Patio Screen Door Repair - How to Do it Yourself
A worn or torn screen door isn't just unsightly; it provides an ideal entrance point for flies, mosquitoes, and other pests. Although there are services that can 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 by taking off the screws that hold it in place.
Screens damaged
It's not a surprise that your door or window screens will develop holes and tears as a result of weather, pets, and children. The damaged screens aren't only unsightly but also allow insects and flies to enter your home. The good news is that fixing the problem is fairly easy. Screen repair kits and patch kits taps are quick fixes to minor damage. However, they don't work as well on larger issues. This step-bystep guide will show how to replace and repair your screen windows and doors.
The first thing you need to do is assess the damage. Can you salvage the frame or will it need to be replaced? This is important because, generally window and door screen frames are more prone to damage than mesh. A bent frame can cause the screen to move out of alignment, resulting in holes and weak areas in the mesh.
If you are able to determine if the frame is salvageable or not, you can start addressing the mesh itself. You'll need a few tools to complete the task. A spline roller to press the spline into the frame, an utility knife and scissors are all required to complete the process. These tools ensure accuracy and durability in your repairs.
If you've got a large hole in your screen, start by removing as much possible of the old material to make a clean space. Then cut a patch of new screen material in a way that it is at a minimum half an inch larger than the damaged area. If your window is designed with grid pattern, make sure to match the patch to it. Cut the edges to eliminate any irregularities. Fold over the edges of spline to conceal them.
When purchasing your replacement screen, make sure you consider the climate in your area. Fiberglass mesh is a popular option for its flexibility and affordability, while aluminum screens offer strength and snag-resistance. You could 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 on your patio screen door can be a frustrating inconvenience. It can make sliding the door difficult and allow insects to enter your home. The good news is that fixing your rollers won't be nearly as expensive or complicated as replacing your door.
Begin by looking at the rollers to determine what the problem is. You may find that the wheel has flattened or worn out on one side due to constant contact with track. The wheels are generally a push fit on the bracket, so you might be able to insert a screwdriver between it and the bracket and then try to pull it off. If you're unable to get the roller to lift off, it could be helpful to spritz the shaft area with WD-40 prior to attempting again.
It's an excellent idea to look at the tracks from top and bottom. Straighten bent tracks by hammering a block of wood against the bent section. It's important to clean out the tracks, too, as they can trap grit and sand.
Once you've identified what 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 right type. Some doors have more than one roller, so be sure to buy enough rollers to replace them all.
Use an screwdriver inside of your door frame, near the rollers to loosen the screws or bolts for adjustment. Once the screws are loose, you can remove the rollers from the bottom of the door. It's best to have someone help you with this step to help you free up your hands and focus on removing the rollers.
After the new roller has been installed The door can then be raised and the bolts or screws that adjust can be tightened. Be sure to check the alignment of the rollers and track, too. If everything is in its proper position your patio screen will slide in place easily.
Damaged Frame
There are a variety of ways to repair the screen door that is that is rubbing against its frame. First, make sure the hinges are secure. In the event of loose hinges, it could cause doors to bind, which means it will stop when you open or close the door. If they're loose, tighten the hinge screws. If this does not work, you might need to sand the frame's top.
A frayed frame is another common problem with screen door. It is costly to repair as the frame needs to be replaced. To avoid this, keep alert for indications of rot. Take care of them as soon as you notice them. Find signs of decay by observing wood that looks darker than the rest of the frame. Be on the lookout for any areas where the wood is starting to bow or warp. Contact a professional if observe any of these issues.
You can fix damaged frames with a mesh adhesive patch kit that costs from $2 and $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 is minimal, you can also try fixing it using a wood filler. To do this, you will have to apply the wood filler over the damaged area and wait for it to dry before sanding it smooth.
If you want a solution that is more permanent you can opt for frames lifts. A frame lift is a steel structure that bolts to your existing frame and lifts it up. This can be very expensive, but it can be the best option if your frame has been severely damaged or has completely decayed.
To build a simple stand for your screen door, you can make legs from a scrap piece of wood or a photo frame display stand. Then, fasten an anchor or wire to the back of the frame to hang it on the wall. You can add a piece felt to the bottom of the frame to protect the wall from scratches.
Broken Splines
A damaged screen spline could be just as frustrating to deal with as a damaged frame or door. It may seem like an issue that can be overlooked. If you leave it unattended for too long, pests such as insects and mosquitoes can get through. This can quickly turn into a larger problem, resulting in expensive repairs or a new screen door.
The good news is that replacing a damaged spline can be relatively simple and affordable, especially when you already have the equipment. Before you begin, you will need to remove the old spline from the screen door frame. This can be done by placing the frame flat on a surface such as a table, or the ground. Use a screwdriver to pry through the free end of the spline and pull it out. If www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk is especially worn or brittle you may find that it breaks as you try to remove it from the groove.
When you take off the old spline, make sure to also remove the caulking used to hold it in place. This will ensure that the new spline fits properly into 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 and smooth fit across the entire frame when you install the spline.
Installing the new spline is straightforward after you have cleaned the frame and cut the new screen material to size. Start with one of the short sides of the frame. Lay the spline in place and then begin rolling it using your splining tool to move it into the screen channel. Continue to roll the spline, pushing it in as you move. Continue this process on each short side of the frame. While you work, apply spring clamps or tape to keep the screen taut.
Once you have splined each of the short sides of the frame, move to the opposite side and repeat the process. Complete by splining both of the bottom and top edges of the frame.