The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Patio Screen Door Repair

Patio Screen Door Repair - How to Do it Yourself

A worn or torn screen door is not only ugly, it also provides an ideal entrance point for flies, mosquitoes, and other insects. Although there are services to repair your patio screen door, it's relatively easy 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.

Damaged Screens

It's not a surprise that your door or window screens will eventually develop holes and tears as a result of weather animals, children, and pets. Apart from looking ugly, these damaged sections allow pests and flies into your home. Repairing these issues is fairly simple. While patch kits and screen repair tape offer a quick fix for minor damage, they don't work well on larger issues. This step-by-step guide will show you how to correctly repair and replace your screen doors and windows.

Examining the damage is the first step. Can you salvage the frame or will it require replacement? It is crucial to think about this since the frames of window and door screens are more susceptible to being damaged than the mesh.  glass door repair cost  can cause the screen to be out of alignment, causing holes or weak spots.

After you've decided whether the frame is salvageable then you can begin to build the mesh. For this job you'll require a few essential tools. This requires a spline roll for pressing the spline in the frame, an utility knife and scissors. These tools will ensure precision and durability when making repairs.

If you've got a large hole in your screen, begin by removing as much as possible of the old material to make a clean space. Cut a new piece of screen material that is at least one half inch wider all around than the damaged portion. If your window is designed with grid pattern, make sure that the patch matches to it. Cut the edges to eliminate any imperfections. Fold over the edges of spline to hide them.

When buying a new screen, make sure you take into consideration the climate of the area you live in. Aluminum screens are durable and resistant to snags, while fiberglass mesh is well-known for its low cost and flexibility. You might also select a special insect screen mesh if your region is a victim of mosquitoes and other pests. Whichever type of screen you select, remember to stretch the material tightly over the frame in order to prevent wrinkles and sagging.

Broken Rollers

A broken roller can be a gruelling problem. It's not only making the process of sliding your door more difficult, but it can also allow bugs and other unwanted visitors to enter your home. The good news is that repairing the rollers isn't as difficult or costly as replacing your entire door.

Start by inspecting your rollers to find the issue. It could be that the wheel has flattened out, or maybe the other end of the wheel has worn out by constant contact with the track. You can try to take off the wheels by inserting screwscrews between the bracket and the roller. If you're unable to get the roller to come off, it may be beneficial to spray the shaft area with WD-40 before trying again.

It is also important to check the tracks from top to bottom. You can straighten bent tracks by hammering a block of wooden against the bent part. It is essential to keep the tracks clean as well, as they may accumulate dust and grit.

Once you've identified the type of roller that is broken and you are able to purchase the replacement. Bring your old rollers to the hardware store so 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 screws or bolts for adjustment. Once the screws are loose, you can take the rollers from the bottom of the door. It's best to have someone help you with this step to unwind your hands and concentrate on taking off the rollers.

After the new roller has been installed after installation, the door can be lowered back to its original position and the adjustment screws or bolts can be tightened. Make sure to verify the alignment of the rollers and track, too. If everything is correctly positioned, your patio screen door will slide easily into place.

Frame Damaged

There are many ways to repair your screen door that is rubbing against its frame. First, ensure that the hinges are in good condition. Doors can become sluggish in the event that the hinges are loose. If they are loose, just tighten the hinge screws. If this fails, you may have to sand the top of the frame to smooth it.

A rotting frame is another frequent issue with screen doors. It can be expensive to repair, as it typically involves replacing the entire frame. To avoid this, keep alert for signs of rot. Treat them as soon you spot them. Check for 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. Call a professional if you detect any of these problems.

You can repair damaged frames by using a mesh adhesive patch kit, which costs between $2-$7. The kit comes with a small piece of mesh and glue, which you can use to fill any holes in your screen. If the damage is minimal, you can also attempt to repair it using a wood filler. To accomplish this, you'll have to apply the wood filler on the area that is damaged and wait for it to be dry before sanding it smooth.

If you want a solution that is more permanent you can opt for frames lifts. A frame lift is a metal structure that bolts onto your existing frame and lifts it up. This can be very expensive however it is the best choice if your frame has been severely damaged or completely decayed.

You can make an easy leg for your screen door by using a scrap of wood or an old display stand for a photo frame. Attach brackets or wires to the back to place the frame on the wall. You can also attach a piece of felt to the bottom to protect the wall from scratches.

Broken Splines

A damaged screen spline could be as difficult to deal with as damaged doors or frames. It may seem like an issue that is easy to ignore. If you allow it to linger for too long, pests like insects and mosquitoes can get through. This can quickly become a bigger problem and could result in more expensive repairs or even a replacement screen door.

The good news is that replacing a broken spline is simple and inexpensive, especially if you already have the tools. Before you can begin, you must remove the old spline off the screen door frame. This can be accomplished by laying the frame flat on a work surface like a table or the ground. Make use of a screwdriver in order to pry open the free spline and pull it out. If the spline is particularly worn or brittle you may discover that it breaks when you try to remove it from the groove.

As you remove the old spline, make sure that you also remove the caulking used to hold it in place. This will ensure that the new spline fits properly into the grooves.

Make use of a utility blade to trim the excess screen around the frame once you have removed the old spline. This will ensure that you have an even, clean fit on all sides of the frame when you put in the new spline.

After you have a clear frame and the new screen material cut to size, it is time to begin installing the new spline. Begin with one of the shorter sides of the frame. Lay the spline down, and then begin rolling it with your splining tool to move it into the screen channel. Continue to roll the spline, pressing it into as you move. Continue this process on each side of the frame. While you are working, use spring clamps or tape to keep the screen taut.

After you have splined all of the short sides of the frame shift to the opposite side and repeat the process. Complete by splining both of the top and bottom edges of the frame.