Patio Screen Door Repair - How to Do it Yourself
A damaged or worn-out screen door is not just ugly; it's also a an ideal entrance point for flies, mosquitoes, and other bugs. While there are services that will repair your patio screen door, it is relatively easy to do the work yourself.
First, place the screen on a flat surface. Remove the handle from that side by taking out the screws that hold it in the position.
Damaged Screens
Between the elements as well as pets and children It's not a surprise that holes and tears are bound to appear on your window or door screens. These damaged parts are not just ugly, but they also let pests and flies into your home. Repairing these issues is fairly easy. Patch kits and screen repair tap are quick fixes for minor damage. However, they won't work as well on larger problems. This step-by-step guide will teach you how to properly repair and replace your screen doors and windows.
Analyzing the damage is the first step. Is it possible to salvage the frame, or does it require replacement? It is important to consider this because windows and door screen frames 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 spots in the mesh.
Once you know whether the frame is salvageable or not, you can begin addressing the mesh itself. For this task 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 have an extensive hole, start by removing as much of the old screen as you can to make a clear opening. Then, cut a patch of the new screen material so that it is at least a half inch bigger all around than the damaged area. If your window has grid patterns, be sure that the patch matches to it. Then trim the edges of the patch to eliminate any imperfections and fold them over the top of the spline to conceal them.
When you are purchasing a replacement screen, make sure you consider the climate in your region. Fiberglass mesh is a popular choice because of its flexibility and affordability and aluminum screens provide durability and snag-proofing. You might also opt for a specialized insect screen mesh if you live in an area that is a victim of mosquitos and other pests. Whatever kind of insect screen you pick, be sure that you stretch it tight across the frame to prevent wrinkles or sagging.
Broken Rollers
A damaged roller on your patio screen door can be a major inconvenience. Not only does it make sliding your door difficult however, it can let bugs and other pests to get into your home. The good news is that repairing the rollers doesn't have to be as difficult or costly as replacing your entire door.
Start by examining the rollers to determine what the problem is. You may find that the wheel has sunk or worn out on one end because of the constant contact with the track. The wheels are generally a push fit on the bracket, so you may be able to insert an screwdriver between the bracket and the roller and attempt to push off the roller. If you're unable to get the roller to come off, it might be helpful to spritz the shaft area with WD-40 before trying again.
It is also important to examine the tracks from top to the bottom. If they're bent, you can straighten them by holding a block of wood against the bent area and beating it with the Hammer. It is important to keep the tracks clean as well as they can accumulate dust and grit.
Once you've identified the type roller that is broken, you can buy the replacement. Be sure to take your old rollers with you to the hardware store to ensure that you buy the correct type. If your door has more than one roller, you'll need to buy enough to replace them all.
Before installing the new roller, use a screwdriver to loosen the adjustment screws or bolts on the inside of the frame, near the rollers. Once the screws are loose, you can take the rollers from the bottom of the door. This step is best performed by a person else so that you don't need to use 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 place, your patio screen should slide in place easily.
Frame Damaged
If your screen door is getting caught against the frame, there are many ways to fix it. Make sure that the hinges are secure. A door could be bowed when hinges are loose. If they are loose, simply tighten the hinge screws. If this isn't working it is possible to sand down the frame's top.
Another common problem with screen doors is a decaying frame. It can be expensive to fix, since it typically requires replacing the entire frame. To avoid this, be on the eye out for signs of rot, and treat them immediately if you notice them. Check for signs of decay by looking for wood that looks darker than the rest of the frame. Be aware of any areas in which the wood is beginning to warp or bow. If you find any of these issues, call a professional.
A mesh adhesive patch kit can be used to repair a damaged frame. The cost of these kits is between $2 and $7. The kit comes with small pieces of mesh and glue that can be used to fix any holes in the screen. If the damage is minor you can attempt to fix it with wood filler. To do this, you will have to apply the wood filler over the damaged area and wait for it dry before sanding the area smooth.
You can buy a framelift that is a steel structure that is bolted to your frame that raises it. This is a costly option, but can be the most effective option if your frame is badly damaged or rotted.
You can build a simple leg for your screen door by using a scrap of wood or an old photo frame display stand. Attach wires or brackets to the back of the frame, allowing you to place the frame on the wall. You can even add a piece of felt to the bottom of the frame to protect your wall from scratches.
Broken Splines
A damaged screen spline could be as difficult to manage as damaged doors or frames. It may seem like something minor that could be ignored and left unaddressed for too long can allow pests like mosquitoes and flies to get through. This could soon become an even bigger issue and cause more costly repairs or even a new screen door.
The good news is that replacing damaged spline can be relatively simple and affordable, particularly if you already have the equipment. First, you'll need remove the old spline from the screen door. You can do this by placing the screen door frame flat on any surface like a table or ground. Take the spline off with the screwdriver. If the spline has become extremely worn or brittle it could break when you attempt to remove it from the groove.
When you're removing the old spline, ensure that you take off any caulking that has been used to hold the spline in place. This will help ensure that the new spline is properly fitted in the grooves.
After Repair My Windows And Doors 've removed all the old spline, you can use a utility knife to trim any excess screen from the frame. This will ensure a tight and straight fit across the entire frame once you have installed the spline.
Installing the new spline is simple after you have cleaned the frame and cut the new screen material to the appropriate size. Begin with one of the shorter sides of the frame. The spline should be rolled into the screen channel using your splining tool. Continue rolling the spline, and pushing it into the screen channel as you go. Repeat this process on each side of the frame. While you are working make sure to keep the screen taut with tape or spring clamps.
Repeat the process for the second side once you have completed the splining of all the short sides. Finish by splining both the bottom and top edges of the frame.