5 Common Phrases About Patio Screen Door Repair You Should Stay Clear Of
Patio Screen Door Repair - How to Do it Yourself
A damaged or worn patio screen door is not only ugly, it also serves as an entryway for pests like mosquitoes and Flies. There are a variety of services that can repair your patio screen doors however, it is a simple task to fix 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
Between weather, pets and kids, it's no surprise that holes and tears will eventually be found in your door or window screens. The damaged screens aren't only unsightly but also allow pests and flies in your home. Fortunately, fixing these problems is fairly simple. Screen repair kits and patch kits taps are quick fixes for minor damage. However, they don't work as well on larger issues. This step-by-step guide will demonstrate how to replace and repair your screen windows and doors.
Examining the damage is the first step. Is the frame salvageable, or does it need to be replaced? It is important to consider this because the frames of window and door screens are more likely to be damaged than the mesh. A bent frame may cause the screen to fall out of alignment, causing holes or weak spots.
Once you know whether the frame is salvageable or not, you can begin addressing the mesh itself. You'll need a few tools to accomplish this task. A spline roller that presses the spline into the frame scissors and a utility knife are all necessary for this process. These tools will ensure precision and durability when you do repairs.
If you have a huge hole in your screen, begin by removing as much as possible of the old material to make a clean space. Cut a new patch of screen material that is at least a half inch wider all around than the damaged portion. The patch should be matched to your window's grid pattern if it has one. Finally, cut the edges of the patch to eliminate any imperfections and fold them over the top of the spline in order to hide them.
When buying a new screen, you should consider the climate in your area. Fiberglass mesh is a popular option because of its flexibility and affordability, while aluminum screens offer durability and snag-proofing. You might also opt for a specialized insect screen mesh if your region is a victim of mosquitoes or other pests. Whatever kind of insect screen you choose, make sure to stretch it tautly across the frame to prevent sagging or wrinkles.
Broken Rollers
A damaged roller can be a frustrating issue. patio door replacement cost can make moving the door difficult and even allow insects to enter your home. The good news is that repairing the rollers isn't as difficult or costly as replacing your entire door.
Begin by inspecting the rollers to determine what the issue is. It may be that the wheel has sunk out, or perhaps one side of the wheel has worn out due to constant contact with the track. You can try to take off the wheels by putting screwscrews between the bracket and the roller. If you are still unable to remove the roller you can spray the shaft with WD-40 and try it again.
It's recommended to look at the tracks from both at the top and bottom. If they're bent, you can straighten them by putting a piece of wood against the bent part and beating it with the Hammer. It's important to clean out the tracks, too as they could hold dirt and sand.
Once you've identified the kind of roller that's broken you can purchase a replacement. Bring your old rollers to the hardware store so that you can be sure you're buying the correct type. If your door has more than one roller, you'll 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 door frame near the door rollers. After the screws are loosened, you can remove rollers from the bottom. This step is best 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 tightened. Verify the alignment of the track and the rollers. If everything is in order your patio screen door should easily slide into place.
Damaged Frame
There are many ways to fix your screen door that is rubbing against its frame. First, make sure that the hinges are in good condition. Loose hinges could cause doors to be locked, meaning it will stop when you open or close the door. If they are loose, just tighten the hinge screws. If this fails, you may require sanding the top of the frame to smooth it.
Another common problem with screen doors is a rotting frame. It is costly to fix as the frame needs to be replaced. To avoid this, keep a lookout for signs of rot and address them immediately if you notice them. Look for soft wood that is darker than the rest. Be aware of any areas where the wood is beginning to warp or bow. If you find any of these problems, call an expert.
A mesh adhesive patch kit can be used to repair damaged frames. These kits cost between $2 and $7. The kit includes a small piece of mesh and glue, that you can use to fill any holes in your screen. If the damage is not too significant it is possible to attempt to repair it using a wood filler. To do this, you will have to apply the wood filler on the affected area and then wait for it to be dry before sanding it smooth.
You can purchase a framelift, which is a metal structure bolted onto your existing frame that lifts it. This is a costly alternative, but it is the most effective option if your frame has been badly damaged or has rotted.
You can create a simple leg for your screen door with scraps 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 frame's bottom to shield your wall from scratches.
Broken Splines
A damaged screen spline for your screen is just as frustrating as a damaged door or frame. It might seem like a minor issue that can be overlooked, but letting it go too long could let pests like flies and mosquitoes to slip through. This can quickly escalate into an issue that is more serious, resulting in expensive repairs or a new door screen.
The good news is that replacing damaged spline can be relatively simple and affordable, particularly when you already have the equipment. First, you'll need take off the old spline for your screen door. This can be done by placing the screen door frame flat on any surface, like a table or ground. Use a screwdriver to pry up the free spline and pull it out. If the spline has gotten especially worn or brittle, it may break as you attempt to remove it from the groove.
While you are pulling out the old spline make sure that you remove any caulking used to keep the spline in place. This will help ensure that the new spline is properly fitted in the grooves.
Make use of a utility knife to trim the screen around the frame after you have removed the old spline. This will ensure a snug and clean fit on all sides of your frame when you install the spline.
Installing the new spline is easy after you have cleaned the frame and cut the new screen material to the appropriate size. Start with one of the shorter sides of the frame. Place the spline on top, and begin rolling it with your splining tool to work it into the screen channel. Continue rolling the spline and pushing it into the screen channel as you go. Continue this process for each side of the frame. As you are working try to keep the screen taut using tape or spring clamps.
Repeat the process on the opposite side once you have completed the splining process for all the short sides. Complete by splining both of the bottom and top edges of the frame.