A Productive Rant About Patio Screen Door Repair
Patio Screen Door Repair - How to Do it Yourself
A worn or torn screen door is not just ugly; it's also a an ideal entry point for mosquitoes, flies and other insects. Although there are services to repair your patio screen door, it's fairly simple to do the job yourself.
First, lay the screen on a flat surface. Remove the handle by removing the screws that hold it in place.
Damaged Screens
It's not surprising that your door or window screens will develop tears and holes due to weather animals, children, and pets. In addition to being ugly, these damaged sections allow flies and other pests into your home. Fortunately, repairing these issues is relatively simple. While patch kits and screen repair tape offer an easy fix for minor damage, these products don't work well on larger issues. This step-by-step guide will show you how to correctly repair and replace your windows and doors for screen.
Examining the damage is the first step. Can the frame be repaired, or does it need to be replaced? This is vital since, in general, window and door screen frames are more susceptible to being damaged than mesh. A bent frame could cause the screen to move out of its alignment, leading to holes and weak spots in the mesh.
Once you've determined whether the frame is salvageable or not, you can begin addressing the mesh itself. You'll need a few tools to complete this task. This process requires a spline roll for pressing the spline in the frame, an utility knife and a pair of scissors. These tools will ensure precision and durability when making repairs.
If you have a huge hole in your screen, start by removing as much as possible of the old material to create a clean space. Cut a new patch of screen material that is at least one half inch bigger all around than the damaged portion. If your window has grid pattern, make sure the patch is in line with it. Then trim the edges of your patch to eliminate any irregularities and fold over the ends of the spline to conceal the edges.
When purchasing your replacement screen, be sure to take into consideration the climate of your region. Fiberglass mesh is a popular option due to its flexibility and cost, while aluminum screens offer strength and snag-resistance. You may also wish to choose a specially designed insect screen mesh if you live in an area that is a victim of mosquitoes or other pests. Whatever type of screen you pick be sure to stretch the material tautly over the frame to avoid wrinkles and sagging.
Broken Rollers
A broken roller can be a gruelling problem. It's not only making sliding your door difficult and difficult, but it could 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 your entire door.
Start by inspecting your rollers to identify the problem. You might find that the wheel has flattened or worn out on one end because of constant contact with the track. The wheels are usually mounted as a push fit on the bracket, so you might be able to place a screwdriver between the bracket and the roller and then try to pull it off. If you still can't remove the roller then spray the shaft with WD-40 and try it again.
You should also examine the tracks from top to bottom. You can straighten bent tracks by hammering a block of wooden against the bent portion. It's important to clean out the tracks, too because they can hold grit and sand.
Once you've identified what kind of roller that's broken you can purchase a replacement. Make sure you bring your old rollers to the hardware store to ensure you buy the correct type. Some doors have more than one roller, so make sure to buy enough rollers to replace them all.
Before installing the new roller make use of a screwdriver to loosen the bolts or screws that adjust the door. on the inside of the door frame near the door rollers. After the screws are loose, you can remove the rollers from the bottom. It is best to have a person assist you in this process to unwind your hands and concentrate on taking off the rollers.
Once the new roller is installed after installation, the door can be raised and the bolts or screws that adjust can be tightened. Be sure to check the alignment of the rollers and the track, too. If everything is in its proper position the patio screen will be able to slide into place with ease.
Frame Damaged
If your screen door is rubbing against the frame, there are many solutions to fix it. First, make sure the hinges are tight. A hinge that is loose can cause doors to bind, which means it will stop when you open or close the door. If they're loose, simply tighten the hinge screws. If this isn't working, you might require sanding the top of the frame to make it smooth.
Another common problem with screen doors is a rotting frame. This can be expensive to repair, as it usually involves replacing the entire frame. To avoid this, be on the watchful eye for signs of rot and treat them when you spot them. Check for signs of decay by observing wood that looks darker than the rest of the frame. Keep an eye out for any areas where the wood is beginning to bow or warp. If you notice any of these problems, call a professional.
You can repair a damaged frame by using mesh patch kits, which costs between $2 to $7. The kit includes small pieces of mesh and glue that can be used to fix any holes in the screen. If the damage is minimal it is possible to try fixing it with a wood filler. To do this, apply the filler to the damaged area, then wait for it to dry, then smooth it with sandpaper.
You can buy a framelift, which is a metal structure that is bolted to your frame that raises it. This can be very expensive, but it can be the best option in cases where your frame is severely damaged or is completely decayed.
You can make a simple leg for your screen door by using wood scraps 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 add a piece felt on the bottom to protect the wall from scratches.
Broken Splines
A damaged screen spline could be as difficult to deal with as damaged doors or frames. It may appear to be a problem that is easy to ignore. But if you let it go for too long, pests such as mosquitoes and flies may slip through. This can quickly become a bigger problem and could result in more expensive repairs or even a replacement screen door.
The good news is that replacing a broken spline is simple and inexpensive, especially in the event that you already have the tools. Before you can get started you'll need to take out the old spline off the screen door frame. This can be done by laying the screen door frame flat on a surface like a table or ground. Remove the spline by using a screwdriver. If the spline is especially worn or brittle you may notice that it cracks as you try to remove it from the groove.
When you're removing the old spline, ensure that you also remove any caulking that has been used to keep the spline from moving. 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 once you have removed the old spline. This will ensure that you have a tight, clean fit on all sides of the frame when you install the new spline.
Once you have a clean frame and have the new screen material cut to size, it is time to begin installing the new spline. Begin with RepairMyWindowsAndDoors of the shorter sides of the frame. Incorporate the spline into the screen channel using your splining tool. Continue rolling the spline, and pushing it into the screen channel as you move. Repeat this process for each of the shorter sides of the frame. While you work try to keep the screen taut by using spring clamps or tape.
Once you have splined each of the short sides of the frame, move to the other side and repeat the process. Finally, finish by splining the top and bottom of the frame.