Patio Screen Door Repair - How to Do it Yourself

A worn or torn screen door isn't only ugly, it also provides an ideal entrance point for flies, mosquitoes, and other pests. While there are services that will patio glass repair near me your sliding patio door repair service near me screen door, it's quite simple to complete the work yourself.

Lay the screen flat on a surface. Remove the handle by taking off the screws that secure it.

Damaged Screens

Between the elements, pets and kids, it's no surprise that tears and holes will eventually be found in your window or door screens. The damaged screens aren't only ugly, but also allow pests and flies into your home. Fortunately, repairing the problem is fairly easy. While patch kits and screen repair tape offer a quick fix for minor damage, these products don't work well on more serious issues. This step-bystep guide will show you how to repair and replace your windows and doors for screen.

Examining the damage is the first step. Is it possible to 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 the mesh. A bent frame could cause the screen to fall out of alignment and create holes or weak spots.

Once you've determined whether or not the frame is salvageable then you can begin to work on the mesh. To accomplish this you'll require some essential tools. This process requires a spline roll for pressing the spline into the frame, an utility knife and scissors. Utilizing these tools will 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. Cut a new piece of screen material that is at least one half inch larger in all directions than the damaged portion. If your window is designed with grid pattern, make sure to match the patch to it. Finally cut the edges of the patch to eliminate any imperfections and fold the ends of the spline to cover the edges.

Take into consideration the climate of your area when purchasing a replacement screen. Fiberglass mesh is a popular choice because of its flexibility and affordability and aluminum screens provide the strength and durability of snag-resistant screens. You may also wish to select a special insect screen mesh if your region is a victim of mosquitos and other pests. Whatever type of mesh you pick, be sure to stretch it tautly across the frame to prevent wrinkles or sagging.

Broken Rollers

A damaged roller can be a gruelling issue. It can make moving the door difficult and allow bugs to enter your home. The good news is, repair of your rollers isn't as expensive or difficult as replacing your door.

Begin by looking at your rollers to determine the issue. It may be that the wheel is flattened out, or perhaps one side of the wheel is worn out from constant contact with the track. Try to remove the wheels by putting an screwdriver between the roller and the bracket. If you're still unable to remove the roller, spray the shaft area with WD-40, and try again.

Also, you should look at the tracks from top to bottom. If they're bent you can straighten them by putting a piece of wood against the bent portion and beating it with the hammer. It is crucial to wash the tracks well as they can collect grit and dust.

Once you've identified what kind of roller that's broken, you can buy a replacement. Bring your old rollers to the hardware store so that you are sure you're buying the correct type. If your door has more than one roller then you will need to buy enough to replace them all.

Use a screwdriver on the inside of the door frame, near the rollers to loosen the screws or bolts that adjust the door. After the screws are loose, you can take the rollers from the bottom. This step is best done by a third party so that you don't have to use your hands.

After the new roller has been installed, the door can be raised back into place and the bolts or screws that adjust can be tightened. Examine the alignment of the track and rollers. If everything is in the correct place the patio door repairs near me screen will be able to slide into place with ease.

Frame Damaged

If your screen door is rubbing against the frame, there are several solutions to correct it. Make sure that the hinges are secure. A door can bind when hinges are loose. If they're loose, simply tighten the hinge screws. If this isn't working, you might need to sand the top of the frame to make it smooth.

Another common issue with screen doors is a decaying frame. It is costly to repair patio door lock as the frame will need to be replaced. To avoid this, be on the eye out for signs of rot and treat them as soon as you notice them. Find signs of decay by looking for wood that looks darker than the rest of the frame. Be on the lookout for any areas where the wood is starting to warp or bow. If you spot any of these issues, call an expert.

You can fix a damaged frame by using mesh adhesive patch kits costing between $2-$7. The kit includes small pieces of mesh and glue that can be used to fix any holes in the screen. If the damage isn't too severe it is possible to repair it using wood filler. To do this, you'll have to apply the wood filler on the affected area and wait for it dry before sanding it smooth.

You can buy a framelift, which is a metal structure that is bolted on to the frame you already have that lifts it. It is a costly option, but is the most effective option if your frame has been badly damaged or rotted.

You can build an easy leg for your screen door by using wood scraps or an old photo frame display stand. Attach brackets or wires to the back of the frame, allowing you to hang the frame on the wall. You can also attach a piece of felt to the bottom of the frame to protect your wall from scratches.

Broken Splines

A broken screen spline can be just as annoying to manage as a damaged frame or door. It might seem like an issue that is minor enough to be ignored however, ignoring it too long could allow pests like mosquitoes and flies to pass through. This can quickly escalate into the issue of a bigger scale that could lead to costly repairs or a new door screen.

It is simple to repair a damaged spline, particularly with the right tools. Before you can get started you must 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. Remove the spline with the screwdriver. If the spline is particularly damaged or worn, you could discover that it breaks when you try to pull it out of the groove.

While you are pulling out the old spline, make sure that you take off any caulking used to keep the spline from moving. This will help ensure that the new spline is properly fitted in the grooves.

Make use of a utility blade to trim 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 once you install the new spline.

Installing the new spline is simple once you have cleaned the frame tilt and slide patio door repairs cut the new screen material to the appropriate size. Start on the short side of the frame. Lay the spline in place and begin rolling it with your splining tool to work it into the screen channel. Continue rolling the spline, and pushing it into the screen channel as you go. Continue this process on each side of the frame. As you are working, try to keep the screen taut by using tape or spring clamps.

After you have splined all of the short sides of the frame, shift to the opposite side and repeat the process. Then, you can finish by splining both the bottom and top edges of the frame.