Patio Screen Door Repair - How to Do it Yourself
A damaged or worn-out patio screen door is not only unsightly, but it also creates an easy entryway for pests like mosquitoes and insects like flies. While there are services that will repair your patio screen door, it is quite simple to complete the work yourself.
Lay the screen flat on a work surface. Take the handle off by removing the screws that secure it.
Damaged Screens
Between the elements, pets and kids It's no wonder that tears and holes will surely appear on your door or window screens. Aside from being unsightly, these damaged sections allow insects and flies to enter your home. Repairing these problems is easy. While patch kits and screen repair tapes offer an easy fix for minor damage, they don't work well on larger issues. This step-by-step guide will demonstrate how to replace and repair your screens' windows and doors.
Examining the damage is the first step. Can you salvage the frame, or does it need replacing? This is vital since, in general windows and door frame screens are more prone to being damaged than mesh. A bent frame could cause the screen to fall out of place and cause holes or weak spots.
If you are able to determine if the frame is salvageable or not, you can begin addressing the mesh itself. For this task, you'll need a few essential tools. A spline roller to press the spline into the frame, an utility knife and scissors are all required to complete the process. These tools will ensure precision and durability when making repairs.
If you have a huge hole in your screen, start by removing as much possible of the old material to create a new space. Cut an entirely new screen material that is at least one half inch larger all around than the damaged portion. If your window is designed with grid patterns, be sure the patch is in line to it. Trim the edges to eliminate any imperfections. Fold over the edges of spline to hide them.
When purchasing your replacement screen, make sure you think about the climate in the area you live in. Fiberglass mesh is a popular choice due to its flexibility and cost, while aluminum screens offer the strength and durability of snag-resistant screens. You could also select a special insect screen mesh if your region is plagued with mosquitos and other insects. Whatever type of screen you choose be sure to stretch the material tightly over the frame to avoid sagging and wrinkles.
Broken Rollers
A damaged roller can be a gruelling issue. It can make moving the door a challenge and also allow bugs to get inside your home. The good thing is that fixing the rollers isn't as complicated or costly 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 end due to constant contact with track. Try to remove the wheels by inserting screwscrews between the roller and the bracket. If you still can't remove the roller then spray the shaft with WD-40 and try again.
It's an excellent idea to examine the tracks, top and bottom. You can straighten bent tracks by hammering a block of wood against the bent portion. It is crucial to wash the tracks well as they can be a source of dust and grit.
Once you have identified the type roller that is broken and you are able to purchase an alternative. Bring your old rollers to the hardware store so you are sure you're buying the correct type. If your door has more than one roller then you'll need to buy enough to replace all of them.
Use an screwdriver inside of your door frame near the rollers to loosen the adjustment bolts or screws. Once the screws have been loose, you can remove the rollers from the bottom. This step is best done by someone else so that you don't need to use your hands.
After installing patio door lock repair , the door can then be raised, and the bolts or screws for adjustment can be tightened. Make sure to verify the alignment of the rollers and the track, too. 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 a variety of ways to fix it. Check that the hinges are secure. A door can bind if the hinges are loose. If they're loose, just tighten the hinge screws. If this isn't working, you might require sanding the top of the frame to smooth it.
A rotting frame is a frequent issue with screen doors. It can be expensive to repair, since it usually involves replacing the entire frame. To avoid this, keep a eye out for signs of rot, and treat them as soon as you notice them. You should look for wood that is darker than the rest. Be on the lookout for any areas in which the wood is beginning to warp or bow. If you find any of these issues you should contact a professional.
You can repair damaged frames by using a mesh adhesive patch kit that costs from $2-$7. The kit includes a tiny piece of mesh and glue, that you can use to cover any holes in your screen. If the damage isn't too severe it is possible to try fixing it with a wood filler. To do this, apply the filler to the area that is damaged, wait for it to dry, and then sand it to a smooth finish.
If you want a solution that is more permanent you can purchase a frame lift, which is a structure made of metal that is bolted onto your frame and raises it up. It is a costly option, but is the most effective option if your frame has been severely damaged or has rotted.
To build an easy stand for your screen door you can make legs from a scrap piece of wood or a picture frame display stand. Then, attach a wire or brackets to the back of the frame to hang it on the wall. You can even attach a piece of felt to the bottom of the frame to shield your wall from scratches.
Broken Splines
A damaged screen spline for your screen is similar to a damaged door or frame. It might seem like a problem that is easy to ignore. But if you leave it unattended for too long, pests such as mosquitoes and flies may slip through. This can quickly become an even bigger issue and result in more expensive repairs or even a replacement screen door.
It is not difficult to replace a broken screen spline if you have the right tools. You will first need to take off the old spline from the screen door. This can be accomplished by placing the frame flat on a surface like a table or the ground. Utilize a screwdriver to pull up the free end of the spline and pull it out. If the spline has gotten especially worn or brittle, it could break when you try to remove it from the groove.
When you're removing the old spline, ensure that you also remove any caulking used to keep the spline in place. This will ensure that the new spline is properly fitted in the grooves.
Make use of a utility blade to trim the excess screen around the frame after you have removed the old spline. This will ensure a tight and smooth fit on all sides of your frame after you install the spline.
Installing the new spline is straightforward once you have cleaned the frame and cut the new material to size. Start with the short side of the frame. Roll the spline into the screen channel using your splining device. Continue to roll the spline, pressing it into as you move. Repeat this process on each short side of the frame. While you work try to keep the screen taut with spring clamps or tape.
Repeat the process for the second side once you have completed the splining of all short sides. Finally, finish by splining the top and bottom of the frame.