Patio Screen Door Repair - How to Do it Yourself
A damaged or worn-out patio screen door isn't only unsightly, but it also serves as an entryway for pests like mosquitoes and flies. There are patio door lock repairs near me that can repair your patio screen doors but it is easy to do yourself.
First, place 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 a surprise that your door or window screens will develop tears and holes due to weather, pets, and children. Aside from being unsightly the damaged screens allow insects and flies to enter your home. The good news is that fixing these problems is fairly simple. Patch kits and screen repair tap are quick fixes for minor damage. However, they do not work as well on larger issues. This step-bystep guide will show how to repair and replace your screen windows and doors.
The first thing you need to do is determine the damage. Is it possible to salvage the frame, or does it need replacing? This is crucial since, in general, window and door frame screens are more prone to damage than mesh. A bent frame could pull the screen 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 then you can begin to work on the mesh. You'll require a few essential tools to complete this task. A spline roller to press the spline into the frame, a utility knife and scissors are all essential for this process. These tools will guarantee precision and durability when you do repairs.
If you have a large hole in your screen, start by removing as much possible of the old material to make a clean space. Cut an entirely new screen material that is at least one half inch wider in all directions than the damaged part. If your window has grid patterns, be sure to match the patch with it. Trim the edges to remove any imperfections. Fold over the edges of spline to conceal them.
Be aware of the climate of your area when you are looking to purchase a new screen. Fiberglass mesh is a popular option due to its flexibility and cost and aluminum screens provide durability and snag-proofing. If your area is plagued by mosquitos and other insects you might prefer a specially-designed mesh designed for insect screens. Whatever type of screen material you choose, make sure to stretch it tautly across the frame to prevent sagging or wrinkles.
Broken Rollers
A broken roller on the screen door to your patio can be a frustrating issue. It can make moving the door difficult and allow insects to enter your home. The good news is that repairing the rollers isn't as complicated or costly as replacing the entire door.
Start by inspecting your rollers to identify the issue. You may find that the wheel is flattened or worn out on one end because of constant contact with track. You can try to remove the wheels by putting a screwdriver between the roller and the bracket. If you're unable to get the roller to fall off, it might be helpful to spritz the shaft area with WD-40 prior to trying again.
Also, you should check the tracks from top to bottom. Straighten bent tracks by hammering a block of wood against the bent part. It is important to keep the tracks clean as well as they can be a source of dust and grit.
After you've identified the type of roller that is broken and you are able to purchase a replacement. Bring your old rollers to the hardware store so that you are sure you're buying the correct type. Some doors have more than one roller, so be sure to purchase enough to replace them all.
Use a screwdriver to the inside of the door frame near the rollers to loosen the adjustment bolts or screws. Once the screws have been loose, you can take the rollers from the bottom. It's best to have someone help you with this step to help you unwind your hands to focus on taking off the rollers.
Once the new roller is installed after installation, the door can be raised back into place and the bolts or screws that adjust can be tightened. Make sure to verify the alignment of the rollers as well as the track, as well. If everything is in its proper position your patio screen will slide in place easily.
Frame Damaged
There are many ways to fix your screen door rubbing against its frame. First, make sure that the hinges are in good condition. A door can bind if 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 make it smooth.
Another issue that is common to screen doors is a decaying frame. It is costly to fix as the frame will need to be replaced. To avoid this, be on the watchful eye for signs of rot and address them as soon as you notice them. Find signs of decay by observing wood that appears darker than the rest of the frame. You should also keep an eye out for areas where the wood has started to bow or warp. If you spot any of these problems contact an expert.
A mesh adhesive patch kit can be used to repair a damaged frame. The kits range from $2 and $7. The kit includes a tiny piece of mesh and glue, that you can use to cover any holes in your screen. If the damage isn't too severe it is possible to repair it using wood filler. To accomplish this, you'll have to apply the wood filler over the damaged area and wait for it be dry before sanding it smooth.
If you want a solution that is more permanent you can purchase a frame lift, which is a steel structure that is bolted onto your frame and raises it up. It can be expensive however it could be the best option in cases where your frame is badly damaged or is completely decayed.
You can make a simple leg for your screen door using a scrap of wood or an old display stand for your photo frame. Then, fasten 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 frame's bottom to protect your wall from scratches.
Broken Splines
A damaged screen spline could be just as frustrating to deal with as a damaged frame or door. It may appear to be a problem that is easy to ignore. But if you leave it unattended for too long, pests like insects and mosquitoes can get through. This could quickly become a larger problem, resulting in expensive repairs or a new screen door.
It is simple to replace a broken screen spline with the right tools. First, you'll need remove the old spline for your screen door. This can be accomplished by laying the frame flat on a work surface such as a table or the ground. Take the spline off with a screwdriver. If the spline appears to be particularly worn or brittle you may notice that it cracks as you attempt to pull it out of the groove.
When you are removing the old spline, make sure that you take off any caulking used to keep the spline in place. This will help ensure that the new spline will fit in the grooves.
Once you've removed all the old spline, you can use a utility knife to trim any excess screen from the frame. This will ensure that you get an even, clean fit on all sides of the frame when you put in the new spline.
After you have a clear frame and have the new screen material cut to size, it's time to start installing the new spline. Start with the short side 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 go. Repeat this process for all of the short sides 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 short sides. Finally, finish by splining the top and bottom of the frame.