Patio Screen Door Repair - How to Do it Yourself

A damaged or worn screen door isn't only ugly, it also provides a convenient entryway for flies, mosquitoes and other insects. There are numerous solutions to repair your patio screen doors, but it is easy to do yourself.

Lay the screen flat on a work surface. Remove the handle from the screen by taking out the screws holding it in the position.

Damaged Screens

It's not surprising that your door or window screens will develop holes and tears due to weather, pets, and children. The damaged screens aren't only unsightly but also allow pests and flies into your home. Fortunately, repairing the problem is fairly easy. Screen repair kits and patch kits taps are quick fixes for minor damage. However, they do not work as well on larger issues. This step-by-step guide will demonstrate how to repair and replace your screens' windows and doors.

The first thing you need to do is assess the damage. Are there ways to salvage the frame or will it need replacing? It is important to take into consideration this as window and door screens frames are more likely to be damaged than mesh. A bent frame could cause the screen to become out of place and cause holes or weak spots.

Once you know whether the frame is salvageable or not, you can start fixing the mesh. For this job you'll require a few essential tools. A spline roller for pressing the spline into the frame, a utility knife and scissors are all necessary to complete the process. Utilizing these tools will ensure the highest quality and durability of your repairs.

If you're dealing with a large hole, begin by removing 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 bigger in all directions than the damaged portion. If your window is designed with grid patterns, be sure the patch is in line with it. Finally, cut the edges of the patch to eliminate any imperfections and fold over the ends of the spline to conceal them.

Take into consideration the climate of your locale when purchasing a replacement screen. Aluminum screens are durable and resistant to snags while fiberglass mesh is well-known for its affordability and flexibility. If your area is plagued by pests like mosquitoes and snagged insects, you may prefer a specially-designed mesh specifically designed for insect screens. Whatever kind of insect screen you choose, make sure you stretch it tightly across the frame to prevent sagging or wrinkles.

Broken Rollers

A broken roller on the screen door to your patio can be a harrowing issue. It can make sliding patio door repair service near me the door difficult and even allow bugs to enter your home. The good thing is that fixing your rollers won't be nearly as expensive or difficult as replacing your door.

Begin by looking at the rollers to determine what the issue is. It may be that the wheel has flattened out, or perhaps the other end of the wheel has worn out due to constant contact with the track. The wheels are generally mounted as a push fit on the bracket, so you may be able to insert a screwdriver behind the roller between it and the bracket and then try to pull off the roller. If you are still unable to remove the roller you can spray the shaft with WD-40, and try again.

It's also a good idea to take a look at the tracks, top and bottom. You can straighten bent tracks by hammering a piece of wooden against the bent section. It's essential to clean the tracks, too as they could hold sand and grit.

Once you have identified the type roller that is broken, you can buy the replacement. Bring your old rollers to the hardware store so that you can be sure you're buying the right type. If your door has more than one roller then you will need to buy enough to replace them all.

Use a screwdriver to the inside of your door frame near the rollers to loosen the screws or bolts that adjust the door. After the screws are loose, you can remove the rollers from the bottom. It's best to have someone assist you in this process to unwind your hands and concentrate on removing the rollers.

After the new roller has been installed after installation, the door can be raised back into place and the bolts or screws that adjust can be tightened. Verify the alignment of the track and rollers. If everything is in the correct place the patio screen will be able to slide into place with ease.

Damaged Frame

If your screen door is getting caught against the frame, there are a variety of ways to correct it. Make sure that the hinges are secure. Loose hinges can cause a door to become stuck, which means it will stop when you open or close the door. If they're loose, just tighten the hinge screws. If this isn't working, you might require sanding the top of the frame to make it smooth.

Another common problem with screen doors is a decaying frame. It can be expensive to repair, since it usually involves replacing the entire frame. To avoid this, be alert for signs of rot. Treat them as soon you spot them. Find soft wood that is darker than the rest. Be aware of any areas where the wood is beginning to warp or bow. Call a professional if you notice any of these issues.

You can fix damaged frames with a mesh adhesive patch kit that costs from $2-$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 minimal it is possible to attempt to repair it using a wood filler. To do this, apply the filler to the damaged area, wait for it to dry, and then smooth it with sandpaper.

You can purchase a framelift that is a steel structure that is bolted on to your existing frame that lifts it. This can be a costly option however it is the best choice if your frame is severely damaged or completely damaged or has rotted.

To create an easy stand for your screen door you can build an edging from a piece of wood or even a photo 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 to the bottom of the frame to shield your wall from scratches.

Broken Splines

A damaged screen spline can be similar to damaged frames or doors. This may appear to be a problem that can be overlooked. However, if you let it go for too long, pests such as mosquitoes and flies can slip through. This could soon become an even bigger issue and result in more costly repairs or even a replacement screen door.

It is not difficult to repair a damaged spline, especially when you have the proper tools. Before you can begin, you must remove the old spline off the screen door frame. This can be done by placing the screen door frame flat on any surface, like a table or a floor. Utilize a screwdriver to pull open the free spline and then pull it out. If the spline has become especially worn or brittle, it could break when you attempt to remove it from the groove.

When you are removing the old spline make sure to also remove the caulking that was used to hold it in place. This will ensure that the new spline fits properly in the grooves.

Use a utility blade to trim the screen around the frame once you have removed the old spline. This will ensure a secure, smooth fit across the entire frame after you install the spline.

After you have a clear frame and the new screen material cut to size, it is time to begin installing the new spline. Start with the short side of the frame. Roll the spline into the screen channel using the splining device. Continue to roll the spline, pushing it in as you move. Repeat this process on each short side of the frame. While you work, use spring clamps or tape to ensure that the screen stays taut.

Once you have splined each of the short sides of the frame, move to the other side and repeat the process. Finalize by splining the top and bottom of the frame.