The 10 Most Scariest Things About Patio Screen Door Repair
patio screen door repair (click to read) - How to Do it Yourself
A damaged or worn-out patio door lock repairs near me screen door isn't only unsightly, but it also creates an easy entryway for pests like mosquitoes and insects like flies. While there are companies to repair your patio screen door, it's fairly simple to do the job yourself.
First, lay the screen on a flat surface. Remove the handle from that side by taking out the screws that hold it in the position.
Damaged Screens
It's not too surprising that your window or door screens will begin to develop tears and holes due to weather pets, children, and even pets. In addition to being ugly, these damaged sections allow insects and flies to enter your home. Repairing these problems is easy. Patch kits and screen repair tap are quick fixes for minor damage. However, they do not work as well on more serious issues. This step-by-step guide will show you how to correctly repair and replace your screen doors and windows.
The first thing to do is evaluate the damage. Are there ways to salvage the frame, or will it need to be replaced? This is important because, generally window and door frame screens are more prone to damage than the mesh. A bent frame could pull the screen out of alignment, which can result in holes and weak spots in the mesh.
Once you've determined whether or not the frame is salvageable then you can begin to work on the mesh. To accomplish this you'll require a few essential tools. A spline roller to press the spline into the frame, an utility knife and scissors are all necessary for this process. These tools will guarantee precision and durability when you make repairs.
If you are dealing with a large hole, begin by cutting away as much of the old screen as is possible to create a clean opening. Cut a new patch of screen material that is at least half an inch wider than the damaged portion. If your window is designed with grid patterns, be sure to match the patch with it. Then, cut the edges of the patch to eliminate any imperfections and fold the ends of the spline to cover them.
Be aware of the climate of your region when you are looking to purchase a new screen. Fiberglass mesh is a popular choice for its flexibility and affordability as well as aluminum screens that offer the strength and durability of snag-resistant screens. If your area is plagued by pests like mosquitoes and snagged insects you might need to select a special mesh specifically designed for insect screens. Whatever type of screen you pick be sure to stretch the material tightly over the frame in order to prevent wrinkles and sagging.
Broken Rollers
A damaged roller on your patio screen door could be a major trouble. It can make moving the door difficult and allow bugs to enter your home. The good news is that fixing your rollers won't be nearly as expensive or complicated as replacing your door.
Start by examining the rollers to determine what the problem is. It could be that the wheel has flattened or worn out on one side due to the constant contact with the track. You can try to remove the wheels by putting an screwdriver between the bracket and the roller. If you are still unable to remove the roller then spray the shaft with WD-40 and try again.
It's an excellent idea to look at the tracks from both at the top and bottom. Straighten bent tracks by hammering a piece of wood against the bent section. It is essential to keep the tracks clean as well as they could accumulate dust and grit.
Once you've identified the type roller that is broken then 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. Some doors have more than one roller, so make sure to purchase enough rollers to replace them all.
Use a screwdriver on 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. It's best to have someone assist you in this step, so that you can liberate your hands to focus on taking off 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 properly positioned, your patio door lock repairs near me screen door should easily slide into its place.
Damaged Frame
If your screen door is getting caught against the frame, there are a variety of ways to fix it. Make sure that the hinges are tight. A door can bind if the hinges are loose. If they are loose, just tighten the hinge screws. If this isn't working then you may need to sand the top of the frame.
A rotting frame is a frequent issue with screen doors. This can be expensive to repair, as it usually involves replacing the entire frame. To avoid this, keep on the lookout for any indications of rot. Take care of them as soon as you notice them. Check for signs of decay by looking for wood that looks darker than the rest of the frame. Be on the lookout for any areas in which the wood is beginning to bow or warp. If you find any of these problems you should contact a professional.
A mesh patch kit can be used to fix damaged frames. These kits cost between $2 to $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 isn't too severe you can attempt to repair it with wood filler. To do this apply the filler on the damaged area, wait for it to dry, then sand it smooth.
For a more permanent solution you can opt for a frame lift, which is a metal structure that is bolted onto your frame and raises it up. This can be very expensive however it is the best choice if your frame has been severely damaged or has completely decayed.
To build an easy stand for your screen door, you can build legs from a scrap piece of wood or a picture frame display stand. Attach brackets or wires to the back of the frame to place the frame on the wall. You can even attach a piece of felt to the bottom of the frame to shield your wall from scratches.
Broken Splines
A damaged screen spline can be the same as damaged frames or doors. This may seem like an issue that can be overlooked. If you leave it unattended for too long, pests like insects and mosquitoes can get through. This can quickly escalate into the issue of a bigger scale, resulting in expensive repairs or a new door screen.
The good news is that replacing broken spline is simple and inexpensive, especially in the event that you already have the equipment. You will first need to take off the old spline from the screen door. You can do this by laying the frame of the screen door flat on any surface such as a table or the ground. Pull the spline out by using a screwdriver. 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, be 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 in the grooves.
Use a utility blade to trim the excess screen around the frame after you have removed the old spline. This will ensure that you have a tight, clean fit on all sides of the frame once you install the new spline.
Once you have a clean frame and the new screen material cut to size, it's time to start installing the new spline. Start with the short side of the frame. Incorporate the spline into the screen channel using the splining device. Continue to roll the spline, pushing it in as you go. Continue this process on each short side of the frame. While you work make sure to keep the screen taut with tape or spring clamps.
Repeat the process for the second side once you've completed the splining of all short sides. Finish by splining both the top and bottom edges of the frame.