Patio Screen Door Repair - How to Do it Yourself
A damaged or worn-out screen door for your patio is not just ugly, but it also creates an easy entry point for pests like mosquitoes and insects like flies. While there are services that will repair your patio screen door, it is fairly simple to do the job yourself.
Lay the screen flat on a work surface. Remove the handle from the screen by taking out the screws that hold it in the position.
Screens damaged
Between weather children, pets, and weather, it's no surprise that holes and tears will surely appear in your window or door screens. These damaged sections are not only unsightly but also allow insects and flies to enter your home. Fortunately, repairing these problems is fairly simple. While patch kits and screen repair tapes offer an easy solution for minor damage, they don't work well on larger problems. This step-by-step guide will teach you how to repair and replace your screen doors and windows.
The first thing to do is evaluate the damage. Is it possible to salvage the frame or will it need replacing? This is important because, generally windows and door screen frames are more prone to damage than the mesh. A bent frame may cause the screen to be out of alignment and create holes or weak spots.
If you are able to determine if the frame is salvageable or not, you can start addressing the mesh itself. You'll need a few tools to accomplish this task. This requires a spline roll for pressing the spline into the frame, a utility knife and a pair of scissors. These tools will guarantee precision and durability when making repairs.
If you have a huge hole in your screen, start by removing as much possible of the old material to create a new space. Cut a new patch of screen material that is at least a half inch wider all around than the damaged area. Make sure the patch matches your window's grid pattern If it has one. Then, trim the edges of your patch to remove any irregularities and fold them over the top of the spline in order to hide the edges.
When purchasing your replacement screen, you should consider the climate in your region. Fiberglass mesh is a popular option for its flexibility and affordability as well as aluminum screens that offer strength and snag-resistance. You could also opt for a specialized insect screen mesh if your region is ravaged by mosquitoes and other pests. Whatever type of screen material you select, make sure to stretch it tautly across the frame to prevent sagging or wrinkles.
Broken Rollers
A damaged roller on your patio screen door could be a frustrating issue. It can make moving the door a challenge and also allow bugs to enter your home. The good news is that repairing the rollers doesn't have to be as difficult or costly as replacing the entire door.
Begin by looking at your rollers to identify the problem. 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. You can try to take off the wheels by putting a screwdriver between the roller and the bracket. If you're still unable to remove the roller, spray the shaft area with WD-40 and try again.
It's also a good idea to examine the tracks, 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 a hammer. It is crucial to keep the tracks clean as well as they could accumulate dust and grit.
Once you've identified the type roller that is damaged and you are able to purchase the replacement. Bring your old rollers to the hardware store so that you can be sure you're buying the correct type. Some doors have more than one roller, so be sure to purchase 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 frame, near the door rollers. After the screws are loose, you can take the rollers from the bottom. This step is best done by someone else so that you don't have to make use of your hands.
After installing the new roller The door can be raised and the adjustment screws or bolts tightened. Make sure to verify the alignment of the rollers and the track, too. If everything is in the right position the patio screen will slide in place easily.
Frame Damaged
There are many ways to fix your screen door rubbing against its frame. First, make sure that the hinges are secure. A hinge that is loose can cause doors to be locked, meaning it will stop when you open or close the door. If they are loose, tighten the hinge screws. If this doesn't work, you might need to sand down the top of the frame.
Another issue that is common to screen doors is a decaying frame. It can be expensive to fix, since it typically involves replacing the entire frame. To avoid this, keep on the lookout for any signs of decay. Make sliding patio door repairs near me RepairMyWindowsAndDoors to treat them as soon as you notice them. Check for signs of decay by observing wood that looks darker than the rest of the frame. You should also keep an eye out for areas where the wood has started to bow or warp. Contact a professional if observe any of these issues.
You can repair a damaged frame by using mesh patch kits costing between $2 to $7. The kit comes with small pieces of mesh and glue that you can use to repair any holes in the screen. If the damage is minor, you can try to fix it with wood filler. To do this apply the filler on the damaged area, then wait for it to dry, and then smooth it with sandpaper.
For a more durable solution you can opt for frame lifts, which is a metal structure that bolts onto your frame and raises it up. This can be a costly option however it could be the best choice if your frame has been severely damaged or has completely decayed.
To build an easy stand for your screen door, you can create a leg from a scrap piece of wood or a picture frame display stand. Then, attach a wire or brackets 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 shield your wall from scratches.
Broken Splines
A damaged screen spline for your screen is the same as a damaged door or frame. It might appear to be a problem that is easy to ignore. However, if you let it go for too long, pests such as insects and mosquitoes can get through. This can quickly turn into the issue of a bigger scale that could lead to costly repairs or a new door screen.
The good news is that replacing broken spline is simple and inexpensive, especially when you already have the tools. You will first need to take off the old spline from the screen door. This can be done by placing the frame flat on a work surface, like a table or the ground. Remove the spline using the screwdriver. If the spline has become 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 that you also remove any caulking used to keep the spline from moving. This will ensure that the new spline is properly fitted into the grooves.
Make use of a utility knife to cut the excess screen around the frame after you have removed the old spline. This will ensure a snug and clean fit on all sides of your frame after you install 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. Incorporate the spline into the screen channel using your splining device. 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 are working try to keep the screen taut using tape or spring clamps.
Repeat the process on the other side once you've completed the splining of all the short sides. Finally, finish by splining the top and bottom of the frame.