to damaged frames or doors. It might seem like an issue that is minor enough to be ignored however, ignoring it too long could allow pests like mosquitoes and flies to pass through. This could quickly become a larger problem, resulting in expensive repairs or a new door screen.
It is easy to replace a broken screen spline if you have the right tools. Before you begin, you'll need to take out the old spline off the screen door frame. You can do this by placing the frame of the screen door flat on any surface like a table or ground. Take the spline off with the screwdriver. If the spline appears to be particularly damaged or brittle, you might discover that it breaks when you try to pull it out of the groove.
When you are removing the old spline, ensure that you also remove any caulking used to keep the spline from moving. This will ensure that the new spline will be able to fit into the grooves.
Make use of a utility knife to trim the excess screen around the frame after you have removed the old spline. This will ensure that you get an even, clean fit on all sides of the frame once you install the new spline.
Once you have a clean frame and have the new screen material cut to size, it is time to start installing the new spline. Begin with the shorter side of the frame. Lay the spline down, and then begin rolling it with your splining device to work it into the screen channel. Continue to roll the spline, pressing it into as you move. Repeat this process for all of the short sides of the frame. While you are working, use spring clamps or tape to ensure that the screen stays taut.
Once you have splined all of the short sides of the frame, shift to the opposite side and repeat the process. Finally, finish by splining the top and bottom of the frame.