Patio Screen Door Repair - How to Do it Yourself
A damaged or worn patio screen door is not only unsightly, but it also serves as an entrance for pests such as mosquitoes and flies. Although there are services that will repair your patio screen door, it's relatively easy to do the work yourself.
Lay the screen flat on a surface. Remove the handle from the screen by removing the screws holding it in place.
Damaged Screens
Between the elements, pets and kids It's no wonder that tears and holes will surely be found in your door or window screens. These damaged sections are not just ugly, but they also let insects and flies to enter your home. Fortunately, fixing the problem is fairly easy. While patch kits and screen repair tapes offer an easy fix for minor damage, they aren't suited to larger issues. This step-bystep guide will show you how to correctly repair and replace your windows and doors for screen.
Analyzing the damage is the first step. Are the frames salvageable or does it need to be replaced? This is important since, in general window and door screen frames are more prone to damage than mesh. A bent frame may cause the screen to fall out of alignment, causing holes or weak spots.
After you've decided whether the frame can be salvaged and you're ready to build the mesh. For this task you'll require a few essential tools. A spline roller to press the spline into the frame, an utility knife and scissors are all necessary to complete the process. Using these tools ensures the highest quality and durability of your repairs.
If you have an extensive hole, start by removing as much of the old screen as possible to make a clear opening. Cut a new patch of screen material that is at least one half inch wider than the damaged part. If patio doors repairs has grid patterns, be sure to match the patch with it. Finally, trim the edges of the patch to remove any irregularities and fold over the ends of the spline to conceal them.
Take into consideration the climate of your area when you are looking to purchase a new screen. Fiberglass mesh is a popular choice due to its flexibility and cost as well as aluminum screens that offer strength and snag-resistance. You could also select a special insect screen mesh if you live in an area that is a victim of mosquitoes or other pests. Whatever type of screen you choose be sure to stretch the material tautly over the frame to avoid sagging and wrinkles.
Broken Rollers
A damaged roller on your patio screen door could be a major inconvenience. It's not only making the process of sliding your door more difficult however, it can let bugs and other undesirables 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.
Start by inspecting your rollers to identify the problem. It could be that the wheel is flattened or worn out on one end because of the constant contact with the track. You can try to remove the wheels by inserting 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.
Also, you should check the tracks from top to the bottom. If they're bent, you can straighten them by placing a block of wood against the bent part and hitting it with the hammer. It is important to clean the tracks as well, as they can trap dirt and sand.
After you've identified the type of roller that is broken and you are able to purchase a replacement. Bring your old rollers to the hardware store so you can be sure you're buying the right type. If your door has more than one roller then you'll need to purchase enough to replace all of them.
Before installing the new roller, use a screwdriver to loosen the bolts or adjustment screws on the inside of the door frame, near the rollers. Once the screws are loose, you can take the rollers from the bottom of the door. This task should be done by someone else so that you don't have to work with your hands.
After installing the new roller, the door can then be raised and the adjustment screws or bolts are tightened. Check the alignment of both the track and the rollers. If everything is in its proper position the patio screen will slide in place easily.
Damaged Frame
There are several ways you can repair the screen door that is to stop it from rubbing against the frame. Check that the hinges are secure. A door could be bowed in the event that the hinges are loose. If they're loose make sure you tighten the hinge screws. If this isn't working, you might require sanding the frame's top to smooth it.
Another issue that is common to screen doors is a rotting frame. It can be expensive to repair since the frame needs to be replaced. To avoid this, be alert for signs of rot. Take care of them as soon as you spot them. Look for signs of rot by looking for soft wood that appears darker than the rest of the frame. Be on the lookout for any areas where the wood is starting to warp or bow. If you find any of these problems you should contact a professional.
You can fix damaged frames by using mesh patch kits costing between $2 and $7. The kit includes a tiny piece of mesh and glue that you can use to fill any holes in your screen. If the damage is not too significant you could also try fixing it with a wood filler. To do this apply the filler to the damaged area, wait for it to dry, then sand it smooth.
Framelifts can be purchased that is a steel structure that is bolted to your existing frame that lifts it. It is a costly option, but is the best option if your frame is badly damaged or rotted.
You can create an easy leg for your screen door using wood scraps or an old display stand for a photo frame. Attach wires or brackets to the back of the frame, allowing you to place the frame on the wall. You can also attach a piece of felt to the bottom of the frame to protect the wall from scratches.
Broken Splines
A broken screen spline can be as difficult to handle as damaged doors or frames. It might seem like an issue that can be overlooked. But if you leave it unattended for too long, pests such as mosquitoes and flies can slip through. This could quickly turn into a bigger problem and could cause more costly repairs or even a new screen door.
It is not difficult to replace a broken 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 surface like a table or the ground. Make use of a screwdriver in order to pry open the free end of the spline, and then pull it out. If the spline has gotten especially worn or brittle, it may break as you try to remove it from the groove.
When you are removing the old spline, make sure that you remove any caulking that has been used to keep the spline from moving. This will help ensure that the new spline is properly fitted in the grooves.
Make use of a utility knife to trim the screen around the frame after you have removed the old spline. This will ensure that you have an even, clean fit on all sides of the frame once you put in the new spline.
When you have a clean frame and have the new screen material cut to size, it is time to start installing the new spline. Start on the short side of the frame. Place the spline on top, and then begin rolling it using your splining device to work it into the screen channel. Continue to roll the spline, bringing it in as you move. Continue this process for each short side 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, move to the other side and repeat the process. Finalize by splining the top and bottom of the frame.