The Next Big Thing In Patio Screen Door Repair

Patio Screen Door Repair - How to Do it Yourself

A damaged or worn screen door for your patio is not only ugly, it also creates an easy entrance for pests such as mosquitoes and flies. There are numerous solutions to repair your patio screen doors, however, it is a simple task to do yourself.

First, place the screen on a flat surface. Remove the handle from that side by taking out the screws holding it in place.

Damaged Screens

Between the weather, pets and kids, it's no surprise that tears and holes are bound to appear on your window or door screens. Aside from being unsightly damaged, these sections let flies and other pests into your home. Repairing these issues is fairly easy. While patch kits and screen repair tape provide an easy fix for minor damage, these products aren't suited to larger issues. This step-bystep guide will show you how to correctly repair and replace your screen doors and windows.

The first thing you need to do is evaluate the damage. Can you salvage the frame, or will it require replacement? It is crucial to think about this since the frames of window and door screens are more susceptible to being damaged 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 or not the frame is salvageable and you're ready to tackle the mesh. For this job, you'll need a few essential tools. A spline roller to press the spline into the frame a utility knife and scissors are all necessary to complete the process. These tools will ensure precision and durability when you do repairs.

If you are dealing with an extensive hole, start by cutting away as much of the old screen as possible to create a clean opening. Cut a new patch of screen material that is at least a half inch bigger in all directions than the damaged part. If your window has grid patterns, be sure the patch is in line to it. Finally, cut the edges of the patch to eliminate any irregularities and fold over the ends of the spline in order to hide the edges.

Consider the climate of your region when purchasing a replacement screen. Aluminum screens are strong and resistant to snags, while fiberglass mesh is a favorite for its affordability and flexibility. If your area is ravaged by mosquitos and other pests you might need to select a special mesh for insect screens. Whatever type of screen material you pick, be sure to stretch it tautly across the frame to avoid sagging or wrinkles.

Broken Rollers

A damaged roller on the screen door to your patio can be a major inconvenience. It's not only making it difficult to move your door however, it can also allow insects and other undesirables to enter your home. The good thing is that repairing your rollers isn't nearly as costly or complex as replacing your door.

Start by examining your rollers to identify the issue. It may be that the wheel is flattened out, or maybe one side of the wheel has worn out due to constant contact with the track. The wheels are typically mounted as a push fit on the bracket, so you might be able to put a screwdriver behind the roller between it and the bracket, and try to lever it off. If you are unable to get the roller to come off, it might be helpful to spritz the shaft with WD-40 prior to trying again.

It's an excellent idea to look at the tracks from top and bottom. If they're bent you can straighten them by placing a block of wood against the bent portion and beating it with a Hammer. It's essential to clean the tracks as well because they can hold sand and grit.

Once you've identified what kind of roller that's damaged, you can buy a replacement. Be sure to take your old rollers with you to the hardware store to ensure you purchase the right type. If your door has more than one roller then you will need to buy enough to replace all of them.

Use a screwdriver to the inside of your door frame near the rollers to loosen the adjustment bolts or screws. Once the screws are loose, you can remove the rollers from the bottom of the door. This is best performed by a person else so that you don't need to make use of your hands.

Once the new roller is installed The door can then be lowered back to its original position and the adjustment screws or bolts can be tightened. Make sure to verify the alignment of the rollers and the track, too. If everything is correctly positioned, your patio screen door will slide easily into position.

Damaged Frame

There are a variety of ways to fix your screen door rubbing against its frame. First, make sure the hinges are in good condition. A hinge that is loose can cause a door to be locked, meaning it will stop when you open or close the door. If  patio door repair Repair My Windows And Doors  make sure you tighten the hinge screws. If this isn't working then you may need to sand down the top of the frame.

A rotting frame is another common issue with screens. It can be costly to fix as the frame will need to be replaced. To avoid this, be looking for indications of decay. Make sure to treat them as soon as you notice them. Look for signs of decay by observing wood that appears darker than the rest of the frame. Be on the lookout for any areas where the wood is beginning to bow or warp. If you spot any of these problems contact a professional.

Repairing damaged frames with a mesh adhesive patch kit that costs from $2 to $7. The kit comes with a small piece of mesh and glue, which can be used to cover any holes in your screen. If the damage is not too significant it is possible to try fixing it using a wood filler. To do this, apply the filler to the damaged area, wait for it to dry, and then sand it smooth.

For a more permanent solution you can purchase frame lifts, which is a structure made of metal that bolts onto your frame and raises it up. This is a very expensive option, but can be the best if your frame is badly damaged or rotted.

To build a simple stand for your screen door you can make legs from a scrap piece of wood or a picture frame display stand. Then, fasten the brackets or wire to the back of the frame to hang it on the wall. You can also add a piece of felt on the bottom to protect the wall from scratches.

Broken Splines

A broken screen spline is the same as a damaged door or frame. It might seem like something minor that could be overlooked however, ignoring it too long can let pests like mosquitoes and flies to get through. This could soon become an issue that is more serious and could cause more costly repairs or even a replacement screen door.

The good news is that replacing broken spline is relatively easy and affordable, especially when you already have the equipment. First, you'll need take off the old spline from the screen door. This can be accomplished by laying the frame flat on a work surface like a table or the ground. Take the spline off using the screwdriver. If the spline is particularly damaged or brittle, you might notice that it cracks as you attempt to pull it out of the groove.

When you take off the old spline, be sure you take off the caulking that was used to hold it in place. This will ensure that the new spline is able to fit into the grooves.

Use a utility blade to trim the screen around the frame after you have removed the old spline. This will ensure a snug, straight fit on all sides of your frame when you install the spline.

Once you have a clean frame and have the new screen material cut to size, it's time to begin installing the new spline. Begin with the shorter side of the frame. Roll the spline into the screen channel using your splining tool. Continue rolling the spline and pushing it into the screen channel as you move. Continue this process on each short side of the frame. While you work, use tape or spring clamps to ensure that the screen stays taut.

Repeat the process on the other side once you have completed the splining of all the short sides. Finally, finish by splining the top and bottom of the frame.