Patio Screen Door Repair - How to Do it Yourself
A worn-out or torn patio screen door is not only unsightly, but it also provides an easy entrance for pests such as mosquitoes and Flies. There are numerous services that can fix your patio doors with screen, however, it is a simple task to fix it yourself.
First, lay the screen on a flat work surface. Take the handle off by removing the screws that secure it.
Damaged Screens
Between the elements as well as pets and children It's not a surprise that tears and holes will eventually be found in your window or door screens. The damaged screens aren't just ugly, but they also let pests and flies in your home. Repairing these issues is fairly simple. Patch kits and screen repair taps are quick fixes for minor damage. However, they do not work as well on larger problems. This step-bystep guide will show how to replace and repair your screen windows and doors.
The first thing you need to do is assess the damage. Are there ways to salvage the frame, or does it need to be replaced? This is vital since, in general windows and door screen frames are more prone to being damaged than mesh. A bent frame could cause the screen to move out of alignment, which can result in holes and weak spots in the mesh.
After you've decided whether or not the frame can be salvaged then you can begin to tackle the mesh. To accomplish this you'll require a few essential tools. A spline roller to press the spline into the frame, a utility knife and scissors are all necessary to complete the process. These tools will ensure precision and durability when you do repairs.
If you're dealing with an extensive hole, start by cutting away as much of the old screen as possible to make a clear opening. Then cut a patch of the new screen material to ensure it is at least half inch bigger all around than the damaged area. If your window is designed with grid patterns, be sure to match the patch with it. Cut the edges to eliminate any irregularities. Fold over the ends of spline to hide them.
When buying a new screen, make sure you take into consideration the climate of the area you live in. Fiberglass mesh is a popular option for its flexibility and affordability as well as aluminum screens that offer the strength and durability of snag-resistant screens. If your area is plagued by mosquitos and other pests, you may need to select a special mesh designed for insect screens. Whatever type of screen material you pick, be sure that you stretch it tight across the frame to avoid sagging or wrinkles.
Broken Rollers
A broken roller can be a frustrating problem. It's not just making sliding your door difficult, but it can let bugs and other undesirables to enter your home. The good thing is that fixing the rollers isn't as complicated or expensive as replacing your entire door.
Begin by inspecting the rollers to determine what the problem is. It could be that the wheel is flattened or worn out on one side because of constant contact with track. Try to remove the wheels by inserting screwscrews between the bracket and the roller. If you're still unable to remove the roller, spray the shaft area with WD-40 and try it again.
It's an excellent idea to take a look at the tracks, top and bottom. You can straighten bent tracks by hammering an object of wooden against the bent section. It is important to clean the tracks as well, as they may collect grit and dust.
Once you have identified the type roller that is damaged and you are able to purchase an alternative. Bring your old rollers to the hardware store so you can ensure you're purchasing the correct type. If your door has more than one roller then you'll need to purchase enough 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 rollers. Once the screws have been loose, you can take the rollers from the bottom. It's best to have someone assist you in this step to help you liberate your hands and focus on removing the rollers.
After installing the new roller, the door can then be raised and the adjustment screws or bolts are tightened. Be sure to check the alignment of the rollers as well as the track, as well. If everything is in order, your patio screen door will slide easily into its place.
Frame Damaged
If your screen door is getting caught against the frame, there are several ways to fix it. Make sure the hinges are secure. A door could be bowed in the event that the hinges are loose. If they're loose then tighten the hinge screws. If this isn't working, you might have to sand the top of the frame to smooth it.
A rotting frame is a common issue with screens. patio door repair can be expensive to repair, since it typically involves replacing the entire frame. To avoid this, be on the lookout for signs of rot and address them when you spot them. Check for signs of decay by observing wood that looks darker than the rest of the frame. Also, keep an eye out for areas where the wood is beginning to bow or warp. Call a professional if you detect any of these problems.
A mesh adhesive patch kit can be used to fix a damaged frame. The kits range from $2 to $7. The kit comes with tiny pieces of mesh and glue that can be used to fix any holes in the screen. If the damage is not too significant you could also try fixing it with a wood filler. To do this, apply the filler to the damaged area, then wait for it to dry, and then sand it to a smooth finish.
For a more permanent solution, you can buy frames lifts. A frame lift is a metal structure that bolts to your frame and raises it up. This can be a costly option however it is the best option if your frame has been severely damaged or has completely rotted.
To make an easy stand for your screen door you can build a leg from a scrap piece of wood or a photo frame display stand. Attach brackets or wires to the back of the frame to place the frame 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 manage as damaged doors or frames. It may appear to be an issue that is minor enough to be ignored, but letting it go too long could allow pests like mosquitoes and flies to get through. This could quickly turn into an issue that is more serious and could result in more costly repairs or even a new screen door.
It is easy to replace a broken screen spline with the right tools. Before you can get started you will need to remove the old spline from the door frame. This can be done by laying the frame flat on a work 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 is especially worn or brittle you may discover that it breaks when you attempt to remove it from the groove.
As you remove the old spline, make sure that you also 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.
When you have removed all the old spline, use a knife to cut any excess screen from the frame. This will ensure that you have a tight, clean fit on all sides of the frame once you install the new spline.
Installing the new spline is simple once you have cleaned the frame and cut the new material to size. Begin with one of the short sides of the frame. Lay the spline down, and then begin rolling it with your splining device to work it into the screen channel. Continue rolling the spline and pushing it into the screen channel as you go. Repeat this process for each of the shorter sides of the frame. While you are working try to keep the screen taut with spring clamps or tape.
Repeat the process on the other side once you've completed the splining process for all the short sides. Finalize by splining the top and bottom of the frame.