Patio Screen Door Repair - How to Do it Yourself
A damaged or worn-out screen door is not just unsightly; it provides a convenient entryway for flies, mosquitoes, and other insects. There are many solutions to repair your patio screen doors, however, it is a simple task to do yourself.
Lay the screen flat on a surface. Remove the handle from the screen by taking out the screws that hold it in place.
Damaged Screens
It's not surprising that your window or door screens will eventually develop tears and holes due to weather, pets, and children. Aside from being unsightly damaged, these sections let pests and flies into your home. Repairing these issues is simple. While patch kits and screen repair tape provide an easy fix for minor damage, these products aren't suited to larger problems. This step-by-step guide will show you how to repair and replace your screen doors and windows.
The first thing you need to do is determine the damage. Is the frame salvageable, or does it need to be replaced? This is crucial because, as a rule window and door screen frames are more prone to damage than mesh. A bent frame could cause the screen to move out of alignment, resulting in holes and weak areas in the mesh.
Once you've determined whether the frame is salvageable or not, you can begin addressing the mesh itself. For this task you'll require some essential tools. A spline roller that presses the spline into the frame, an utility knife and scissors are all necessary to complete the process. Using these tools ensures accuracy and durability in your repairs.
If you are dealing with a large hole, start by cutting away as much of the old screen as is possible to make a clear opening. Then cut a patch of the new screen material so that it is at a minimum half an inch larger than the damaged area. Make sure the patch matches the grid pattern of your window, if it has one. Trim the edges to remove any irregularities. Fold over the ends of spline to hide them.
Take into consideration the climate of your region when you are looking to purchase a new screen. Aluminum screens are strong and resistant to snags, while fiberglass mesh is a favorite for its affordability and flexibility. You could also select a special insect screen mesh if you live in an area that is a victim of mosquitoes or other insects. Whatever type of screen material you select, make sure you stretch it tightly across the frame to avoid sagging or wrinkles.
www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk damaged roller on the screen door to your patio can be a major inconvenience. It can make moving the door difficult and even allow bugs to get inside your home. The good news is, fixing your rollers won't be nearly as costly or complex as replacing your door.
Start by examining the rollers to determine what the problem is. It could be that the wheel has sunk out, or perhaps the other end of the wheel is worn out by constant contact with the track. You can try to take off the wheels by putting an screwdriver between the bracket and the roller. If you are unable to get the roller to lift off, it may be helpful to spritz the shaft with WD-40 prior to trying again.
It's recommended to look at the tracks from both at the top and bottom. Straighten bent tracks by hammering a piece of wood against the bent section. It is crucial to wash the tracks well, as they may accumulate dust and grit.
Once you've identified the kind of roller that's broken you can purchase a new one. Bring your old rollers to the hardware store so you can be 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.
Before installing the new roller make use of a screwdriver to loosen the bolts or adjustment screws on the inside of the frame, near the rollers. After the screws are loose, you can remove the rollers from the bottom. This task should be done by someone else so that you don't have to work with your hands.
After installing the new roller The door can be raised and the bolts or screws for adjustment can be are tightened. Be sure to check the alignment of the rollers and track, as well. If everything is in order your patio screen door will slide easily into position.
Frame Damaged
If your screen door is rubbing against the frame, there are many ways to fix it. First, make sure that the hinges are secure. A door could be bowed when hinges are loose. If they are loose, just tighten the hinge screws. If this doesn't work, you may need to sand the frame's top to smooth it.
Another common problem with screen doors is a rotting frame. It can be expensive to repair since the frame needs to be replaced. To avoid this, keep a lookout for signs of rot, and treat them as soon as you notice them. Look for soft wood that is darker than the rest. Keep an eye out for any areas where the wood is starting to warp or bow. Contact a professional if notice any of these issues.
You can fix a damaged frame by using mesh patch kits that costs from $2-$7. The kit includes a small piece of mesh and glue which you can use to fill any holes in your screen. If the damage is minor you can attempt to fix it with wood filler. To do this apply the filler to the damaged area, then wait for it to dry, and then sand it smooth.
For a more durable solution you can purchase frames lifts. A frame lift is a steel structure that bolts to your existing frame and lifts it up. This is a very expensive alternative, but it is the best option if your frame has been badly damaged or has rotted.
You can create an easy leg for your screen door with a scrap of wood or an old display stand for a photo frame. Attach brackets or wires to the back of the frame, allowing you to place the frame 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 can be just as frustrating to manage as a damaged frame or door. It might appear to be a problem that can be ignored. But if you allow it to linger for too long, pests such as mosquitoes and flies can slip through. This can quickly turn into the issue of a bigger scale that could lead to costly repairs or a new door screen.
The positive side is that replacing the broken spline is relatively easy and affordable, particularly when you already have the equipment. Before you can begin, you must remove the old spline from the door frame. You can do this by placing the screen door frame flat on a surface like a table or ground. Pull the spline out with a screwdriver. If the spline has become extremely worn or brittle it could break when you try to remove it from the groove.
As you remove the old spline, make sure to also remove the caulking that was used to hold it in place. This will ensure that the new spline is suitable for fitting into the grooves.
Once you've removed all the old spline, use a knife to cut any excess screen off around the frame. This will ensure that you get a clean, tight fit on all sides of the frame once you install the new spline.
After you have a clear frame and have the new screen material cut to size, it is time to install the new spline. Start with the short side of the frame. Incorporate the spline into the screen channel using your splining device. Continue rolling the spline and pushing it into the screen channel as you move. Repeat this process on each side of the frame. While you are working, use tape or spring clamps to ensure that the screen stays taut.
After you have splined all of the short sides of the frame move to the opposite side and repeat the process. Then, you can finish by splining both the bottom and top edges of the frame.