Patio Screen Door Repair - How to Do it Yourself
A damaged or worn screen door is not just unsightly; it provides a convenient entryway for flies, mosquitoes and other insects. While there are services that can repair your patio screen door, it's fairly simple to do the work yourself.
First, lay the screen on a flat work surface. Remove the handle by removing the screws that hold it in place.
Screens damaged
It's not a surprise that your door or window screens will begin to develop holes and tears as a result of weather, pets, and children. In addition to being ugly the damaged screens allow pests and flies into your home. Fortunately, repairing these problems is fairly simple. While patch kits and screen repair tape offer an easy fix for minor damage, they aren't suited to more serious issues. This step-by-step guide will demonstrate how to replace and repair your screens' windows and doors.
sliding balcony and patio door repairs to do is determine the damage. Can the frame be repaired, or does it need to be replaced? It is important to consider this as window and door screens frames are more likely to be damaged than the mesh. A bent frame could cause the screen to become out of alignment and create holes or weak spots.
Once you've determined whether or not the frame is salvageable then you can begin to tackle the mesh. For this job you'll require a few essential tools. A spline roller that presses the spline into the frame an utility knife and scissors are all essential for this procedure. These tools ensure accuracy and durability in your 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. Then cut a patch of the new screen material in a way that it is at least half inch larger than the damaged area. If your window has a grid pattern, make sure that the patch matches to it. Then, trim the edges of the patch to eliminate any imperfections and fold the ends of the spline to conceal them.
When you are purchasing a replacement screen, you should take into consideration the climate of your region. Aluminum screens are durable and resistant to snags, while fiberglass mesh is a favorite because of its cost and flexibility. If your area is plagued by mosquitos and other pests You may prefer a specially-designed mesh specifically designed for insect screens. Whatever kind of insect screen you choose, make sure that you stretch it tight across the frame to avoid wrinkles or sagging.
Broken Rollers
A damaged roller on your patio screen door could be a frustrating trouble. It can make moving the door difficult and allow insects to enter your home. The good thing is that repairing your rollers isn't nearly as expensive or complicated as replacing your door.
Start by examining your rollers to find the issue. It may be that the wheel is flattened out, or perhaps one side of the wheel is worn out due to constant contact with the track. Try to remove the wheels by inserting screwscrews between the bracket and the roller. If you are still unable to remove the roller then spray the shaft with WD-40, and try again.
It's recommended to examine the tracks, top and bottom. If they're bent, you can straighten them by holding a block of wood against the bent portion and beating it with a hammer. It is important to clean the tracks as well, as they can trap dirt and sand.
Once you've identified the type of roller that is damaged and you are able to purchase the replacement. Make sure you bring your old rollers with you to the hardware store to ensure you buy the correct type. Some doors have more than one roller, so be sure to buy enough rollers to replace them all.
Before installing the new roller make use of a screwdriver to loosen the adjustment screws or bolts on the inside of the frame, close to the door rollers. Once the screws are loose, you can take the rollers from the bottom of the door. This task should be done by a third party so that you don't need to work with your hands.
After installing the new roller the door can be raised, and the bolts or screws for adjustment can be tightened. Be sure to check the alignment of the rollers as well as the track, too. If everything is properly positioned, your patio screen door should easily slide into place.
Damaged Frame
There are a variety of ways to fix your screen door to stop it from rubbing against the frame. Check that the hinges are secure. Doors can become sluggish if the hinges are loose. If they are loose, tighten the hinge screws. If this doesn't work, you may have to sand the frame's top to smooth it.
A rotting frame is a common problem with screen door. It can be costly to repair as the frame will have to be replaced. To avoid this, be on the lookout for any signs of decay. Make sure to treat them as soon as you notice them. Find soft wood that is darker than the rest. Also, keep an eye on areas that have started to bow or warp. If you spot any of these issues you should contact a professional.
You can fix damaged frames with a mesh adhesive patch kit, which costs between $2 to $7. The kit comes with a small piece mesh and glue that you can use to repair any holes in the screen. If the damage isn't too severe you can attempt to repair it with wood filler. To do this apply the filler to the damaged area, wait for it to dry, then smooth it with sandpaper.
For a more durable solution, you can buy frames lifts. A frame lift is a steel structure that bolts onto the frame you have and lifts it up. This is a very expensive option, but is the most effective option if your frame is badly damaged or rotted.
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 even add a piece of felt to the frame's bottom to protect your wall from scratches.
Broken Splines
A broken screen spline is the same as damaged doors or frames. It may seem like an issue that can be overlooked. But if you let it go for too long, pests such as mosquitoes and flies may slip through. This can quickly become an even bigger issue and cause more costly repairs or even a replacement screen door.
It is easy to repair a damaged spline, particularly if you have the right tools. Before you begin, you'll need to take out the old spline from the screen door frame. This can be accomplished by placing the frame flat on a work surface, such as a table or the ground. Make use of a screwdriver in order to pry through the free spline and pull it out. If the spline is especially damaged or brittle, you might notice that it cracks as you attempt to pull it out of the groove.
As you remove the old spline, be sure that you also remove the caulking used to hold it in place. This will ensure that the new spline will fit in the grooves.
Make use of a utility blade to trim the screen around the frame once you have removed the old spline. This will ensure that you have a tight, clean fit on all sides of the frame when you install the new spline.
Once you have a clean frame and the new screen material cut to size, it is time to begin installing the new spline. Start on 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 go. Repeat this process on each short side of the frame. While you are working, try to keep the screen taut by using tape or spring clamps.
Once you have splined each 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.