Patio Screen Door Repair - How to Do it Yourself
A damaged or worn screen door isn't only ugly, it also provides an ideal entry point for flies, mosquitoes and other insects. There are numerous services that can fix your patio screen doors, however, it is a simple task to fix yourself.
Lay the screen flat on a surface. Remove the handle from the screen by removing the screws that hold it in the position.
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 animals, children, and pets. In addition to being ugly, these damaged sections allow insects and flies to enter your home. Fortunately, repairing the problem is fairly easy. Screen repair kits and patch kits tap are quick fixes for minor damage. However, they won't work as well on larger issues. This step-by-step guide will teach you how to repair and replace your windows and doors for screen.
The first thing you need to do is determine the damage. Is it possible to salvage the frame, or does it need replacing? It is important to consider this as window and door screens frames are more likely to be damaged than the mesh. A bent frame can cause the screen to become out of alignment and create holes or weak spots.
After you've decided whether the frame can be salvaged, you can begin to tackle the mesh. To accomplish this you'll require some essential tools. This calls for a spline roll pressing the spline into the frame, an utility knife and a pair of scissors. These tools will guarantee precision and durability when you do repairs.
If you have a large hole in your screen, start by removing as much as possible of the old material to create a clean space. Then cut a patch of the new screen material so that it is at least a half inch larger than the damaged area. If your window is designed with grid pattern, make sure the patch is in line to it. Trim the edges to eliminate any imperfections. Fold over the ends of spline to conceal them.
Be aware of 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 may also wish to choose a specially designed insect screen mesh if you live in an area that is plagued with mosquitos and other insects. Whatever type of screen you pick make sure you stretch the material tightly over the frame in order to prevent sagging and wrinkles.
Broken Rollers
A broken roller on your patio screen door can be a harrowing issue. It's not only making the process of sliding your door more difficult however, it can also allow bugs and other pests to get into your home. The good news is, repair of your rollers isn't as expensive or difficult as replacing your door.
Begin by looking at the rollers to determine what the problem is. It could be that the wheel is flattened out, or perhaps the other end of the wheel is worn out from constant contact with the track. Try to remove the wheels by putting screwscrews between the roller and the bracket. If you're unable to get the roller to lift off, it might be helpful to spritz the shaft area with WD-40 prior to trying again.
It's also a good idea to look at the tracks from top and bottom. If they're bent and need to be straightened, you can do so by putting a piece of wood against the bent area and rapping it with the Hammer. It's essential to clean the tracks as well because they can hold grit and sand.
Once you have identified the type roller that is damaged and you are able to purchase the replacement. Bring your old rollers to the hardware store so that you can be sure you're buying the right type. If your door has more than one roller then you'll need to buy enough to replace them all.
Before installing the new roller, use a screwdriver to loosen the bolts or screws that adjust the door. on the inside of the door frame, close to the door rollers. Once the screws have been loose, you can take the rollers from the bottom. This is best performed by a person else so that you don't need to use 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 in the right position your patio screen will be able to slide into place with ease.
Frame Damaged
If your screen door is getting caught against the frame, there are several ways to fix it. First, make sure the hinges are in good condition. Loose hinges could cause doors to bind, which means it will stop when you open or close the door. If they're loose, tighten the hinge screws. If this doesn't work it is possible to sand down the top of the frame.
A frayed frame is another frequent issue with screen doors. It can be expensive to repair, since it usually involves replacing the entire frame. To avoid this, be on the lookout for any signs of decay. Make patio door repairs to treat them as soon as you notice them. Find signs of decay by looking for wood that looks darker than the rest of the frame. Keep an eye on areas where the wood has started to bow or warp. Contact a professional if detect any of these problems.
You can fix damaged frames with mesh patch kits, which costs between $2 to $7. The kit includes a small piece mesh and glue that can be used to fix any holes in the screen. If the damage is not too significant, you can also try fixing it with a wood filler. To do this, apply the filler to the damaged area, wait for it to dry, and then sand it to a smooth finish.
If you want a solution that is more permanent you can opt for a frame lift, which is a steel structure that is bolted onto your frame and raises it up. It is a costly option, but is the best option if your frame has been badly damaged or has rotted.
You can create a simple leg for your screen door using scraps of wood or an old display stand for your photo frame. Attach brackets or wires to the back of the frame to place the frame on the wall. You can even add 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 the same as damaged frames or doors. It might seem like a problem that is easy to ignore. However, if you leave it unattended for too long, pests such as mosquitoes and flies can slip through. This can quickly escalate into a larger problem that could lead to costly repairs or the need for a new screen door.
It is simple to repair a damaged spline, particularly if you have the right tools. Before you can get started you must remove the old spline off the screen door frame. You can do this by laying the screen door frame flat on a surface like a table or ground. Use a screwdriver to pry open the free end of the spline, and then pull it out. If the spline is especially damaged or brittle, you might notice that it cracks as you try to remove it from the groove.
While you are pulling out the old spline, make sure that you take off any caulking used to keep the spline in place. This will ensure that the new spline fits properly in the grooves.
Use a utility blade to cut the excess screen around the frame once you have removed the old spline. This will ensure a snug, straight fit across the entire frame after you install the spline.
When you have a clean frame and have the new screen material cut to size, it is time to begin installing the new spline. Begin with one of the shorter sides of the frame. Lay the spline in place, and then begin rolling it using your splining tool to move it into the screen channel. Continue to roll the spline, pressing it into as you go. Repeat this process for each of the shorter sides of the frame. As you are working try to keep the screen taut with tape or spring clamps.
Repeat the process on the opposite side after you have completed the splining of all the short sides. Finally, finish by splining the top and bottom of the frame.