Patio Screen Door Repair - How to Do it Yourself
A worn or torn screen door is not only ugly, it also provides an ideal entry point for flies, mosquitoes, and other bugs. There are many services that can fix your patio screen doors however, it is a simple task to do yourself.
First, lay the screen on a flat work surface. Remove the handle from the screen by removing the screws that hold it in place.
Damaged Screens
It's not surprising that your window or door screens will develop holes and tears due to weather animals, children, and pets. These damaged parts are not only ugly, but also allow insects and flies to enter your home. The good news is that fixing these issues is relatively simple. While patch kits and screen repair tape offer a quick fix for minor damage, these products aren't suited to larger problems. This step-by-step guide will explain how to replace and repair your doors and windows.
Analyzing the damage is the first step. Is the frame salvageable or does it need to be replaced? It is crucial to think about this because windows and door screen frames are more likely to be damaged than the mesh. A bent frame may cause the screen to fall out of alignment and create holes or weak spots.
Once you've determined whether or not the frame can be salvaged, you can begin to work on the mesh. You'll need some essential tools to complete this task. A spline roller to press the spline into the frame scissors and a utility knife are all necessary for this procedure. These tools will ensure precision and durability when making repairs.
If you have a large hole in your screen, start by removing as much as possible of the old material to create a new space. Cut an entirely new screen material that is at least one half inch larger than the damaged part. The patch should be matched to the grid pattern of your window, if it has one. Then, trim the edges of your patch to eliminate any imperfections and fold them over the top of the spline in order to hide them.
When purchasing your replacement screen, you should consider the climate in the area you live in. Aluminum screens are strong and resistant to snags while fiberglass mesh is a favorite for its affordability and flexibility. If your area is ravaged by pests like mosquitoes and snagged insects you might prefer a specially-designed mesh designed for insect screens. Whatever type of mesh you pick, be sure to stretch it tautly across the frame to avoid sagging or wrinkles.
Broken Rollers
A broken roller on your patio screen door can be a harrowing trouble. It's not only making it difficult to move your door and difficult, but it could also allow insects and other pests to get into your home. The good news is that repairing your rollers isn't nearly as expensive or complicated as replacing your door.
Begin by looking at the rollers to determine what the problem is. It may be that the wheel has sunk out, or perhaps the other end of the wheel is worn out from constant contact with the track. You can try to take off the wheels by putting screwscrews between the bracket and the roller. If you can't get the roller to come off, it could be beneficial to spray the shaft with WD-40 before trying again.
It's also a good idea to take a look at the tracks, both at the top and bottom. You can straighten bent tracks by hammering a block of wood against the bent portion. It is crucial to clean the tracks as well, as they may be a source of dust and grit.
After you've identified the type of roller that is broken, you can buy the replacement. Make sure to bring your old rollers to the hardware store to ensure that you purchase the right type. Some doors have more than one roller, so make sure to purchase enough rollers to replace them all.
Use an screwdriver inside of the door frame, near the rollers to loosen the screws or bolts for adjustment. Once the screws are loose, you can remove the rollers from the bottom of the door. This task should be performed by a person else so that you don't have to make use of your hands.
After the new roller has been installed, the door can be lowered back to its original position and the adjustment screws or bolts 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 will slide easily into its place.
Damaged Frame
If your screen door is getting caught against the frame, there are many ways to correct it. First, make sure the hinges are tight. In the event of loose hinges, it can cause doors to be locked, meaning it will stop when you open or close the door. If they're loose, just tighten the hinge screws. If this does not work it is possible to sand the top of the frame.
Another issue that is common to screen doors is a decaying frame. It can be costly to repair as the frame will need to be replaced. To avoid this, be on the lookout for any signs of rot. Make sure to treat them as soon as you notice them. Look for soft wood that is darker than the rest. You should also keep an eye on areas that have started to bow or warp. Contact a professional if observe any of these issues.
A mesh adhesive patch kit can be used to repair damaged frames. These kits cost between $2 to $7. The kit includes a small piece of mesh and glue which can be used to cover any holes in your screen. If the damage isn't too severe it is possible to try fixing it using a wood filler. To do this apply the filler to the damaged area, wait for it to dry, then smooth it with sandpaper.
You can buy a framelift which is a metallic structure bolted onto the frame you already have that lifts it up. It can be expensive however it could be the best choice if your frame is badly damaged or has completely decayed.
To build a simple stand for your screen door, you can make a leg from a scrap piece of wood or a photo frame display stand. Then, fasten the brackets or wire to the back of the frame to hang it on the wall. You can add a piece felt to the bottom to protect the wall from scratches.
Broken Splines
A damaged screen spline for your screen is similar to damaged doors or frames. It might appear to be a problem that can be ignored. However, if you allow it to linger for too long, pests such as mosquitoes and flies may slip through. This can quickly escalate into an issue that is more serious that could lead to costly repairs or the need for a new screen door.
The positive side is that replacing the damaged spline can be relatively simple and inexpensive, especially in the event that you already have the equipment. First, you'll need to remove the old spline for your screen door. This can be done by laying the frame of the screen door flat on a surface such as a table or the ground. Utilize a screwdriver to pull through 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 attempt to take it from the groove.
As you remove the old spline make sure that you also take off the caulking that was that was used to hold it in place. This will ensure that the new spline will be suitable for fitting into the grooves.
Once you have removed all the old spline a utility knife to trim any excess screen off the frame. This will ensure a secure, smooth fit on all sides of your frame once you have installed the spline.
After you have a clear frame and the new screen material cut to size, it's time to begin installing the new spline. Start with upvc patio door repairs near me 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 rolling the spline and pushing it into the screen channel as you go. Repeat this process for each of the shorter sides of the frame. While you are working, use spring clamps or tape to keep the screen taut.
Once you have splined all of the short sides of the frame, shift to the opposite side and repeat the process. Finish by splining both the bottom and top edges of the frame.