Patio Screen Door Repair - How to Do it Yourself
A damaged or worn-out patio screen door is not only ugly, it also creates an easy entry point for pests like mosquitoes and flies. There are many services that can fix your patio screen doors, however, it is a simple task to fix it yourself.
Lay the screen flat on a work surface. Remove the handle from the screen by removing the screws holding it in the position.
Damaged Screens
Between weather as well as pets and children, it's no surprise that tears and holes are bound to appear in your door or window screens. These damaged sections are not only ugly, but also allow pests and flies into your home. Repairing these problems is simple. Patch kits and screen repair taps are quick fixes for minor damage. However, they don't work as well on larger issues. This step-by-step guide will teach you how to correctly repair and replace your screen doors and windows.
The first thing to do is evaluate the damage. Is it possible to salvage the frame or will it require replacement? This is vital because, generally, window and door screen frames are more prone to damage than mesh. A bent frame can pull the screen out of its alignment, leading to holes and weak spots in the mesh.
Once you've determined whether the frame is salvageable or not, you can start fixing the mesh. To accomplish this you'll require a few essential tools. This requires a spline roll for pressing the spline into the frame, an utility knife and a pair of scissors. These tools ensure precision and durability in your repairs.
If you have a large hole in your screen, begin by removing as much as possible of the old material to create a clean space. Then, cut a patch of new screen material in a way that it is at a minimum half inch larger than the damaged area. If your window is designed with a grid pattern, make sure that the patch matches to it. Then, trim the edges of your patch to remove any irregularities and fold the ends of the spline to cover the edges.
When buying a new screen, be sure to think about the climate in your area. Aluminum screens are sturdy and resistant to snags while fiberglass mesh is a favorite because of its cost and flexibility. If your area is plagued by mosquitos and other insects, you may want to choose a specialized mesh for insect screens. Whatever type of screen you pick, remember to stretch the material tightly over the frame to prevent wrinkles and sagging.
Broken Rollers
A broken roller can be a frustrating issue. It can make moving the door a challenge and also allow bugs to enter your home. The good thing is that repair of your rollers isn't as expensive or difficult as replacing your door.
Begin by inspecting the rollers to determine what the issue is. It could be that the wheel is flattened or worn out on one end because of constant contact with the track. The wheels are generally mounted as a push fit on the bracket, and you might be able to insert a screwdriver behind the roller between it and the bracket and attempt to push off the roller. If you're still unable to remove the roller, spray the shaft area with WD-40 and try again.
Also, you should look at the tracks from top to the bottom. You can straighten bent tracks by hammering a piece of wooden against the bent section. It is essential to keep the tracks clean as well as they could collect grit and dust.
Once you've identified the kind of roller that's broken, you can buy a replacement. Bring your old rollers to the hardware store so you can ensure you're purchasing the correct type. Some doors have more than one roller, so make sure to purchase enough to replace them all.
Use an screwdriver inside of your door frame, near the rollers to loosen the screws or bolts that adjust the door. Once the screws are loose, you can take the rollers from the bottom of the door. This task should be performed by a person else so that you don't need to make use of your hands.
After installing the new roller The door can be raised and the bolts or screws for adjustment can be are tightened. Make sure to verify the alignment of the rollers and track, too. If everything is in order the patio screen door will easily slide into place.
Frame Damaged
There are several ways you can fix your screen door to stop it from rubbing against the frame. Make sure the hinges are in good shape. 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, simply tighten the hinge screws. If this fails, you may need to sand the frame's top to smooth it.
A rotting frame is a common issue with screens. It is costly to repair as the frame needs to be replaced. To avoid this, be on the lookout for any indications of rot. Take care of 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 where the wood has started to bow or warp. If you find any of these issues, call a professional.
A mesh 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 that you can use to cover any holes in your screen. If repair patio door lock is minor you can attempt to fix it with wood filler. To do this apply the filler on the damaged area, wait for it to dry, and then sand it to a smooth finish.
You can purchase a framelift that is a steel structure that is bolted on to the frame you already have that lifts it up. This can be very expensive however it could be the best choice if your frame is severely damaged or has completely damaged or has rotted.
You can make an easy leg for your screen door with wood scraps or an old display stand for a photo frame. Then, attach a wire or brackets to the back of the frame to hang it 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 damaged screen spline can be the same as damaged doors or frames. It may appear to be a problem that is easy to ignore. But if you leave it unattended for too long, pests like mosquitoes and flies may slip through. This could quickly turn into an even bigger issue and result in more costly repairs or even a replacement screen door.
It is easy to repair a damaged screen spline if you have the right tools. Before you begin, you will need to remove the old spline from the screen door frame. This can be accomplished by laying the frame flat on a work surface, like a table or the ground. Pull the spline out with the screwdriver. If the spline is particularly damaged or worn, you could find that it breaks as you try to pull it out of the groove.
When you take off the old spline, be sure to also take off the caulking that was used to keep it in place. This will ensure that the new spline fits properly into 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 a secure and clean fit across the entire frame when you install the spline.
Installing the new spline is easy once you have cleaned the frame and cut the new material to size. Start on the short side of the frame. Lay the spline in place, and then begin rolling it with your splining tool to work it into the screen channel. Continue rolling the spline, and pushing it into the screen channel as you move. Continue this process for each short side of the frame. As you are working make sure to keep the screen taut with tape or spring clamps.
Repeat the process for the second side once you've completed the splining process for all the short sides. Finish by splining both the top and bottom edges of the frame.