Patio Screen Door Repair - How to Do it Yourself
A worn or torn screen door isn't just ugly; it's also a an ideal entrance point for mosquitoes, flies and other insects. There are a variety of services that can repair your patio screen doors however, it is a simple task to fix it yourself.
Lay the screen flat on a surface. Take the handle off by taking out the screws that secure it.
Damaged Screens
Between the weather, pets and kids It's not a surprise that tears and holes will eventually appear on your door or window screens. Apart from looking ugly the damaged screens allow pests and flies into your home. Fortunately, fixing the problem is fairly easy. While patch kits and screen repair tape offer an easy solution for minor damage, these products do not work for more serious issues. This step-by-step guide will show you how to correctly repair and replace your screen doors and windows.
Analyzing the damage is the first step. Are there ways to salvage the frame, or does it need to be replaced? It is important to consider this as windows and door screen frames are more susceptible to being damaged than the mesh. A bent frame may cause the screen to be out of alignment and create holes or weak spots.
Once you've determined whether the frame is salvageable, you can begin to tackle the mesh. For this job, you'll need a few essential tools. A spline roller for pressing the spline into the frame an utility knife and scissors are all required for this procedure. These tools ensure accuracy and durability in your repairs.
If you are dealing with a large hole, begin by removing as much of the old screen as you can to make a clear opening. Cut an entirely new screen material that is at least a half inch bigger than the damaged portion. The patch should be matched to the grid pattern of your window, if it has one. Cut the edges to eliminate any imperfections. Fold over the spline's ends to conceal them.
When you are purchasing a replacement screen, you should take into consideration the climate of the area you live in. Fiberglass mesh is a popular choice for its flexibility and affordability and aluminum screens provide strength and snag-resistance. You may also wish to select a special insect screen mesh if your area is ravaged by mosquitoes or other insects. Whatever type of screen material you choose, make sure you stretch it tightly across the frame to avoid sagging or wrinkles.
Broken Rollers
A damaged roller on your patio screen door could be a major trouble. It can make sliding the door difficult and even 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 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 has worn out due to constant contact with the track. You can try to remove the wheels by putting screwscrews between the roller and the bracket. If you are still unable to remove the roller then spray the shaft with WD-40, and try again.
Also, you should examine the tracks from top to bottom. Straighten bent tracks by hammering an object of wooden against the bent portion. It's important to clean out the tracks as well, as they can trap grit and sand.
Once you've identified the type of roller that's broken you can purchase a replacement. Bring your old rollers to the hardware store so that you are sure you're buying the correct model. If your door has more than one roller, you will need to buy enough to replace all of them.
Use a screwdriver on the inside of the door frame near the rollers to loosen the adjustment bolts or screws. Once the screws are loose, you can take the rollers from the bottom of the door. This is best 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 raised and the adjustment screws or bolts can be tightened. Check the alignment of both the rollers and track. If everything is in the correct place your patio screen will slide in place easily.
Frame Damaged
There are several ways you can repair the screen door that is that is rubbing against its frame. Check that the hinges are secure. Doors can become sluggish when hinges are loose. If they're loose then tighten the hinge screws. If this isn't working, you might need to sand the frame's top to make it smooth.
A rotting frame is a frequent issue with screen doors. It can be expensive to repair, since it typically requires replacing the entire frame. To avoid this, be on the eye out for signs of rot, and treat them as soon as you notice them. Look for signs of decay by looking for wood that looks darker than the rest of the frame. Be on the lookout for any areas where the wood is starting to warp or bow. Call a professional if you detect any of these problems.
Repairing damaged frames by using a mesh adhesive patch kit costing between $2 and $7. The kit comes with a small 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 repair it using wood filler. To do this, you'll have to apply the wood filler over the area that is damaged and then wait for it to dry before sanding it smooth.
You can buy a framelift, which is a metal structure that is bolted on to the frame you already have that lifts it up. This can be a costly option, but it can be the best choice if your frame is severely damaged or completely damaged or has rotted.
You can make an easy leg for your screen door using scraps of wood or an old photo frame display stand. Then, fasten an anchor or wire to the back of the frame to hang it on the wall. You can also add a piece of felt to the bottom of the frame to protect the wall from scratches.
Broken Splines
A broken screen spline is just as frustrating as damaged frames or doors. It may appear to be a minor issue that can be overlooked however, ignoring it too long could let pests like flies and mosquitoes to slip through. This could quickly turn into an even bigger issue and cause more costly repairs or even a new screen door.
The good news is that replacing a broken spline is relatively easy and affordable, especially when you already have the equipment. First, you'll need to remove the old spline from the screen door. This can be accomplished by laying the frame flat on a work surface such as a table, or the ground. Make use of a screwdriver in order to pry open the free spline and then pull it out. If patio doors repair near me is especially worn or brittle you may discover that it breaks when you attempt to remove it from the groove.
When you are removing the old spline, be sure to also remove the caulking used to keep it in place. This will help ensure that the new spline fits properly in the grooves.
When you have removed all of the old spline, use a knife to cut any excess screen off the frame. This will ensure that you have a clean, tight fit on all sides of the frame once you put in the new spline.
Installing the new spline is easy after you've cleaned the frame and cut the new screen material to size. Start on the short side of the frame. Lay the spline down and then begin rolling it using your splining device to work 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 work, use tape or spring clamps to keep the screen taut.
Once you have splined all of the short sides of the frame, move to the other side and repeat the process. Finally, finish by splining the top and bottom of the frame.