Patio Screen Door Repair - How to Do it Yourself

A damaged or worn-out screen door is not only ugly, it also provides an ideal entry point for flies, mosquitoes, and other bugs. Although there are services to repair your patio screen door, it is quite simple to complete the work yourself.

Lay the screen flat on a work surface. Remove the handle from that side by removing the screws that hold it in the position.

Screens damaged

Between the weather as well as pets and children, it's no surprise that tears and holes will surely appear in your door or window screens. These damaged parts are not just ugly, but they also let pests and flies in your home. Repairing these issues is fairly simple. While patch kits and screen repair tape provide an easy solution for minor damage, these products don't work well on larger problems. This step-by-step guide will demonstrate how to replace and repair your doors and windows.

The first thing you need to do is evaluate the damage. Can you salvage the frame, or will it need to be replaced? It is important to take into consideration this because window and door screens frames are more susceptible to being damaged than mesh. A bent frame can cause the screen to fall out of place and cause holes or weak spots.

Once you've determined whether the frame is salvageable then you can begin to build the mesh. You'll need some essential tools to complete the task. This requires a spline roller for pressing the spline inside the frame, an utility knife and a pair of scissors. These tools will ensure accuracy and durability when you make repairs.

If you have a large hole, start by cutting away as much of the old screen as you can to create a clean opening. Cut an entirely new screen material that is at least a half inch larger than the damaged area. Match the patch to your window's grid pattern in the event that it has one. Trim the edges to eliminate any imperfections. Fold over the ends of spline to conceal them.

Be aware of the climate of your region when you are looking to purchase a new screen. Aluminum screens are durable and resistant to snags while fiberglass mesh is popular because of its cost and flexibility. You might also select a special insect screen mesh if your area is ravaged by mosquitoes or other pests. Whatever type of screen material you choose, make sure that you stretch it tight across the frame to prevent sagging or wrinkles.

Broken Rollers

A damaged roller on your patio sliding door repair near me screen door could be a harrowing inconvenience. It's not just making sliding your door difficult however, it can let bugs and other pests to get into your home. The good news is that repairing patio doors your rollers isn't nearly as expensive or complicated as replacing your door.

Start by examining the rollers to determine what the problem is. You may find that the wheel has flattened or worn out on one side because of the constant contact with track. Try to remove the wheels by inserting an screwdriver between the bracket and the roller. If you are unable to get the roller to lift off, it may be helpful to spritz the shaft area with WD-40 prior to attempting again.

It is also important to look at the tracks from top to the bottom. You can straighten bent tracks by hammering a piece of wood against the bent part. It's essential to clean the tracks as well because they can hold sand and grit.

Once you have identified the type roller that is damaged then you can purchase an alternative. Bring your old rollers to the hardware store so you can ensure you're purchasing 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 the door frame, near the rollers to loosen the adjustment bolts or screws. Once the screws have been loose, you can take the rollers from the bottom. It is recommended to have someone assist you in this step to unwind your hands to focus on removing the rollers.

Once the new roller is installed after installation, the door can be lowered back to its original position and the bolts or screws that adjust can be tightened. Verify the alignment of the rollers and track. If everything is in order your patio screen door should easily slide into position.

Damaged Frame

If your screen door is scratching against the frame, there are a variety of ways to correct it. First, make sure that the hinges are tight. A hinge that is loose can cause doors to become stuck, which means it will stop when you open or close the door. If they are loose, simply tighten the hinge screws. If this does not work it is possible to sand the frame's top.

A rotting frame is another frequent issue with screen doors. It is costly to repair as the frame will have to be replaced. To avoid this, be on the lookout for signs of rot, and treat them immediately if you notice them. Find soft wood that is darker than the rest. Keep an eye on areas that have started to bow or warp. Call a professional if you observe any of these issues.

A mesh adhesive patch kit can be used to repair damaged frames. These kits cost between $2 to $7. The kit comes with small pieces of mesh and glue that you can use to repair any holes in the screen. If the damage isn't too severe you could also try fixing it using a wood filler. To do this apply the filler to the damaged area, wait for it to dry, then sand it to a smooth finish.

You can purchase a framelift, which is a metal structure that is bolted on to your existing frame that lifts it. It is a costly option, but is the best if your frame has been 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. Then, fasten a wire or brackets to the back of the frame to hang it on the wall. You can add a piece felt to the bottom to protect the wall from scratches.

Broken Splines

A damaged screen spline can be as difficult to manage as damaged doors or frames. It might seem like an issue that can be overlooked. However, if you leave it unattended for too long, pests like mosquitoes and flies can slip through. This could quickly turn into a bigger problem and could cause more costly repairs or even a new screen door.

It is simple to replace a broken spline, particularly if you have the right tools. You will first need to remove the old spline from the screen door. This can be done by laying the frame flat on a work surface, like a table or the ground. Use a screwdriver to pry up the free end of the spline, and then pull it out. If the spline appears to be particularly damaged or worn, you could notice that it cracks as you attempt to pull it out of the groove.

When you are removing the old spline, ensure that you take off any caulking that has been used to keep the spline from moving. 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 after you have removed the old spline. This will ensure a secure, clean fit on all sides of your frame when you install the spline.

Installing the new spline is simple after you have cleaned the frame and cut the new material to size. Start with the short side of the frame. Lay the spline in place, and then begin rolling it using your splining tool to work it into the screen channel. Continue rolling the spline and pushing it into the screen channel as you move. Continue this process on each side of the frame. While you work, try to keep the screen taut by using spring clamps or tape.

Once you have splined all of the short sides of the frame, move to the opposite side and repeat the process. Then, finish by splining the top and bottom of the frame.