The 10 Most Scariest Things About Patio Screen Door Repair

Patio Screen Door Repair - How to Do it Yourself

A damaged or worn screen door isn't just ugly; it's also a an ideal entry point for flies, mosquitoes, and other pests. Although there are services that will repair your sliding patio door lock repair screen door, it's fairly simple to do the job yourself.

Lay the screen flat on a surface. Take the handle off by removing the screws that hold it in place.

Damaged Screens

Between weather, pets and kids, it's no surprise that tears and holes will surely be found in your window or door screens. Aside from being unsightly, these damaged sections allow insects and flies to enter your home. Fortunately, repairing patio doors the problem is fairly easy. While patch kits and screen repair tape offer an easy fix for minor damage, they don't work well on more serious issues. This step-by-step guide will explain how to repair and replace your screen windows and doors.

Examining the damage is the first step. Can you salvage the frame or will it need to be replaced? It is crucial to think about this since window and door screens frames are more susceptible to being damaged than the mesh. A bent frame could pull the screen out of alignment, resulting in holes and weak spots in the mesh.

Once you've determined whether or not the frame can be salvaged then you can begin to tackle the mesh. For this task you'll require some essential tools. A spline roller for pressing the spline into the frame an utility knife and scissors are all required to complete the process. Using these tools ensures precision and durability in your repairs.

If you have a huge hole in your screen, begin by removing as much as possible of the old material to create a clean space. Cut a new piece of screen material that is at least a half inch wider all around than the damaged part. If your window has grid pattern, make sure to match the patch to it. Finally trim the edges of the patch to remove any irregularities and fold the ends of the spline to cover the edges.

Be aware of the climate of your locale when you are looking to purchase a new screen. Fiberglass mesh is a popular option due to its flexibility and cost as well as aluminum screens that offer the strength and durability of snag-resistant screens. You could also opt for a specialized insect screen mesh if your area is plagued with mosquitoes or other insects. Whichever type of screen you pick be sure to stretch the material tautly over the frame in order to prevent wrinkles and sagging.

Broken Rollers

A broken roller on your patio screen door could be a major issue. It can make moving the door a challenge and also allow bugs to get inside your home. The good news is, repairing your rollers isn't nearly as expensive or difficult as replacing your door.

Begin by looking at your rollers to find the problem. You may find that the wheel is flattened or worn out on one side because of constant contact with the track. Try to remove the wheels by putting an screwdriver between the bracket and the roller. If you can't get the roller to lift off, it could be beneficial to spray the shaft with WD-40 prior to attempting again.

You should also check the tracks from top to the bottom. Straighten bent tracks by hammering an object of wood against the bent portion. It is important to clean 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 new one. Make sure you bring your old rollers to the hardware store to ensure that you purchase the right type. Some doors have more than one roller, so be 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 frame, close to the door rollers. Once the screws are loose, you can take the rollers from the bottom of the door. It is recommended to have someone assist you in this step to help you liberate your hands and focus on removing the rollers.

After the new roller has been installed after installation, the door can be raised back into place and the adjustment screws or bolts can be tightened. Be sure to check the alignment of the rollers and the track, too. If everything is properly positioned, your sliding patio doors repair screen door should easily slide into its place.

Frame Damaged

If your screen door is scratching against the frame, there are several ways to correct it. Make sure the hinges are tight. A door could be bowed when hinges are loose. If they're loose, tighten the hinge screws. If this doesn't work it is possible to sand the top of the frame.

Another common problem with screen doors is a rotting frame. This can be expensive to repair, since it usually involves replacing the entire frame. To avoid this, keep on the lookout for any indications of rot. Take care of them as soon as you notice them. Find soft wood that is darker than the rest. Keep an eye out for any areas in which the wood is beginning to warp or bow. Call a professional if you detect any of these problems.

You can repair damaged frames by using mesh adhesive patch kits costing between $2-$7. The kit includes a tiny piece of mesh and glue, that you can use to fill any holes in your screen. If the damage isn't too severe, you can also try fixing it with a wood filler. To do this apply the filler to the damaged area, then wait for it to dry, then sand it smooth.

For a more permanent solution you can purchase frame lifts, which is a structure made of metal that bolts onto the frame you have and lifts it up. It is a costly alternative, but it is the best if your frame has been severely damaged or rotted.

To build an easy stand for your screen door you can create legs from a scrap piece of wood or a photo frame display stand. Attach wires or brackets to the back to place the frame on the wall. You can also add a piece of felt to the bottom of the frame to protect the wall from scratches.

Broken Splines

A damaged screen spline can be just as frustrating as damaged frames or doors. It might appear to be a problem that is easy to ignore. If you let it go for too long, pests such as mosquitoes and flies may slip through. This could soon become an even bigger issue and cause more costly repairs or even a new screen door.

It is easy to repair a damaged spline, especially when you have the proper tools. Before you can get started you will need to remove the old spline from the screen door frame. This can be done by placing the frame flat on a work surface like a table or the ground. Use a screwdriver to pry open the free end of the spline and pull it out. If the spline is especially damaged or worn, you could find that it breaks as you attempt to pull it out of the groove.

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

Once you have removed all the old spline, use a utility knife to trim any screen that is left around the frame. This will ensure a tight, smooth fit across the entire frame when you install the spline.

Installing the new spline is easy after you have cleaned the frame and cut the new screen material to size. Start by putting it on one of the short sides of the frame. Incorporate the spline into the screen channel using your splining tool. Continue to roll the spline, bringing it in as you move. Continue this process for each short side of the frame. While you are working try to keep the screen taut with spring clamps or tape.

Once you have splined all of the short sides of the frame move to the opposite side and repeat the process. Complete by splining both of the top and bottom edges of the frame.