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Patio Screen Door Repair - How to Do it Yourself
A damaged or worn-out screen door isn't just unsightly; it provides an ideal entrance point for flies, mosquitoes, and other bugs. There are many services that can repair your patio screen doors however, it is a simple task to fix yourself.
Lay the screen flat on a surface. Take the handle off by taking out the screws that secure it.
Screens damaged
It's not too surprising that your window or door screens will eventually develop holes and tears due to weather animals, children, and pets. Aside from being unsightly the damaged screens allow flies and other pests into your home. Repairing these problems is simple. Patch kits and screen repair taps are quick fixes for minor damage. However, they don't work as well on larger problems. This step-by-step guide will show you how to properly repair and replace your windows and doors for screen.
Analyzing the damage is the first step. Are there ways to salvage the frame, or does it require replacement? This is vital since, in general window and door screen frames are more prone to damage than mesh. A bent frame could pull the screen out of its alignment, leading to holes and weak spots in the mesh.
Once you know whether the frame is salvageable or not, you can start fixing the mesh. For this task you'll require a few essential tools. This procedure requires a spline roll for pressing the spline in the frame, an utility knife and scissors. These tools ensure precision and durability in your repairs.
If you've got a large hole in your screen, start by removing as much possible of the old material to make a clean space. Cut a new patch of screen material that is at least one half inch bigger all around than the damaged area. If your window is designed with a grid pattern, make sure that the patch matches with it. Then trim the edges of your patch to eliminate any imperfections and fold the ends of the spline in order to hide them.
Consider the climate of your locale when buying a replacement screen. Fiberglass mesh is a popular choice due to its flexibility and cost as well as aluminum screens that offer the strength and durability of snag-resistant screens. If your area is plagued by mosquitos and other pests, you may prefer a specially-designed mesh for insect screens. Whatever kind of insect screen you select, make sure to stretch it tautly across the frame to prevent sagging or wrinkles.
Broken Rollers
A damaged roller on the screen door to your patio can be a harrowing issue. Not only does it make sliding your door difficult, but it can let bugs and other unwanted visitors to enter your home. The good news is that repairing the rollers isn't as difficult or expensive as replacing your entire door.
Start by examining your rollers to identify the problem. You may find that the wheel has flattened or worn out on one side because of constant contact with the track. The wheels are usually fitted with a push fit to the bracket, and you might be able to insert a screwdriver behind the roller between it and the bracket and attempt to push off the roller. If you're unable to get the roller to come off, it may be helpful to spritz the shaft area with WD-40 prior to trying 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 holding a block of wood against the bent portion and hitting it with a Hammer. It is important to clean the tracks as well as they can be a source of dust and grit.
Once you've identified the type roller that is damaged, you can buy an alternative. Bring your old rollers to the hardware store so you are sure you're buying 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 make use of a screwdriver to loosen the bolts or adjustment screws 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 is recommended to have someone assist you in this step to unwind your hands and concentrate on getting rid of the rollers.
After installing the new roller, the door can then be raised, and the bolts or screws for adjustment can be are tightened. Be sure to check the alignment of the rollers as well as the track, too. If everything is in order, your patio screen door should slide easily into place.
Damaged Frame
There are many ways you can repair your screen door that is rubbing against its frame. Check that the hinges are secure. Doors can become sluggish in the event that the hinges are loose. If they are loose, tighten the hinge screws. If this does not work, you might need to sand down the frame's top.
A rotting frame is a common problem with screen door. It can be expensive to repair as the frame needs to be replaced. To avoid this, be alert for indications of rot. Take care of them as soon as you spot them. Look for soft wood that is darker than the rest. You should also keep an eye on areas where the wood is beginning to bow or warp. Call a professional if you observe any of these issues.
You can repair damaged frames by using mesh adhesive patch kits that costs from $2 to $7. The kit comes with a small piece of mesh and glue, that you can use to fill any holes in your screen. If the damage is minimal, you can also try fixing it using a wood filler. To do this, you will need to apply the wood filler to the affected area and then wait for it to be dry before sanding it smooth.
For a more durable solution, you can buy frame lifts, which is a structure made of metal that bolts to your existing frame and lifts it up. This is a very expensive alternative, but it is the best option if your frame has been severely damaged or rotted.
To make a simple stand for your screen door you can make legs from a scrap piece of wood or a picture frame display stand. Then, fasten replacing patio door or brackets to the back of the frame to hang it on the wall. You can also attach a piece of felt on the bottom to protect the wall from scratches.
Broken Splines
A damaged screen spline could be as difficult to manage as a damaged frame or door. It may appear to be an issue that is minor enough to be ignored however, ignoring it too long can allow pests like mosquitoes and flies to get through. This can quickly turn into a larger problem and result in costly repairs or a new door screen.
The good news is that replacing a broken spline is simple and affordable, especially if you already have the tools. First, you'll need to remove the old spline from the screen door. This can be done by laying the frame flat on a surface such as a table, or the ground. Make use of a screwdriver in order to pry up the free spline and pull it out. If the spline has gotten especially worn or brittle, it could break when you attempt to remove it from the groove.
As you remove the old spline make sure that you also take off the caulking that was used to keep it in place. This will ensure that the new spline will fit in the grooves.
After you've removed all the old spline, use a knife to cut any excess screen from around the frame. This will ensure that you get a clean, tight fit on all sides of the frame once you install the new spline.
After you have a clear frame and have the new screen material cut to size, it is time to install the new spline. Start on the short side of the frame. The spline should be rolled into the screen channel using the splining device. Continue to roll the spline, pressing it into as you go. Continue this process for each of the short sides of the frame. While you work, apply tape or spring clamps to ensure that the screen stays taut.
Repeat the process on the opposite side once you've completed the splining of all short sides. Finalize by splining the top and bottom of the frame.