Patio Screen Door Repair - How to Do it Yourself
A damaged or worn-out screen door isn't only ugly, it also provides an ideal entrance point for mosquitoes, flies and other bugs. There are a variety of solutions to repair your patio screen doors but it is easy to do yourself.
Lay the screen flat on a work surface. Remove the handle by removing the screws that hold it in place.
Damaged Screens
Between weather, pets and kids It's not a surprise that tears and holes will eventually appear on your window or door screens. Aside from being unsightly the damaged screens allow flies and other pests into your home. Repairing these issues is easy. While patch kits and screen repair tapes offer a quick fix for minor damage, they don't work well on larger problems. This step-bystep guide will show you how to repair and replace your screen doors and windows.
The first thing to do is determine the damage. Is the frame salvageable, or does it need to be replaced? It is important to take into consideration this as window and door screens frames are more susceptible to being damaged than mesh. A bent frame could pull the screen out of alignment, which can result in holes and weak areas in the mesh.
After you've decided whether or not the frame is salvageable then you can begin to work on the mesh. To accomplish this, you'll need a few essential tools. This process requires a spline roll for pressing the spline inside the frame, an utility knife and scissors. These tools ensure precision and durability in your repairs.
If you have a large hole, begin by removing as much of the old screen as you can to create a clean opening. Then, cut a patch of new screen material in a way that it is at least a half inch bigger all around than the damaged area. If your window is designed with grid patterns, be sure the patch is in line to it. Cut the edges to eliminate any imperfections. Fold over the spline's ends to hide them.
When purchasing your replacement screen, you should take into consideration the climate of your area. Fiberglass mesh is a popular choice due to its flexibility and cost 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 prefer a specially-designed mesh for insect screens. Whatever type of mesh you pick, be sure that you stretch it tight across the frame to avoid wrinkles or sagging.
Broken Rollers
A broken roller on your patio screen door can be a harrowing trouble. It can make sliding the door difficult and allow insects to enter your home. The good news is that repairing the rollers doesn't have to be as difficult or costly as replacing your entire door.
Begin by inspecting the rollers to determine what the issue is. It may be that the wheel is flattened out, or maybe the other end of the wheel is worn out by constant contact with the track. You can try to take off the wheels by putting screwscrews between the roller and the bracket. If you are still unable to remove the roller you can spray the shaft with WD-40 and try again.
You should also examine the tracks from top to bottom. You can straighten bent tracks by hammering a piece of wooden against the bent section. It is crucial to clean the tracks as well, as they may be a source of dust and grit.
Once you have identified the type roller that is broken then you can purchase a replacement. Make sure to bring your old rollers to the hardware store to ensure that you buy the correct type. Some doors have more than one roller, so make sure to purchase enough rollers to replace them all.
Before installing patio door repairs near me Repair My Windows And Doors using a screwdriver, loosen the bolts or adjustment screws on the inside of the door frame, close to the rollers. Once the screws are loose, you can remove the rollers from the bottom of the door. This is best done by someone else so that you don't have to work with your hands.
After installing the new roller The door can be raised, and the bolts or screws for adjustment can be are tightened. Check the alignment of both the rollers and track. If everything is properly positioned your patio screen door will be able to slide effortlessly into place.
Damaged Frame
There are several ways to fix your screen door that is rubbing against its frame. Make sure the hinges are secure. A door could be bowed when hinges are loose. If they are loose, tighten the hinge screws. If this does not work, you might need to sand the top of the frame.
A rotting frame is a common issue with screens. It can be costly to repair since the frame will have to be replaced. To avoid this, keep a watchful eye for signs of rot and address them when you spot them. Check for signs of decay by looking for wood that appears darker than the rest of the frame. Keep an eye out for areas where the wood is beginning to bow or warp. If you find any of these problems contact a professional.
A mesh adhesive patch kit can be used to repair a damaged frame. These kits cost between $2 to $7. The kit includes a small piece of mesh and glue which you can use to cover any holes in your screen. If the damage is minor you can attempt to repair it using wood filler. To do this, you'll have to apply the wood filler on the damaged area and wait for it be dry before sanding it smooth.
You can buy a framelift, which is a metal structure that is bolted on to the frame you already have that lifts it up. This can be a costly option however it is the best option in cases where your frame is badly damaged or has completely decayed.
You can build an easy leg for your screen door using a scrap of wood or an old display stand for a photo frame. Then, secure a wire or brackets to the back of the frame to hang it on the wall. You can add a piece felt to the bottom of the frame to protect the wall from scratches.
Broken Splines
A damaged screen spline can be just as frustrating as damaged doors or frames. It may appear to be an issue that is minor enough to be ignored however, ignoring it long enough can let pests like mosquitoes and flies to pass through. This could soon become an even bigger issue and result in more expensive repairs or even a new screen door.
It is not difficult to replace a broken screen spline with the right tools. Before you begin, you will need to remove the old spline from the door frame. You can do this by laying the screen door frame flat on a surface like a table or a floor. Utilize a screwdriver to pull up the free end of the spline and pull it out. If the spline has become particularly worn or brittle, it may break as you attempt to take it from the groove.
When you are removing the old spline, be sure that you also take off the caulking that was that was used to hold it in place. 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 secure and straight fit on all sides of your frame once you have installed the spline.
Once you have a clean frame and the new screen material cut to size, it's time to start installing the new spline. Start with one of the shorter sides of the frame. Lay the spline in place and begin rolling it with your splining tool to work it into the screen channel. Continue rolling the spline, and pushing it into the screen channel as you move. Repeat this process for each of the shorter sides of the frame. While you work make sure to keep the screen taut using tape or spring clamps.
Repeat the process for the second side after you have completed the splining of all short sides. Finally, finish by splining the top and bottom of the frame.