Patio Screen Door Repair - How to Do it Yourself
A damaged or worn screen door for your patio is not only unsightly, but it also creates an easy entrance for pests such as mosquitoes and flies. Although there are services to repair your patio screen door, it's quite simple to complete the job yourself.
Lay the screen flat on a surface. Remove the handle from that side by taking out the screws that hold it in place.
Damaged Screens
It's not too surprising that your window or door screens will eventually develop holes and tears due to weather pets, children, and even pets. These damaged parts are not just ugly, but they also let pests and flies in your home. Repairing these problems is easy. Screen repair kits and patch kits tap are quick fixes for minor damage. However, they won't work as well on larger problems. This step-by-step guide will demonstrate how to repair and replace your screens' windows and doors.
Examining the damage is the first step. Is it possible to salvage the frame, or will it need to be replaced? This is crucial because, as a rule windows and door screen frames are more prone to damage than mesh. A bent frame can cause the screen to be out of alignment and create holes or weak spots.
After you've decided whether the frame is salvageable then you can begin to build the mesh. For this job you'll require some essential tools. This requires a spline roller for pressing the spline inside the frame, a utility knife and a pair of scissors. These tools ensure the highest quality and durability of your repairs.
If you're dealing with an extensive hole, start by cutting away as much of the old screen as is possible to create a clean opening. Then, cut a patch of new screen material to ensure it is at a minimum half an inch larger than the damaged area. If your window is designed with grid pattern, make sure that the patch matches to it. Finally, cut the edges of the patch to eliminate any irregularities and fold the ends of the spline to cover them.
When you are purchasing a replacement screen, you should take into consideration the climate of your region. Aluminum screens are strong and resistant to snags while fiberglass mesh is popular for its affordability and flexibility. You may also wish to opt for a specialized insect screen mesh if you live in an area that is ravaged by mosquitoes and other pests. Whichever type of screen you select be sure to stretch the material tightly over the frame to prevent sagging and wrinkles.
Broken Rollers
A damaged roller can be a major issue. It can make sliding the door difficult and even allow insects to enter your home. The good news is that fixing your rollers won't be nearly as costly or complex as replacing your door.
Begin by looking at your rollers to determine the problem. It could be that the wheel has sunk out, or maybe one end of the wheel has worn out due to constant contact with the track. patio door repairs are typically a push fit on the bracket, so you may be able to place a screwdriver between the bracket and the roller 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 take a look at 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 part and rapping it with the hammer. It's essential to clean the tracks as well as they could hold grit and sand.
Once you have identified the type roller that is damaged then you can purchase an alternative. Make sure to bring your old rollers with you to the hardware store to ensure that you purchase the correct model. If your door has more than one roller, you'll need to purchase enough to replace all of them.
Before installing the new roller using a screwdriver, loosen the bolts or adjustment screws on the inside of the frame, close to the door rollers. Once the screws have been loose, you can remove the rollers from the bottom. It is best to have a person help you with this step, so that you can free up your hands to focus on getting rid of the rollers.
After installing the new roller, the door can then be raised, and the adjustment screws or bolts are tightened. Verify the alignment of the track and the rollers. If everything is correctly positioned your patio screen door will be able to slide effortlessly into position.
Frame Damaged
If your screen door is scratching against the frame, there are several solutions to correct it. Make sure the hinges are tight. A door could be bowed if the hinges are loose. If they're loose, tighten the hinge screws. If this doesn't work, you may need to sand the frame's top to smooth it.
A rotting frame is a frequent issue with screen doors. It can be expensive to repair as the frame will need to be replaced. To avoid this, keep looking for signs of rot. Treat them as soon you spot them. You should look for wood that is darker than the rest. Be on the lookout for any areas where the wood is starting to warp or bow. If you spot any of these problems, call an expert.
A mesh patch kit can be used to fix a damaged frame. The cost of these kits is between $2 to $7. The kit comes with a small piece of mesh and glue that you can use to cover any holes in your screen. If the damage isn't too severe you can attempt to repair it using wood filler. To do this apply the filler on the area that is damaged, wait for it to dry, then sand it smooth.
Framelifts can be purchased, which is a metal structure that is bolted on to the frame you already have that lifts it. It can be expensive however it could be the best option if your frame has been severely damaged or completely decayed.
To make an easy stand for your screen door you can build an edging from a piece of wood or a picture frame display stand. Then, secure an anchor or wire to the back of the frame to hang it on the wall. You can also add a piece of felt on the bottom to protect the wall from scratches.
Broken Splines
A broken screen spline is the same as a damaged door or frame. It may seem like a problem that can be ignored. But if you let it go for too long, pests such as mosquitoes and flies can slip through. This can quickly become a bigger problem and could result in more expensive repairs or even a new screen door.
The positive side is that replacing the broken spline is simple and inexpensive, especially if you already have the tools. First, you'll need to take off the old screen door spline. You can do this by laying the frame of the screen door flat on any surface such as a table or the ground. Use a screwdriver to pry through the free spline and then pull it out. If the spline appears to be particularly damaged or worn, you could discover that it breaks when you attempt to pull it out of the groove.
When you take off the old spline, be sure you remove 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.
Once you have removed all of the old spline, use a utility knife to trim any screen that is left around the frame. This will ensure you have an even, clean fit on all sides of the frame once you install the new spline.
Installing the new spline is easy once you have cleaned the frame and cut the new screen material to size. Begin with the shorter side of the frame. Lay the spline down and then begin rolling it with your splining tool to move it into the screen channel. Continue rolling the spline, and pushing it into the screen channel as you go. Repeat this process on each short side of the frame. While you work make sure to keep the screen taut using spring clamps or tape.
Repeat the process on the other side once you have completed the splining of all short sides. Finish by splining both the bottom and top edges of the frame.