10 Things You've Learned From Kindergarden That'll Help You With Patio Screen Door Repair
Patio Screen Door Repair - How to Do it Yourself
A damaged or worn screen door isn't only ugly, it also provides an ideal entrance point for flies, mosquitoes and other pests. There are a variety of solutions to repair your patio screen doors, however, it is a simple task to do yourself.
Lay the screen flat on a work surface. Remove the handle from that side by removing the screws holding it in place.
Damaged Screens
Between weather, pets and kids It's not a surprise that tears and holes are bound to appear on your door or window screens. These damaged sections are not just ugly, but they also let insects and flies to enter your home. Fortunately, fixing the problem is fairly easy. While patch kits and screen repair tape provide an easy solution for minor damage, they don't work well on larger issues. This step-by-step guide will explain how to replace and repair your doors and windows.
Examining the damage is the first step. Can you salvage the frame, or does it require replacement? It is important to consider this because windows and door screen frames are more likely to be damaged than the mesh. A bent frame can cause the screen to move out of its alignment, leading to holes and weak areas in the mesh.
After you've decided whether or not the frame is salvageable, you can begin to tackle the mesh. You'll need some essential tools to complete the task. A spline roller that presses the spline into the frame, an utility knife and scissors are all required to complete the process. Using these tools ensures the highest quality and durability of your repairs.
If you've got a large hole in your screen, start by removing as much possible of the old material to create a new space. Then, cut a patch of new screen material to ensure it is at least half inch larger than the damaged area. If your window is designed with a grid pattern, make sure the patch is in line with it. Cut the edges to eliminate any imperfections. Fold over the edges of spline to conceal them.
When purchasing your replacement screen, you should consider the climate in your area. Aluminum screens are strong and resistant to snags, while fiberglass mesh is well-known for its low cost and flexibility. If your area is plagued by mosquitos and other insects you might prefer a specially-designed mesh for insect screens. Whatever type of screen you pick be sure to stretch the fabric tautly over the frame to avoid wrinkles and sagging.
Broken Rollers
A broken roller on your patio screen door can be a frustrating issue. It can make sliding the door difficult and allow insects to enter your home. The good news is that fixing your rollers won't be nearly as expensive or complicated as replacing your door.
Start by examining the rollers to determine what the problem is. It could be that the wheel has flattened out, or perhaps the other end of the wheel has worn out by constant contact with the track. The wheels are typically a push fit on the bracket, so you might be able to insert a screwdriver between it and the bracket and then try to pull it off. If you're unable to get the roller to lift off, it might be helpful to spritz the shaft with WD-40 before trying again.
It is also important to look at the tracks from top to bottom. If they're bent, you can straighten them by holding a block of wood against the bent part and rapping it with the Hammer. It's important to clean out the tracks as well, as they can trap sand and grit.
Once you've identified the type of roller that's damaged, you can purchase a new one. Bring your old rollers to the hardware store so that you can be sure you're buying the correct model. Some doors have more than one roller, so make sure to purchase enough rollers to replace them all.
Before installing the new roller using a screwdriver, loosen the bolts or adjustment screws on the inside of the door frame, close to the rollers. Once the screws have been loose, you can take the rollers from the bottom. It is recommended to have someone assist you in this process, so that you can liberate your hands and focus on taking off the rollers.
After installing the new roller, the door can then be raised and the adjustment screws or bolts tightened. Be sure to check the alignment of the rollers and track, too. If everything is properly positioned your patio screen door should be able to slide effortlessly into place.
Damaged Frame
If your screen door is rubbing against the frame, there are a variety of ways to fix it. First, ensure that the hinges are secure. Loose hinges can cause doors to bind, which means it will stop when you open or close the door. If they're loose, simply tighten the hinge screws. If this doesn't work, you may require sanding the frame's top to smooth it.
Another common issue with screen doors is a decaying frame. It is costly to fix as the frame will need to be replaced. To avoid this, keep looking for indications of decay. Take care of them as soon as you notice them. Find tilt and slide patio doors problems that is darker than the rest. Also, keep an eye out for areas where the wood is beginning to bow or warp. If you find any of these problems, call an expert.
A mesh patch kit can be used to fix a damaged frame. The kits range from $2 and $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 isn't too severe, you can also try fixing it with a wood filler. To accomplish this, you'll need to apply the wood filler on the damaged area and then wait for it to be dry before sanding it smooth.
For a more durable solution you can purchase a frame lift, which is a steel structure that bolts to the frame you have and lifts it up. This can be very expensive however it could be the best option if your frame is severely damaged or has completely decayed.
To build an easy stand for your screen door you can create an edging from a piece of wood or a photo frame display stand. Then, attach the brackets or wire to the back of the frame to hang it on the wall. You can add a piece felt on the bottom to protect the wall from scratches.
Broken Splines
A damaged screen spline for your screen is similar to damaged doors or frames. It may appear to be an issue that is minor enough to be overlooked, but letting it go too long could allow pests like mosquitoes and flies to get through. This could quickly turn into an issue that is more serious 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 begin, you'll need to take out the old spline from the door frame. You can do this by laying the frame of the screen door flat on a surface such as a table or the ground. Pull the spline out with a screwdriver. If the spline is particularly damaged or worn, you could discover that it breaks when you try to remove it from the groove.
When you are removing the old spline make sure you remove the caulking used to hold it in place. This will ensure that the new spline will be capable of fitting into the grooves.
Make use of a utility knife to trim the screen around the frame once you have removed the old spline. This will ensure that you have a tight, clean fit on all sides of the frame when you put in the new spline.
Installing the new spline is easy once you have cleaned the frame and cut the new screen material to size. Start on the short side of the frame. Incorporate the spline into the screen channel using your splining tool. Continue rolling the spline, and pushing it into the screen channel as you move. Repeat this process for each of the shorter sides of the frame. While you work, use tape or spring clamps to ensure that the screen stays taut.
After you have splined all of the short sides of the frame shift to the opposite side and repeat the process. Finally, finish by splining the top and bottom of the frame.