Patio Screen Door Repair Isn't As Difficult As You Think
Patio Screen Door Repair – How to Do it Yourself A worn-out or torn patio screen door is not just ugly, but it also serves as an entrance for pests such as mosquitoes and insects like flies. Although there are services to repair your patio screen door, it's quite simple to complete the job yourself. Lay the screen flat on a work surface. Remove the handle from that side by removing the screws holding it in the position. Damaged Screens It's not surprising that your door or window screens will eventually develop tears and holes due to weather animals, children, and pets. Aside from being unsightly the damaged screens allow pests and flies into your home. The good news is that fixing the problem is fairly easy. While patch kits and screen repair tapes offer an easy fix for minor damage, they aren't suited to more serious 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. Is the frame salvageable, or does it need to be replaced? This is important because, as a rule window and door screen frames are more susceptible to damage than mesh. A bent frame can cause the screen to move out of alignment, which can result in holes and weak spots in the mesh. Once you've determined whether the frame is salvageable, you can begin to work on the mesh. For this task you'll require some essential tools. A spline roller to press the spline into the frame, a utility knife and scissors are all necessary for this process. Using these tools ensures accuracy and durability in your repairs. If you are dealing with a large hole, start by cutting away as much of the old screen as possible to create a clean opening. Then cut a patch of new screen material to ensure it is at least half an inch larger than the damaged area. If your window is designed with grid patterns, be sure the patch is in line with it. Trim the edges to remove any imperfections. Fold over the edges of spline to conceal them. Be aware of the climate of your region when you are looking to purchase a new screen. Fiberglass mesh is a popular choice due to its flexibility and cost and aluminum screens provide strength and snag-resistance. You might also choose a specially designed insect screen mesh if you live in an area that is plagued with mosquitos and other pests. Whatever type of mesh you choose, make sure you stretch it tightly across the frame to prevent wrinkles or sagging. Broken Rollers A broken roller can be a major issue. RepairMyWindowsAndDoors 's not only making sliding your door difficult and difficult, but it could also allow bugs and other undesirables to enter your home. The good news is that repairing the rollers doesn't have to be as difficult or costly as replacing your entire door. Start by examining your rollers to identify the issue. You might find that the wheel is flattened or worn out on one side due to constant contact with the track. The wheels are generally a push fit on the bracket, and you might be able to place a screwdriver between it and the bracket and attempt to push off the roller. If you can't get the roller to come off, it could be beneficial to spray the shaft area with WD-40 prior to trying again. It's also a good idea to look at the tracks from top and bottom. Straighten bent tracks by hammering a piece of wood against the bent section. It's important to clean out the tracks, too because they can hold grit and sand. Once you've identified the kind of roller that's broken, you can purchase a replacement. Be sure to take your old rollers to the hardware store to ensure that you purchase the correct model. If your door has more than one roller then you'll need to purchase enough to replace all of them. Before installing the new roller using a screwdriver, loosen the adjustment screws or bolts on the inside of the door frame, close to the rollers. Once the screws have been loose, you can take the rollers from the bottom. This is best done by a third party so that you don't have to make use of your hands. After installing the new roller The door can be raised, and the adjustment screws or bolts are tightened. Make sure to verify the alignment of the rollers and track, as well. If everything is in its proper position your patio screen will slide into place easily. Frame Damaged There are several ways you can fix your screen door rubbing against its frame. First, make sure that the hinges are secure. Doors can become sluggish when hinges are loose. If they're loose, just tighten the hinge screws. If this isn't working, you might require sanding the frame's top to smooth it. Another common issue with screen doors is a rotting frame. This can be expensive to repair, since it typically involves replacing the entire frame. To avoid this, be on the lookout for signs of rot and treat them as soon as you notice them. You should look for wood that is darker than the rest. Keep an eye out for any areas where the wood is beginning to warp or bow. If you find any of these issues contact a professional. A mesh patch kit can be used to fix damaged frames. These kits cost between $2 to $7. The kit comes with tiny pieces of mesh and glue that you can use to repair any holes in the screen. If the damage is minor it is possible to fix it with wood filler. To do this, you will have to apply the wood filler over the area that is damaged and wait for it dry before sanding it smooth. Framelifts can be purchased, which is a metal structure that is bolted on to your existing frame that lifts it up. This is a costly option, but is the best if your frame is badly damaged or has rotted. To make an easy stand for your screen door you can create legs from a scrap piece of wood or even a photo frame display stand. Attach wires or brackets to the back of the frame to place the frame 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 can be as difficult to handle as damaged doors or frames. It might appear to be a problem that can be ignored. But if you allow it to linger for too long, pests such as mosquitoes and flies may slip through. This could soon become a bigger problem and could result in more expensive repairs or even a replacement screen door. The good news is that replacing broken spline is simple and affordable, particularly when you already have the equipment. First, you'll need take off the old spline for your screen door. This can be done by placing the frame flat on a work surface like a table or the ground. Use a screwdriver to pry open the free end of the spline, and then pull it out. If the spline appears to be particularly worn or brittle you may discover that it breaks when you attempt to remove it from the groove. When you take off the old spline, be sure you 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. Make use of a utility blade to trim the screen around the frame after you have removed the old spline. This will ensure a snug, smooth fit on all sides of your frame after you install the spline. Installing the new spline is easy after you have cleaned the frame and cut the new material to size. Begin with one of the short sides of the frame. The spline should be rolled into the screen channel using your splining device. Continue to roll the spline, pressing it into as you move. Continue this process for each of the short sides of the frame. As you are working make sure to keep the screen taut by 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. Then, finish by splining the top and bottom of the frame.