Patio Screen Door Repair - How to Do it Yourself
A damaged or worn screen door isn't just ugly; it's also a an ideal entrance point for flies, mosquitoes and other bugs. There are a variety of services that can fix your patio doors with screen, however, it is a simple task to fix yourself.
First, lay the screen on a flat work surface. Take the handle off by taking off the screws that secure it.
Screens damaged
It's not too surprising that your door or window screens will begin to develop holes and tears as a result of weather pets, children, and even pets. Aside from being unsightly the damaged screens allow pests and flies into your home. Fortunately, repairing the problem is fairly easy. While patch kits and screen repair tape provide an easy solution for minor damage, these products aren't suited to larger issues. This step-by-step guide will demonstrate how to replace and repair your doors and windows.
The first thing you need to do is determine the damage. Is it possible to salvage the frame or will it need to be replaced? It is crucial to think about this since window and door screens frames are more susceptible to being damaged than mesh. A bent frame may cause the screen to fall out of alignment, causing holes or weak spots.
Once you know whether the frame is salvageable or not, you can begin working on the mesh itself. You'll need a few tools to complete this task. This procedure calls for a spline roll pressing the spline inside the frame, a utility knife and scissors. These tools will ensure precision and durability when you make repairs.
If you are dealing with an extensive hole, start by cutting away as much of the old screen as possible to create a clean opening. Cut an entirely new screen material that is at least half an inch wider than the damaged area. Match the patch to the grid pattern of your window, in the event that it has one. Then, cut the edges of the patch to eliminate any imperfections and fold the ends of the spline in order to hide them.
When buying a new screen, you should think about the climate in the area you live in. Fiberglass mesh is a popular option for its flexibility and affordability as well as aluminum screens that offer strength and snag-resistance. If your area is plagued by pests like mosquitoes and snagged insects you might want to choose a specialized mesh for insect screens. Whichever type of screen you pick make sure you stretch the fabric tautly over the frame in order to prevent sagging and wrinkles.
Broken Rollers
A damaged roller on the screen door to your patio can be a frustrating trouble. It's not just making the process of sliding your door more difficult however, it can let bugs and other pests to get into your home. The good thing is that fixing your rollers won't be nearly as expensive or complicated as replacing your door.
Begin by looking at the rollers to determine what the issue is. It could be that the wheel has flattened out, or maybe the other end of the wheel is worn out by constant contact with the track. Try to remove the wheels by inserting an screwdriver 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.
It's recommended to look at the tracks from top and bottom. You can straighten bent tracks by hammering a piece of wooden against the bent section. It is essential to keep the tracks clean as well as they can accumulate dust and grit.
Once you've identified the type of roller that is broken and you are able to purchase a replacement. Make sure you bring your old rollers to the hardware store to ensure you buy the correct type. If your door has more than one roller then you'll need to buy enough to replace all of them.
Before installing the new roller make use of a screwdriver to loosen the bolts or adjustment screws on the inside of the door frame near the door rollers. After the screws are loosened, you can remove rollers from the bottom. It's best to have someone assist you in this step, so that you can liberate your hands to focus on removing the rollers.
Once the new roller is installed, the door can be lowered back to its original position and the bolts or screws that adjust can be tightened. Check the alignment of both the track and rollers. If everything is in order, your patio screen door will easily slide into place.
Damaged Frame
There are a variety of ways to fix your screen door rubbing against its frame. First, make sure the hinges are in good condition. Doors can become sluggish in the event that the hinges are loose. If they're loose, tighten the hinge screws. If this doesn't work then you may need to sand the top of the frame.
Another issue that is common to screen doors is a decaying frame. It is costly to repair since the frame will have to be replaced. To avoid this, keep on the lookout for any signs of decay. Treat them as soon you spot them. You should look for wood that is darker than the rest. Keep an eye out for any areas where the wood is beginning to bow or warp. If you notice any of these problems, call an expert.
A mesh patch kit can be used to fix damaged frames. The cost of these kits is between $2 to $7. The kit comes with tiny pieces of mesh and glue that you can use to repair any holes in the screen. If the damage is not too significant you could also try fixing it with a wood filler. To accomplish this, you'll need to apply the wood filler on the damaged area and then wait for it to dry before sanding it smooth.
You can buy a framelift which is a metallic structure that is bolted to the frame you already have that lifts it up. This can be a costly option however it is the best choice if your frame is badly damaged or is completely rotted.
You can build a simple leg for your screen door using a scrap of wood or an old display stand for a photo frame. Then, attach an anchor or wire to the back of the frame to hang it on the wall. You can also attach a piece of felt on the bottom to protect the wall from scratches.
Broken Splines
A damaged screen spline can be just as frustrating as damaged doors or frames. It might seem like something minor that could be overlooked however, ignoring it long enough can allow pests such as mosquitoes and flies to pass through. glass door repairs can quickly turn into an issue that is more serious and result in costly repairs or the need for a new screen door.
The good news is that replacing a broken spline is simple and affordable, especially in the event that you already have the tools. Before you can get started you must remove the old spline from the screen door frame. This can be done by laying the frame flat on a surface such as a table, or the ground. Pull the spline out with the screwdriver. If the spline has become especially worn or brittle, it may break as you attempt to take it from the groove.
While you are pulling out the old spline, make sure that you remove any caulking that has been used to keep the spline from moving. This will ensure that the new spline will be capable of fitting into the grooves.
Use a utility blade to cut the excess screen around the frame after you have removed the old spline. This will ensure a snug and straight fit on all sides of your frame once you have installed the spline.
Installing the new spline is easy once you have cleaned the frame and cut the new material to size. Start with one of the shorter sides of the frame. The spline should be rolled into the screen channel using the splining device. Continue rolling the spline, and pushing it into the screen channel as you move. Repeat this process for all of the short sides of the frame. While you are working, use spring clamps or tape to keep the screen taut.
After you have splined all of the short sides of the frame, shift to the opposite side and repeat the process. Then, you can finish by splining both the bottom and top edges of the frame.