Patio Screen Door Repair - How to Do it Yourself
A damaged or worn-out screen door for your patio is not just ugly, but it also serves as an entrance for pests such as mosquitoes and flies. While there are companies that can repair your patio screen door, it is relatively easy to do the work yourself.
Lay the screen flat on a work surface. Take the handle off by taking off the screws that hold it in place.
Screens damaged
Between weather, pets and kids, it's no surprise that tears and holes will surely be found in your window or door screens. These damaged sections are not only ugly, but also allow insects and flies to enter your home. Repairing these issues is simple. While patch kits and screen repair tape offer an easy fix for minor damage, these products don't work well on larger issues. This step-by-step guide will demonstrate how to repair and replace your screen windows and doors.
Examining the damage is the first step. Is the frame salvageable, or does it need to be replaced? This is important since, in general windows and door frame screens are more prone to damage than the mesh. A bent frame can cause the screen to move out of alignment, resulting in holes and weak areas in the mesh.
Once you've determined whether the frame is salvageable or not, you can begin fixing the mesh. You'll require a few essential tools to complete the task. This requires a spline roll for pressing the spline into the frame, an utility knife and scissors. These tools will ensure precision and durability when making repairs.
If you have a large hole, start by cutting away as much of the old screen as is possible to make a clear opening. Cut a new patch of screen material that is at least a half inch bigger in all directions than the damaged portion. Match the patch to the grid pattern of your window, If it has one. Then, cut the edges of the patch to remove any irregularities and fold them over the top of the spline to cover the edges.
When buying a new screen, you should think about the climate in the area you live in. Fiberglass mesh is a popular choice because of its flexibility and affordability as well as aluminum screens that offer durability and snag-proofing. You could also choose a specially designed insect screen mesh if your area is ravaged by mosquitoes and other insects. Whatever kind of screen you pick be sure to stretch the fabric tautly over the frame to prevent sagging and wrinkles.
Broken Rollers
A broken roller can be a gruelling issue. It can make moving the door difficult and allow bugs to enter your home. The good news is that repairing the rollers isn't as complicated or costly as replacing your entire door.
Start by examining your rollers to identify the issue. You may find that the wheel has sunk or worn out on one end due to constant contact with track. You can try to take off the wheels by putting a screwdriver between the roller and the bracket. If you are unable to get the roller to lift off, it might be beneficial to spray the shaft with WD-40 prior to trying again.
It's recommended to take a look at the tracks, top and bottom. If they're bent, you can straighten them by putting a piece of wood against the bent part and hitting it with a hammer. It is important to clean the tracks, as well because they can hold sand and grit.
Once you've identified what kind of roller that's broken you can buy a replacement. Make sure you bring your old rollers to the hardware store to ensure that you purchase the right type. If your door has more than one roller, you'll need to purchase 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 frame near the rollers. Once the screws have been loose, you can take the rollers from the bottom. This task should be done by someone else so that you don't have to make use of your hands.
After installing the new roller, the door can then be raised and the bolts or screws for adjustment can be tightened. Check the alignment of both the track and rollers. If everything is correctly positioned the patio screen door will slide easily into its place.
Frame Damaged
There are many ways you can repair your screen door that is rubbing against its frame. First, make sure the hinges are tight. A hinge that is loose could cause doors to be locked, meaning it will stop when you open or close the door. If they're loose, simply tighten the hinge screws. If this doesn't work, you might need to sand down the frame's top.
A rotting frame is another common issue with screens. It is costly to repair since the frame needs to be replaced. To avoid this, keep a watchful eye for signs of rot and address them immediately if you notice them. You should look for wood that is darker than the rest. Keep an eye out for any areas in which the wood is beginning to bow or warp. If you notice any of these problems, call a professional.
double glazed patio door repairs can be used to repair damaged frames. These kits cost between $2 and $7. The kit comes with small pieces of mesh and glue that can be used to fix any holes in the screen. If the damage is minor it is possible to repair it using wood filler. To do this, you will have to apply the wood filler to the damaged area and wait for it dry before sanding the area smooth.
If you want a solution that is more permanent you can opt for a frame lift, which is a metal structure that is bolted onto your frame and raises it up. This is a costly option, but can be the best option if your frame is badly damaged or rotted.
You can create an easy leg for your screen door by using wood scraps or an old photo frame display stand. Then, secure the brackets or wire to the back of the frame to hang it on the wall. You can even add a piece of felt to the bottom of the frame to protect your wall from scratches.
Broken Splines
A broken screen spline can be just as annoying to deal with as damaged doors or frames. It might seem like something minor that could be ignored however, ignoring it too long can allow pests like mosquitoes and flies to pass through. This could soon become an issue that is more serious and could result in more costly repairs or even a new screen door.
It is easy to replace a broken spline, especially when you have the proper tools. You will first need to take off the old screen door spline. This can be done by laying the frame flat on a work surface, such as a table, or the ground. Utilize a screwdriver to pull open the free spline and pull it out. If the spline is 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 you take off the caulking that was used to hold it in place. This will ensure that the new spline is capable of fitting into the grooves.
Make use of a utility blade to trim the excess screen around the frame once you have removed the old spline. This will ensure that you have an even, clean fit on all sides of the frame once you install the new spline.
Installing the new spline is easy after you've cleaned the frame and cut the new material to size. Begin with one of the shorter sides of the frame. Incorporate the spline into the screen channel using your splining tool. Continue to roll the spline, bringing it in as you go. Continue this process for each of the short sides of the frame. While you are working make sure to keep the screen taut with tape or spring clamps.
Repeat the process on the other side once you've completed the splining of all short sides. Finalize by splining the top and bottom of the frame.