Patio Screen Door Repair - How to Do it Yourself

A damaged or worn screen door is not just ugly; it's also a an ideal entrance point for mosquitoes, flies and other insects. Although there are services that can repair your sliding patio door repairs screen door, it is fairly simple to do the job yourself.

Then, lay the screen on a flat work surface. Remove the handle from the screen by taking out the screws holding it in place.

Screens damaged

It's not surprising that your door or window screens will begin to develop tears and holes due to weather, pets, and children. Apart from looking ugly, these damaged sections allow insects and flies to enter your home. Repairing these problems is simple. Screen repair patio door lock kits and patch kits tap are quick fixes for minor damage. However, they don't perform as well for larger issues. This step-by-step guide will demonstrate how to replace and repair your doors and windows.

Assessing the damage is the first step. Are the frames salvageable, or does it need to be replaced? This is vital since, in general, window and door frame screens are more prone to damage than the mesh. A bent frame can cause the screen to move out of alignment, resulting in holes and weak areas in the mesh.

Once you've determined whether the frame is salvageable then you can begin to work on the mesh. For this job you'll require some essential tools. This requires a spline roller for pressing the spline in the frame, a utility knife and scissors. These tools ensure accuracy and durability in your repairs.

If you are dealing with a large hole, begin by cutting away as much of the old screen as possible to create a clean opening. Then, cut a patch of the new screen material so that it is at least a half inch bigger all around than the damaged area. Match the patch to the grid pattern of your window, in the event that it has one. Then, trim the edges of the patch to eliminate any imperfections and fold them over the top of the spline in order to hide them.

When buying a new screen, be sure to think about the climate in your area. Aluminum screens are durable and resistant to snags, while fiberglass mesh is a favorite for its affordability and flexibility. You may also wish to select a special insect screen mesh if your region is a victim of mosquitoes or other insects. Whatever type of screen material you pick, be sure that you stretch it tight across the frame to avoid sagging or wrinkles.

Broken Rollers

A broken roller can be a frustrating problem. It can make moving the door a challenge and also allow bugs to get inside your home. The good news is that repairing the rollers doesn't have to be as difficult or expensive as replacing your entire door.

Start by examining the rollers to determine what the issue is. You may find that the wheel has flattened or worn out on one end because of the constant contact with track. You can try to take off the wheels by inserting screwscrews between the roller and the bracket. If you can't get the roller to fall off, it may be beneficial to spray the shaft with WD-40 before trying again.

It's also a good idea to look at the tracks from top and bottom. Straighten bent tracks by hammering an object of wooden against the bent portion. It's important to clean out the tracks as well as they could hold sand and grit.

Once you have identified the type of roller that is broken, you can buy a replacement. Be sure to take your old rollers 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 an screwdriver inside of the door frame, near the rollers to loosen the screws or bolts that adjust the door. Once the screws are loose, you can remove the rollers from the bottom of the door. It is best to have a person help you with this step to free up your hands to 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. Make sure to verify the alignment of the rollers and the track, too. If everything is in its proper place, your patio screen should slide in place easily.

Frame Damaged

If your screen door is scratching against the frame, there are several solutions to correct it. Make sure the hinges are secure. A door could be bowed in the event that the hinges are loose. If they are loose, tighten the hinge screws. If this doesn't work, you may have to sand the frame's top to smooth it.

A rotting frame is another common issue with screens. It can be expensive to fix, since it usually involves replacing the entire frame. To avoid this, be on the lookout for any indications of rot. Treat them as soon you spot them. Find soft wood that is darker than the rest. Also, keep an eye on areas where the wood is beginning to bow or warp. If you notice any of these issues contact a professional.

You can repair patio door a damaged frame by using mesh adhesive patch kits that costs from $2-$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 is not too significant, you can also try fixing it using a wood filler. To do this, apply the filler to the damaged area, then wait for it to dry, and then smooth it with sandpaper.

If you want a solution that is more permanent, you can buy frame lifts, which is a steel structure that bolts onto your frame and raises it up. It can be expensive however it is the best choice if your frame has been severely damaged or has completely rotted.

You can make a simple leg for your screen door using a scrap of wood or an old display stand for a photo frame. Then, attach an anchor or wire to the back of the frame to hang it on the wall. You can also attach a piece of felt on the bottom to protect the wall from scratches.

Broken Splines

A damaged screen spline for your screen is similar to damaged frames or doors. It may appear to be a minor issue that can be overlooked and left unaddressed for long enough can allow pests such as mosquitoes and flies to get through. This could quickly turn into 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, particularly when you already have the equipment. First, you'll need take off the old spline from the screen door. This can be done by placing the frame flat on a work surface, like a table or the ground. Pull the spline out by using the screwdriver. If the spline has gotten especially worn or brittle, it could break when you attempt to remove it from the groove.

As you remove the old spline make sure to also remove the caulking used to keep it in place. This will ensure that the new spline is properly fitted into the grooves.

Once you have removed all of the old spline a utility knife to trim any screen that is left around the frame. This will ensure that you have an even, clean fit on all sides of the frame once you install the new spline.

After you have a clear frame and the new screen material cut to size, it's time to begin installing the new spline. Begin with the shorter side of the frame. Lay the spline in place and then begin rolling it with your splining tool to move it into the screen channel. Continue to roll the spline, pressing it into as you go. Repeat this process on each side of the frame. While you are working, use spring clamps or tape to keep the screen taut.

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