A Productive Rant About Patio Screen Door Repair
Patio Screen Door Repair - How to Do it Yourself
A damaged or worn screen door isn't just ugly; it's also a an ideal entry point for flies, mosquitoes and other bugs. There are a variety of services that can fix your patio screen doors but it's easy to fix yourself.
Lay the screen flat on a surface. Take the handle off by taking out the screws that secure it.
Screens damaged
Between weather, pets and kids It's not a surprise that holes and tears will surely appear in your door or window screens. Aside from being unsightly the damaged screens allow insects and flies to enter your home. Fortunately, repairing these problems is fairly simple. While patch kits and screen repair tape offer a quick fix for minor damage, they aren't suited to more serious issues. This step-by-step guide will demonstrate how to repair and replace your screen windows and doors.
The first thing you need to do is evaluate the damage. Are the frames salvageable or does it need to be replaced? It is important to take into consideration this since window and door screens frames are more susceptible to being damaged than the mesh.
patio door refurbishment may cause the screen to be out of place and cause holes or weak spots.
Once you've determined whether the frame is salvageable or not, you can start addressing the mesh itself. For this task, you'll need a few essential tools. A spline roller to press the spline into the frame, an utility knife and scissors are all essential for this process. These tools will ensure precision and durability when you do repairs.
If you've got a large hole in your screen, start by removing as much possible of the old material to create a clean space. Cut a new patch of screen material that is at least a half inch larger in all directions than the damaged part. The patch should be matched to your window's grid pattern if it has one. Then, cut the edges of the patch to remove any irregularities and fold them over the top of the spline to conceal the edges.
Take into consideration the climate of your locale when you are looking to purchase a new screen. Aluminum screens are sturdy and resistant to snags while fiberglass mesh is a favorite for its affordability and flexibility. If your area is plagued by mosquitos and other pests, you may prefer a specially-designed mesh specifically designed for insect screens. Whichever type of screen you choose be sure to stretch the fabric tautly over the frame to prevent wrinkles and sagging.
Broken Rollers
A damaged roller can be a frustrating problem. It's not just making sliding your door difficult, but it can also allow bugs and other pests to get into your home. The good thing is that fixing the rollers doesn't have to be as difficult or costly as replacing the entire door.
Start by inspecting your rollers to determine the issue. It may be that the wheel has sunk out, or maybe the other end of the wheel has worn out by constant contact with the track. The wheels are typically fitted with a push fit to the bracket, so you might be able to put a screwdriver behind the roller between it and the bracket and then try to pull it off. If you're unable to get the roller to fall off, it might be beneficial to spray the shaft with WD-40 prior to trying again.
You should also look at the tracks from top to bottom. If they're bent, you can straighten them by holding a block of wood against the bent portion and rapping it with the hammer. It's important to clean out the tracks as well, as they can trap grit and sand.
Once you've identified the kind of roller that's damaged, you can buy a replacement. Be sure to take your old rollers to the hardware store to ensure you purchase the correct model. If your door has more than one roller, you will need to buy enough to replace them all.
Before installing the new roller make use of a screwdriver to loosen the adjustment screws or bolts on the inside of the frame, near the door rollers. Once the screws are loose, you can remove the rollers from the bottom of the door. It is recommended to have someone assist you in this step to liberate your hands to focus on getting rid of the rollers.
Once the new roller is installed after installation, the door can be lowered back to its original position and the adjustment screws or bolts can be tightened. Be sure to check the alignment of the rollers as well as the track, too. If everything is in its proper position, your patio screen should slide in place easily.
Damaged Frame
If your screen door is rubbing against the frame, there are a variety of solutions to correct it. Make sure that the hinges are tight. A door can bind when hinges are loose. If they are loose, just tighten the hinge screws. If this isn't working, you might need to sand the top of the frame to smooth it.
Another common issue with screen doors is a decaying frame. It can be costly to repair, since it typically requires replacing the entire frame. To avoid this, be on the lookout for any indications of decay. Treat them as soon you spot them. Look for soft wood that is darker than the rest. Be aware of any areas in which the wood is beginning to bow or warp. Call a professional if you observe any of these issues.
A mesh patch kit can be used to fix damaged frames. The cost of these kits is between $2 and $7. The kit includes a small piece mesh and glue that you can use to repair any holes in the screen. If the damage isn't too severe, you can also try fixing it with a wood filler. To do this apply the filler on the damaged area, wait for it to dry, then sand it to a smooth finish.
If you want a solution that is more permanent you can opt for a frame lift, which is a steel structure that bolts onto your frame and raises it up. This can be very expensive however it is the best choice if your frame is badly damaged or is completely decayed.
To make an easy stand for your screen door you can make a leg from a scrap piece of wood or a picture frame display stand. Then, secure an anchor 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 to protect the wall from scratches.
Broken Splines
A broken screen spline is the same as a damaged door or frame. It may appear to be an issue that is minor enough to be overlooked, but letting it go too long could allow pests like flies and mosquitoes to slip through. This could quickly become the issue of a bigger scale and result in costly repairs or a new door screen.
It is not difficult to repair a damaged spline, especially if you have the right tools. You will first need to take off the old spline from the screen door. This can be done by placing the frame of the screen door flat on any surface, like a table or a floor. Remove the spline with a screwdriver. If the spline has become extremely worn or brittle it could break when you attempt to take it from the groove.
When you are removing the old spline make sure that you also take off the caulking that was used to keep it in place. This will help ensure that the new spline fits properly into the grooves.
Make use of a utility blade to cut the excess screen around the frame after you have removed the old spline. This will ensure that you get a tight, clean fit on all sides of the frame when you put in the new spline.
When you have a clean frame and have the new screen material cut to size, it's time to install the new spline. Start by putting it on one of the short sides of the frame. Lay the spline in place and then begin rolling it using your splining device to work it into the screen channel. Continue rolling the spline and pushing it into the screen channel as you move. Continue this process for each side of the frame. As you are working make sure to keep the screen taut with tape or spring clamps.
Repeat the process on the other side after you have completed the splining of all the short sides. Finally, finish by splining the top and bottom of the frame.