Patio Screen Door Repair: What's No One Has Discussed
Patio Screen Door Repair - How to Do it Yourself
A damaged or worn-out screen door for your patio is not just ugly, but it also serves as an entry point for pests like mosquitoes and Flies. While there are companies that can repair your patio screen door, it is fairly simple to do the job yourself.
First, lay the screen on a flat work surface. Take the handle off by removing the screws that secure it.
Damaged Screens
Between weather, pets and kids, it's no surprise that tears and holes are bound to appear in your window or door screens. In addition to being ugly, these damaged sections allow flies and other pests into your home. Fortunately, repairing these issues is relatively simple. Patch kits and screen repair taps are quick fixes to minor damage. However, they do not work as well on larger issues. This step-by-step guide will explain how to repair and replace your doors and windows.
Examining the damage is the first step. Can you salvage the frame or will it need replacing? It is important to consider this since windows and door screen frames are more likely to be damaged than the mesh. A bent frame could cause the screen to become out of alignment and create holes or weak spots.
After you've decided whether or not the frame can be salvaged, you can begin to build the mesh. For this job you'll require a few essential tools. This procedure requires a spline roller for pressing the spline into the frame, a utility knife and a pair of scissors. Utilizing these tools will ensure accuracy and durability in your repairs.
If you have a huge hole in your screen, start by removing as much possible of the old material to create a new space. Then, cut a patch of the new screen material in a way that it is at a minimum half inch larger than the damaged area. The patch should be matched to the grid pattern of your window if it has one. Then, trim the edges of your patch to eliminate any irregularities and fold them over the top of the spline in order to hide them.
Take into consideration the climate of your area when buying a replacement screen. Aluminum screens are durable and resistant to snags, while fiberglass mesh is well-known for its low cost and flexibility. If your area is ravaged by mosquitos and other pests you might want to choose a specialized mesh specifically designed for insect screens. Whatever type of screen you pick be sure to stretch the material tautly over the frame to prevent wrinkles and sagging.
Broken Rollers
A damaged roller on your patio screen door can be a frustrating issue. It can make sliding the door difficult and even allow insects to enter your home. The good news is that repairing the rollers doesn't have to be as difficult or costly as replacing your entire door.
Begin by inspecting the rollers to determine what the issue is. It could be that the wheel has sunk or worn out on one side due to constant contact with track. The wheels are typically a push fit on the bracket, and you might be able to put a screwdriver between the bracket and the roller, and try to lever it off. If you can't get the roller to fall off, it could be helpful to spritz the shaft with WD-40 before trying again.
It's also a good idea to take a look at the tracks, both at the top and bottom. If they're bent and need to be straightened, you can do so by holding a block of wood against the bent area and rapping it with a Hammer. It is important to wash the tracks well as they can be a source of dust and grit.
Once you've identified what kind of roller that's broken you can purchase a new one. Bring your old rollers to the hardware store so that you can ensure you're purchasing the correct model. If your door has more than one roller then you'll need to purchase enough to replace all of them.
Before installing the new roller using a screwdriver, loosen the bolts or adjustment screws on the inside of the frame near the rollers. Once the screws are loose, you can remove the rollers from the bottom of the door. It is best to have a person assist you in this step, so that you can liberate your hands and focus on removing the rollers.
After installing the new roller the door can be raised and the adjustment screws or bolts are tightened. Be sure to check the alignment of the rollers as well as the track, too. If everything is in the right place the patio screen will slide into place easily.
Frame Damaged
There are several ways you can fix your screen door to stop it from rubbing against the frame. First, ensure that the hinges are in good condition. A door could be bowed in the event that the hinges are loose. If they're loose, simply tighten the hinge screws. If this doesn't work, you may require sanding the top of the frame to make it smooth.
A rotting frame is a frequent issue with screen doors. It can be expensive to repair as the frame will have to be replaced. To avoid this, keep a eye out for signs of rot and address them as soon as you notice them. Check for signs of decay by looking for wood that looks darker than the rest of the frame. Be on the lookout for any areas where the wood is beginning to warp or bow. Contact a professional if notice any of these issues.
A mesh patch kit can be used to fix damaged frames. These kits cost between $2 and $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 is minor you can attempt to repair it with wood filler. To do this, you will have to apply the wood filler on the damaged area and wait for it to dry before sanding it smooth.
Framelifts can be purchased which is a metallic structure that is bolted on to the frame you already have that lifts it. upvc patio door repairs near me RepairMyWindowsAndDoors can be a costly option, but it can be the best option if your frame has been severely damaged or has completely rotted.
You can build an easy leg for your screen door with scraps of wood or an old display stand for a photo frame. Connect wires or brackets to the back of the frame, allowing you to hang the frame on the wall. You can add a piece felt to the bottom to protect the wall from scratches.
Broken Splines
A damaged screen spline can be just as annoying to handle as a damaged frame or door. This may seem like a problem that is easy to ignore. But if you let it go for too long, pests such as mosquitoes and flies can slip through. This can quickly turn into a larger problem, resulting in expensive repairs or the need for a new screen door.
The positive side is that replacing the broken spline is simple and inexpensive, especially in the event that you already have the equipment. First, you'll need remove the old spline for your screen door. This can be done by laying the frame flat on a work surface, such as a table, or the ground. Take the spline off with a screwdriver. If the spline is particularly worn or brittle you may notice that it cracks as you try to pull it out of the groove.
As you remove the old spline, make sure that you also remove the caulking that was used to hold it in place. This will ensure that the new spline will be able to fit into the grooves.
Make use of a utility blade to cut the excess screen around the frame once 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 screen material to the appropriate size. Begin with the shorter side of the frame. Roll the spline into the screen channel using your splining tool. Continue to roll the spline, bringing it in as you go. Continue this process on each side of the frame. While you work, apply spring clamps or tape to keep the screen taut.
Once you have splined each of the short sides of the frame move to the opposite side and repeat the process. Finally, finish by splining the top and bottom of the frame.