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 is not just ugly; it's also a an ideal entry point for flies, mosquitoes, and other pests. There are numerous services that can fix your patio screen doors, but it's easy to fix it yourself.
Lay the screen flat on a surface. Remove the handle from that side by removing the screws holding it in the position.
Damaged Screens
It's not a surprise that your door or window screens will begin to develop holes and tears due to weather animals, children, and pets. In addition to being ugly damaged, these sections let flies and other pests into your home. Fortunately, fixing these problems is fairly simple. Patch kits and screen repair taps are quick fixes for minor damage. However, they do not perform as well for larger issues. This step-bystep guide will show you how to repair and replace your windows and doors for screen.
The first thing you need to do is evaluate the damage. Can you salvage the frame, or will it need replacing? It is important to consider this because windows and door screen frames are more susceptible to being damaged than mesh. A bent frame could cause the screen to move out of alignment, which can result in holes and weak areas in the mesh.
Once you've determined whether the frame is salvageable or not, you can begin working on the mesh itself. You'll need a few tools to complete the task. This requires a spline roller for pressing the spline inside the frame, an utility knife and scissors. These tools will guarantee precision and durability when making repairs.
If you have a huge hole in your screen, start by removing as much as possible of the old material to create a clean space. Cut a new piece of screen material that is at least a half inch larger in all directions than the damaged area. Match the patch to the grid pattern of your window in the event that it has one. Trim the edges to remove any irregularities. Fold over the ends of spline to hide them.
When you are purchasing a replacement screen, be sure to think about the climate in your area. Aluminum screens are durable and resistant to snags while fiberglass mesh is popular because of its cost and flexibility. You might also select a special insect screen mesh if you live in an area that is plagued with mosquitoes and other insects. Whichever type of screen you select, remember to stretch the fabric tautly over the frame to prevent sagging and wrinkles.
Broken Rollers
A broken roller on the screen door to your patio can be a frustrating trouble. It's not only making sliding your door difficult, but it can also allow bugs and other unwanted visitors to enter your home. The good news is that repairing the rollers doesn't have to be as difficult or costly as replacing the entire door.
Begin by inspecting the rollers to determine what the problem is. It could be that the wheel has flattened out, or maybe one end of the wheel has worn out by constant contact with the track. You can try to take off the wheels by putting a screwdriver between the bracket and the roller. If you still can't remove the roller, spray the shaft area with WD-40, and try again.
You should also examine the tracks from top to bottom. If they're bent and need to be straightened, you can do so by putting a piece of wood against the bent portion and rapping it with the hammer. It is important to clean the tracks as well, as they may be a source of dust and grit.
After you've identified the type of roller that is damaged, you can buy the replacement. Be sure to take your old rollers with you to the hardware store to ensure you purchase the right type. Some doors have more than one roller, so be sure to purchase enough rollers to replace them all.
Before installing the new roller, use a screwdriver to loosen the adjustment screws or bolts on the inside of the door frame, close to the rollers. 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 process to help you liberate your hands and concentrate on getting rid of the rollers.
After the new roller has been installed, the door can be raised back into place and the adjustment screws or bolts can be tightened. Check the alignment of both the rollers and track. If everything is in the right position the patio screen will slide into place easily.
Damaged Frame
If your screen door is getting caught against the frame, there are many ways to correct it. First, make sure that the hinges are in good condition. A door could be bowed in the event that the hinges are loose. If they're loose make sure you tighten the hinge screws. If this doesn't work it is possible to sand down the top of the frame.
A rotting frame is a common issue with screens. It can be expensive to repair, since it usually involves replacing the entire frame. To avoid this, keep a lookout for signs of rot, and treat them immediately if you notice them. Check for signs of rot by looking for soft wood that appears darker than the rest of the frame. Also, keep an eye out for areas that have started to bow or warp. Contact a professional if observe any of these issues.
You can fix damaged frames by using a mesh adhesive patch kit that costs from $2 to $7. The kit includes tiny pieces of mesh and glue that can be used to fix any holes in the screen. If the damage isn't too severe you can attempt to repair it using wood filler. To accomplish this, you'll have to apply the wood filler to the area that is damaged and wait for it dry before sanding the area smooth.
If you want a solution that is more permanent you can opt for a frame lift, which is a steel structure that is bolted onto the frame you have and lifts it up. It is a costly option, but can be the best if your frame has been severely damaged or rotted.
You can build a simple leg for your screen door with wood scraps or an old display stand for your photo frame. Then, secure the brackets or wire to the back of the frame to hang it on the wall. You can also attach a piece of felt to the bottom to protect the wall from scratches.
Broken Splines
A damaged screen spline for your screen is the same as a damaged door or frame. It may appear to be an issue that is minor enough to be ignored however, ignoring it too long could allow pests like flies and mosquitoes to slip through. This could quickly become an issue that is more serious, resulting in expensive repairs or a new door screen.
The good news is that replacing a damaged spline can be relatively simple and inexpensive, especially when you already have the tools. First, you'll need remove the old spline from the screen door. This can be done by placing the frame of the screen door flat on any surface like a table or ground. Take the spline off with a screwdriver. If the spline appears to be particularly damaged or brittle, you might discover that it breaks when you attempt to pull it out of the groove.
When you are removing the old spline make sure that you take off any caulking used to keep the spline from moving. This will ensure that the new spline will be suitable for 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 a snug and smooth fit on all sides of your frame after you install the spline.
Installing upvc patio door repairs is straightforward once you have cleaned the frame and cut the new material to size. Start with the short side of the frame. Lay the spline in place, and then begin rolling it using your splining tool to move 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 shorter sides of the frame. As you are working try to keep the screen taut with spring clamps or tape.
Once 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.