The 10 Scariest Things About Patio Screen Door Repair
Patio Screen Door Repair - How to Do it Yourself
A worn or torn screen door is not just unsightly; it provides a convenient entryway for flies, mosquitoes and other pests. There are numerous services that can fix your patio screen door repair doors with screen, however, it is a simple task to do yourself.
First, place the screen on a flat surface. Take the handle off by removing the screws that hold it in place.
Screens damaged
It's not a surprise that your window or door screens will eventually develop holes and tears due to weather, pets, and children. Apart from looking ugly damaged, these sections let flies and other pests into your home. The good news is that fixing these problems is fairly simple. Patch kits and screen patio repair near me taps are quick fixes for minor damage. However, they don't work as well on larger issues. This step-by-step guide will show you how to correctly repair and replace your windows and doors for screen.
Analyzing the damage is the first step. Are there ways to salvage the frame, or will it require replacement? This is important since, in general, window and door frame screens are more prone to damage than mesh. A bent frame may cause the screen to fall out of place and cause holes or weak spots.
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 this task. A spline roller for pressing the spline into the frame, scissors and a utility knife are all necessary for this process. Utilizing these tools will ensure accuracy and durability in your 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 new screen material in a way that it is at a minimum half inch bigger all around than the damaged area. Make sure the patch matches the grid pattern of your window, if it has one. Trim the edges to remove any imperfections. Fold over the edges of spline to conceal them.
Consider the climate of your area when purchasing a replacement screen. Aluminum screens are sturdy and resistant to snags while fiberglass mesh is popular for its low cost and flexibility. If your area is ravaged by mosquitos and other insects you might prefer a specially-designed mesh for insect screens. Whatever type of screen material you select, make sure that you stretch it tight across the frame to prevent sagging or wrinkles.
Broken Rollers
A broken roller can be a major issue. Not only does it make the process of sliding your door more difficult, but it can let bugs and other undesirables to enter your home. The good thing is that repairing your rollers isn't nearly as costly or complex as replacing your door.
Start by inspecting your rollers to determine the problem. It could be that the wheel is flattened out, or maybe one side of the wheel is worn out from constant contact with the track. You can try to remove the wheels by putting an screwdriver between the bracket and the roller. If you're unable to get the roller to lift off, it may be beneficial to spray the shaft area with WD-40 prior to attempting again.
You should also check the tracks from top to the bottom. You can straighten bent tracks by hammering an object of wood against the bent section. It is essential to wash the tracks well, as they may collect grit and dust.
Once you've identified the type of roller that's damaged, 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 purchase enough to replace all of them.
Use a screwdriver to the inside of the door frame near the rollers to loosen the screws or bolts that adjust the door. Once the screws are loose, you can remove the rollers from the bottom of the door. This step is best done by someone else so that you don't have to make use of your hands.
After installing the new roller, the door can then be raised, and the adjustment screws or bolts tightened. Be sure to check the alignment of the rollers and track, too. If everything is properly positioned the patio door lock repairs near me screen door should be able to slide effortlessly into position.
Damaged Frame
If your screen door is scratching against the frame, there are many ways to correct it. Make sure that the hinges are tight. In the event of loose hinges, it can cause doors to become stuck, which means it will stop when you open or close the door. If they're loose, tighten the hinge screws. If this fails, you may have to sand the frame's top to smooth it.
Another common issue with screen doors is a rotting frame. It can be expensive to repair patio door, as it usually involves replacing the entire frame. To avoid this, be on the eye out for signs of rot and treat them as soon as you notice them. Look for signs of decay by looking for wood that looks darker than the rest of the frame. Be on the lookout for any areas where the wood is beginning to warp or bow. If you spot any of these problems, call an expert.
A mesh adhesive patch kit can be used to fix a damaged frame. The kits range from $2 to $7. The kit includes a tiny piece of mesh and glue that can be used to cover any holes in your screen. If the damage is not too significant it is possible to try fixing it with a wood filler. To do this, apply the filler to the area that is damaged, wait for it to dry, and then sand it smooth.
You can purchase a framelift which is a metallic structure that is bolted on to your frame that raises it. This is a very expensive option, but is the best if your frame has been severely damaged or rotted.
You can build an easy leg for your screen door by using scraps of wood or an old display stand for your photo frame. Then, attach a wire or brackets to the back of the frame to hang it on the wall. You can even attach a piece of felt to the frame's bottom to protect your wall from scratches.
Broken Splines
A damaged screen spline can be just as frustrating as damaged doors or frames. It may appear to be an issue that is minor enough to be ignored, but letting it go too long can allow pests such as mosquitoes and flies to get through. This can quickly turn into the issue of a bigger scale, resulting in expensive repairs or a new door screen.
The positive side is that replacing the broken spline is simple and affordable, especially when you already have the tools. Before you can begin, you'll need to take out the old spline from the screen door frame. This can be done by laying the frame flat on a surface like a table or the ground. Remove the spline with the screwdriver. If the spline has gotten extremely worn or brittle it may break as you attempt to take 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 help ensure that the new spline will fit into the grooves.
After you have removed all the old spline a knife to cut any excess screen from the frame. This will ensure that you have a tight, clean fit on all sides of the frame when you install the new spline.
Installing the new spline is straightforward after you've cleaned the frame and cut the new screen material to the appropriate size. Begin with the shorter side of the frame. Lay the spline in place, and begin rolling it with 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 for each of the short sides of the frame. While you work, use tape or spring clamps to keep the screen taut.
Repeat the process for the second side after you have completed the splining process for all the short sides. Finish by splining both the bottom and top edges of the frame.