How To Outsmart Your Boss In Patio Screen Door Repair
Patio Screen Door Repair - How to Do it Yourself
A damaged or worn-out screen door isn't only ugly, it also provides an ideal entrance point for flies, mosquitoes, and other bugs. There are a variety of solutions to repair your patio doors with screen, but it's easy to do yourself.
First, lay the screen on a flat work surface. Remove the handle from the screen by taking out the screws holding it in the position.
Damaged Screens
It's not surprising that your window or door screens will develop tears and holes due to weather, pets, and children. Aside from being unsightly, these damaged sections allow flies and other pests into your home. Repairing these problems is easy. Patch kits and screen repair taps are quick fixes for minor damage. However, they won't work as well on larger issues. This step-by-step guide will teach you how to properly repair and replace your windows and doors for screen.
The first thing you need to do is assess the damage. Can the frame be repaired or does it need to be replaced? This is vital because, as a rule windows and door screen frames are more prone to damage than mesh. A bent frame can pull the screen out of alignment, which can result in holes and weak areas in the mesh.
Once you've determined whether or not the frame is salvageable and you're ready to tackle the mesh. To accomplish this you'll require a few essential tools. This process requires a spline roller for pressing the spline inside the frame, an utility knife and scissors. These tools will guarantee precision and durability when you make repairs.
If you're dealing with a large hole, begin by removing as much of the old screen as is possible to make a clear opening. Then, cut a patch of the new screen material to ensure it is at least a half inch larger than the damaged area. If your window is designed with grid pattern, make sure the patch is in line with it. Trim the edges to remove any imperfections. Fold over the edges of spline to hide them.
Take into consideration the climate of your area when purchasing a replacement screen. Aluminum screens are durable and resistant to snags, while fiberglass mesh is popular because of its cost and flexibility. You could also opt for a specialized insect screen mesh if you live in an area that is a victim of mosquitoes and other insects. Whatever kind of screen you pick, remember to stretch the material tautly over the frame in order to prevent sagging and wrinkles.
Broken Rollers
A broken roller can be a frustrating issue. It can make moving the door difficult and even allow bugs to get inside your home. The good thing is that fixing 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 sunk out, or perhaps the other end of the wheel is worn out due to constant contact with the track. You can try to take off the wheels by putting a screwdriver between the roller and the bracket. If you are still unable to remove the roller then spray the shaft with WD-40, and try again.
It is also important to examine the tracks from top to bottom. You can straighten bent tracks by hammering a block of wood against the bent portion. It is important to clean the tracks, as well because they can hold sand and grit.
Once you've identified what kind of roller that's damaged, you can purchase a replacement. Be sure to take your old rollers to the hardware store to ensure you purchase the correct model. Some doors have more than one roller, so be sure to purchase enough rollers to replace them all.
Use a screwdriver to the inside of your 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 assist you in this step to help you free up your hands and focus on removing the rollers.
Once the new roller is installed, the door can be raised and the bolts or screws that adjust can be tightened. Check the alignment of both the track and the rollers. If everything is in the right position, your patio screen should be able to slide into place with ease.
Frame Damaged
If your screen door is rubbing against the frame, there are several ways to fix it. First, ensure that the hinges are tight. In the event of loose hinges, it can cause a door to be locked, meaning it will stop when you open or close the door. If they are loose, tighten the hinge screws. If this fails, you may have to sand the frame's top to smooth it.
A rotting frame is a common problem with screen door. It is costly to fix as the frame will have to be replaced. To avoid this, be on the watchful eye for signs of rot and address them as soon as you notice them. You should look for wood that is darker than the rest. You should also keep an eye out for areas where the wood has started to bow or warp. Call a professional if you observe any of these issues.
A mesh patch kit can be used to fix a damaged frame. These kits cost between $2 to $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 isn't too severe it is possible to attempt to repair it using a wood filler. To do this apply the filler on the area that is damaged, wait for it to dry, and then smooth it with sandpaper.
For a more permanent solution, you can buy a frame lift, which is a steel structure that bolts to your existing frame and lifts it up. It can be expensive however it is the best option in cases where your frame is severely damaged or completely rotted.
You can create an easy leg for your screen door using scraps of wood or an old display stand for a photo frame. Attach brackets or wires to the back to hang the frame on the wall. You can also add a piece of felt on the bottom to protect the wall from scratches.
Broken Splines
A damaged screen spline could be just as annoying to manage as a damaged frame or door. It might seem like an issue that can be overlooked. If you allow it to linger for too long, pests like mosquitoes and flies may slip through. This can quickly become an even bigger issue and cause more costly repairs or even a replacement screen door.
The good news is that replacing a damaged spline can be relatively simple and affordable, especially in the event that you already have the equipment. You will first need to remove the old spline for your screen door. This can be done by placing the frame of the screen door flat on any surface, such as a table or the ground. Use a screwdriver to pry through the free spline and pull it out. If the spline has become extremely worn or brittle it could break when you try to remove it from the groove.
When you are removing the old spline, make sure that you also remove any caulking that has been used to keep the spline in place. This will ensure that the new spline will be capable of fitting into the grooves.
Use a utility blade to cut the excess screen around the frame once you have removed the old spline. This will ensure that you get a clean, tight fit on all sides of the frame when you put in the new spline.
Once replacement glass for patio door have a clean frame and the new screen material cut to size, it is time to install the new spline. Start with the short side of the frame. Lay the spline in place, and then begin rolling it using your splining tool to work it into the screen channel. Continue rolling the spline and pushing it into the screen channel as you go. Repeat this process for all of the short sides of the frame. While you work, try to keep the screen taut using tape or spring clamps.
Once 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.