Patio Screen Door Repair - How to Do it Yourself
A worn-out or torn screen door for your patio is not just ugly, but it also provides an easy entryway for pests like mosquitoes and insects like flies. While there are services that can repair your patio screen door, it's fairly simple to do the work yourself.
Lay the screen flat on a work surface. Remove the handle from that side by taking out the screws holding it in place.
Screens damaged
It's not too surprising that your window or door screens will eventually develop holes and tears as a result of weather animals, children, and pets. These damaged sections are not only unsightly but also allow pests and flies into your home. Repairing these issues is fairly simple. Screen repair kits and patch kits taps are quick fixes to minor damage. However, they do not perform as well for larger issues. sliding door repair Repair My Windows And Doors -bystep guide will show you how to repair and replace your screen doors and windows.
Assessing the damage is the first step. Is it possible to salvage the frame, or does it require replacement? It is important to take into consideration this because the frames of window and door screens are more susceptible to being damaged than mesh. A bent frame could cause the screen to become out of place and cause holes or weak spots.
After you've decided whether or not the frame is salvageable then you can begin to work on the mesh. For this job you'll require some essential tools. A spline roller for pressing the spline into the frame an utility knife and scissors are all necessary to complete the process. These tools will ensure accuracy and durability when you make repairs.
If you have a large hole, begin by cutting away as much of the old screen as you can to create a clean opening. Then, cut a patch of the new screen material in a way that it is at a minimum half an inch larger than the damaged area. The patch should be matched to the grid pattern of your window, if it has one. Trim the edges to remove any irregularities. Fold over the edges of spline to hide them.
Consider the climate of your region when buying a replacement screen. Fiberglass mesh is a popular option due to its flexibility and cost, while aluminum screens offer strength and snag-resistance. You might also select a special insect screen mesh if your region is ravaged by mosquitos and other pests. Whatever kind of screen you select be sure to stretch the fabric tautly over the frame to avoid wrinkles and sagging.
Broken Rollers
A damaged roller on your patio screen door can be a frustrating inconvenience. It's not only making it difficult to move your door however, it can let bugs and other pests to get into your home. The good news is that fixing your rollers won't be nearly as costly or complex as replacing your door.
Begin by looking at your rollers to identify the problem. It may 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 generally a push fit on the bracket, so you may be able to put a screwdriver between it and the bracket, and try to lever it off. If you still can't remove the roller then spray the shaft with WD-40 and try again.
It is also important to examine the tracks from top to bottom. If they're bent and need to be straightened, you can do so by placing a block of wood against the bent area and rapping it with the Hammer. It's essential to clean the tracks, as well as they could hold grit and sand.
Once you've identified the type of roller that is damaged then you can purchase the replacement. Bring your old rollers to the hardware store so that you can be sure you're buying the right type. If your door has more than one roller then you will need to buy enough to replace all of them.
Use an screwdriver inside of the door frame, near the rollers to loosen the screws or bolts for adjustment. After the screws are loose, you can remove the rollers from the bottom. This task should be performed by a person else so that you don't need to use 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 correctly positioned your patio screen door will easily slide into its place.
Frame Damaged
There are several ways you can repair the screen door that is rubbing against its frame. First, make sure the hinges are secure. A hinge that is loose could cause doors to become stuck, which means it will stop when you open or close the door. If they are loose, just tighten the hinge screws. If this fails, you may need to sand the frame's top to make it smooth.
A rotting frame is another frequent issue with screen doors. It is costly to fix as the frame needs to be replaced. To avoid this, be on the lookout for signs of rot and address them immediately if you notice them. Find signs of decay by observing wood that looks darker than the rest of the frame. You should also keep an eye out for areas where the wood is beginning to bow or warp. Contact a professional if notice any of these issues.
You can fix damaged frames by using mesh patch kits that costs from $2 to $7. The kit includes a tiny piece of mesh and glue which can be used 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 have to apply the wood filler over the damaged area and wait for it dry before sanding it smooth.
You can purchase a framelift which is a metallic structure bolted onto the frame you already have that lifts it. This is a very expensive alternative, but it is the best if your frame has been badly damaged or has rotted.
You can build a simple leg for your screen door with a scrap of wood or an old display stand for your photo frame. Then, secure an anchor or wire 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 shield your wall from scratches.
Broken Splines
A damaged screen spline can be similar to damaged frames or doors. It may seem like a problem that can be ignored. If you allow it to linger for too long, pests like mosquitoes and flies can slip through. This can quickly become an issue that is more serious and could result in more expensive repairs or even a replacement screen door.
The positive side is that replacing the damaged spline can be relatively simple and affordable, especially in the event that you already have the equipment. First, you'll need to remove the old screen door spline. This can be done by laying the frame of the screen door flat on any surface such as a table or the ground. Take the spline off by using a screwdriver. If the spline has become extremely worn or brittle it may break as you try to remove it from the groove.
When you are removing the old spline, make sure that you also remove any caulking that has been used to keep the spline from moving. This will help ensure that the new spline fits properly in the grooves.
When you have removed all of the old spline, you can use a knife to cut any excess screen from the frame. This will ensure a tight, straight fit on all sides of your frame when you install the spline.
Installing the new spline is easy once you have cleaned the frame and cut the new screen material to size. Start with one of the shorter sides of the frame. Roll the spline into the screen channel using your splining tool. Continue to roll the spline, pushing it in as you go. Repeat this process on each short side of the frame. While you work try to keep the screen taut using spring clamps or tape.
After you have splined all of the short sides of the frame, move to the other side and repeat the process. Then, you can finish by splining both the bottom and top edges of the frame.