Patio Screen Door Repair - How to Do it Yourself
A damaged or worn patio screen door isn't only ugly, it also provides an easy entry point for pests like mosquitoes and insects like flies. Although there are services that can repair your patio screen door, it is fairly simple to do the work yourself.
First, place the screen on a flat work surface. Take the handle off by taking out the screws that secure it.
Screens damaged
Between the weather children, pets, and weather, it's no surprise that holes and tears are bound to appear in your door or window screens. The damaged screens aren't just ugly, but they also let pests and flies in your home. Repairing these issues is easy. While patch kits and screen repair tape provide an easy solution for minor damage, they do not work for more serious issues. sliding patio door lock repair Repair My Windows And Doors -by-step guide will show you how to properly repair and replace your screen doors and windows.
The first thing to do is assess the damage. Are the frames salvageable or does it need to be replaced? It is important to consider this since windows and door screen frames are more susceptible to being damaged than mesh. A bent frame can cause the screen to fall out of alignment, causing holes or weak spots.
After you've decided whether or not the frame is salvageable and you're ready to build the mesh. To accomplish this you'll require some essential tools. A spline roller that presses the spline into the frame, an utility knife and scissors are all necessary for this procedure. Utilizing these tools will ensure accuracy and durability in your repairs.
If you are dealing with an extensive hole, start by removing as much of the old screen as is possible to make a clear opening. Cut a new piece of screen material that is at least half an inch wider than the damaged part. If your window is designed with a grid pattern, make sure to match the patch to it. Finally trim the edges of the patch to eliminate any irregularities and fold the ends of the spline to cover them.
When purchasing your replacement screen, be sure to consider the climate in your area. Aluminum screens are durable and resistant to snags while fiberglass mesh is a favorite for its affordability and flexibility. If your area is plagued by mosquitos and other insects you might need to select a special mesh specifically designed for insect screens. Whichever type of screen you choose be sure to stretch the material tautly over the frame in order to prevent wrinkles and sagging.
Broken Rollers
A damaged roller can be a frustrating issue. It can make moving the door difficult and even allow insects to enter your home. The good news is that repair of your rollers isn't as costly or complex as replacing your door.
Begin by looking at the rollers to determine what the issue is. You might find that the wheel has flattened or worn out on one side because of the constant contact with the track. The wheels are generally a push fit on the bracket, and you might be able to place a screwdriver behind the roller between it and the bracket and then try to pull off the roller. If you're unable to get the roller to fall off, it might be helpful to spritz the shaft area with WD-40 prior to attempting again.
It's also a good idea to take a look at the tracks, both at the top and bottom. You can straighten bent tracks by hammering a block of wooden against the bent portion. It's essential to clean the tracks as well as they could hold sand and grit.
After you've identified the type roller that is damaged, you can buy an alternative. Be sure to take your old rollers with you to the hardware store to ensure you purchase the right 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 screws that adjust the door. on the inside of the door frame near the rollers. Once the screws are loose, you can remove the rollers from the bottom of the door. It is recommended to have someone assist you in this process, so that you can free up your hands and concentrate on getting rid of the rollers.
After installing the new roller the door can be raised, and the adjustment screws or bolts are tightened. Examine the alignment of the rollers and track. If everything is in its proper place the patio screen will be able to slide into place with ease.
Frame Damaged
There are several ways to repair the screen door that is that is rubbing against its frame. Check that the hinges are in good shape. Doors can become sluggish if the hinges are loose. If they're loose, tighten the hinge screws. If this isn't working, you might need to sand the frame's top to make it smooth.
Another issue that is common to screen doors is a rotting frame. It is costly to repair as the frame will have to be replaced. To avoid this, keep a watchful eye for signs of rot and treat them when you spot them. Look for soft wood that is darker than the rest. Be aware of any areas where the wood is starting to bow or warp. If you notice any of these problems contact a professional.
A mesh patch kit can be used to fix damaged frames. The kits range from $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 minimal it is possible to try fixing it using a wood filler. To accomplish this, you'll need to apply the wood filler on the area that is damaged and wait for it dry before sanding the area smooth.
You can buy a framelift that is a steel structure that is bolted on to your existing frame that lifts it up. It is a costly option, but is the best if your frame is badly damaged or has rotted.
To create a simple stand for your screen door you can create a leg from a scrap piece of wood or a picture frame display stand. Then, attach the brackets or wire 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 broken screen spline can be just as annoying to deal with as a damaged frame or door. It may seem like something minor that could be ignored however, ignoring it too long can allow pests such as mosquitoes and flies to pass through. This can quickly escalate into the issue of a bigger scale, resulting in expensive repairs or a new screen door.
The good news is that replacing broken spline is simple and affordable, especially if you already have the tools. Before you begin, you must remove the old spline from the door frame. This can be done by placing the frame of the screen door flat on a surface such as a table or the ground. Use a screwdriver to pry open the free spline and pull it out. If the spline has become extremely worn or brittle it could break when you attempt to take it from the groove.
While you are pulling out the old spline, ensure that you also remove any caulking used to keep the spline in place. This will ensure that the new spline will fit in the grooves.
Make use of a utility knife to cut the excess screen around the frame once you have removed the old spline. This will ensure you have an even, clean fit on all sides of the frame when you install the new spline.
After you have a clear frame and have the new screen material cut to size, it is time to start installing the new spline. Start with one of the short sides of the frame. Lay the spline in place and then begin rolling it using your splining device to work it into the screen channel. Continue rolling the spline and pushing it into the screen channel as you go. Continue this process on each side of the frame. While you are working try to keep the screen taut using spring clamps or tape.
After you have splined all of the short sides of the frame shift to the opposite side and repeat the process. Finish by splining both the top and bottom edges of the frame.