Patio Screen Door Repair - How to Do it Yourself
A damaged or worn screen door is not only ugly, it also provides an ideal entry point for mosquitoes, flies and other insects. While there are services to repair your
sliding patio door repair service screen door, it is fairly simple to do the job yourself.
First, lay the screen on a flat surface. Remove the handle by removing the screws that hold it in place.
Damaged Screens
It's not too surprising that your
sliding patio door repair service near me or window screens will begin to develop holes and tears due to weather, pets, and children. In addition to being ugly the damaged screens allow insects and flies to enter your home.
repairing patio doors these issues is easy. Screen repair kits and patch kits tap are quick fixes for minor damage. However, they don't work as well on more serious issues. This step-bystep guide will show how to replace and repair your screens' windows and
patio doors repairs.
The first thing you need to do is assess the damage. Are the frames salvageable or does it need to be replaced? This is important because, generally windows and door frame screens are more prone to damage than mesh. A bent frame can cause the screen to move out of its alignment, leading to holes and weak areas in the mesh.
Once you've determined whether or not the frame can be salvaged and you're ready to tackle the mesh. You'll require a few essential tools to accomplish this task. A spline roller that presses the spline into the frame, scissors and a utility knife are all necessary for this procedure. These tools ensure the highest quality and durability of your repairs.
If you have a huge hole in your screen, start by removing as much as possible of the old material to make a clean space. Then, cut a patch of the new screen material to ensure it is at least a half inch larger than the damaged area. Make sure the patch matches your window's grid pattern If it has one. Then cut the edges of the patch to eliminate any irregularities and fold over the ends of the spline to cover them.
When purchasing your replacement screen, make sure you think about the climate in your area. Aluminum screens are strong and resistant to snags while fiberglass mesh is a favorite because of its cost and flexibility. If your area is ravaged by mosquitos and other pests, you may prefer a specially-designed mesh specifically designed for insect screens. Whichever type of screen you pick make sure you stretch the material tightly over the frame to avoid wrinkles and sagging.
Broken Rollers
A damaged roller can be a gruelling issue. It's not just making it difficult to move your door, but it can let bugs and other undesirables to enter your home. The good thing is that fixing the rollers doesn't have to be as difficult or costly as replacing the entire door.
Begin by looking at the rollers to determine what the problem is. It could be that the wheel has flattened out, or perhaps one side of the wheel has worn out from constant contact with the track. The wheels are typically mounted as a push fit on the bracket, so you might be able to insert an screwdriver between the bracket and the roller and then try to pull off the roller. If you can't get the roller to come off, it might be helpful to spritz the shaft with WD-40 prior to attempting again.
It's recommended to look at the tracks from top and bottom. If they're bent, you can straighten them by holding a block of wood against the bent part and hitting it with the Hammer. It's essential to clean the tracks, as well, as they can trap sand and grit.
Once you have identified the type roller that is damaged, you can buy a replacement. Bring your old rollers to the hardware store so you can be sure you're buying the right type. Some doors have more than one roller, so make sure to purchase enough to replace them all.
Use a screwdriver to the inside of your door frame near the rollers to loosen the adjustment bolts or screws. After the screws are loose, you can take the rollers from the bottom. It's best to have someone assist you in this process to help you liberate your hands and concentrate on taking off the rollers.
Once the new roller is installed The door can then be raised back into place and the bolts or screws that adjust can be tightened. Be sure to check the alignment of the rollers as well as the track, too. If everything is in order, your
patio door track repair screen door should slide easily into position.
Frame Damaged
If your screen door is rubbing against the frame, there are many ways to correct it. Make sure that the hinges are tight. A door can bind in the event that the 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.
Another issue that is common to screen doors is a rotting frame. It is costly to repair as the frame needs to be replaced. To avoid this, keep a lookout for signs of rot, and treat them when you spot them. Find signs of decay by looking for wood that looks darker than the rest of the frame. Be aware of any areas where the wood is beginning to warp or bow. If you find any of these problems you should contact a professional.
You can repair damaged frames with mesh adhesive patch kits that costs from $2-$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 you can attempt to fix it with wood filler. To do this, you'll need to apply the wood filler over the area that is damaged and wait for it to dry before sanding the area smooth.
For a more permanent solution you can opt for frame lifts, which is a structure made of metal that bolts onto your existing frame and lifts it up. This can be very expensive however it could be the best option in cases where your frame has been severely damaged or has completely rotted.
You can create a simple leg for your screen door with a scrap of wood or an old photo frame display stand. Attach brackets or wires to the back of the frame, allowing you to hang the frame on the wall. You can even add a piece of felt to the frame's bottom to shield your wall from scratches.
Broken Splines
A broken screen spline can be as difficult to manage as damaged doors or frames. It might seem like an issue that is minor enough to be ignored however, ignoring it long enough can allow pests such as mosquitoes and flies to get through. This can quickly escalate into an issue that is more serious that could lead to costly repairs or a new door screen.
It is not difficult to replace a broken screen spline with the right tools. Before you can get started you must remove the old spline from the door frame. You can do this by laying the screen door frame flat on any surface like a table or a floor. Remove the spline by using the screwdriver. If the spline has become particularly worn or brittle, it could break when you attempt to remove it from the groove.
When you're removing the old spline make sure that you remove any caulking that has been used to keep the spline from moving. This will help ensure that the new spline is properly fitted into the grooves.
When you have removed all of the old spline, use a utility knife to trim any screen that is left around the frame. This will ensure a tight and straight fit on all sides of your frame after you install the spline.
Once you have a clean frame and have the new screen material cut to size, it is time to begin installing the new spline. Start by putting it on one of the short sides of the frame. Lay the spline down, and then begin rolling it using your splining device to work it into the screen channel. Continue to roll the spline, pushing it in as you move. Repeat this process on each short side of the frame. While you work, apply 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. Then, finish by splining the top and bottom of the frame.