Patio Screen Door Repair - How to Do it Yourself

A worn-out or torn screen door for your patio is not just ugly, but it also serves as an entryway for pests like mosquitoes and flies. While there are companies that will repair your patio door repair company near me screen door, it is quite simple to complete the work yourself.

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

Damaged Screens

It's not a surprise that your window or door screens will develop tears and holes due to weather, pets, and children. In addition to being ugly the damaged screens allow flies and other pests into your home. The good news is that fixing the problem is fairly easy. Screen repair kits and patch kits taps are quick fixes to minor damage. However, they don't work as well on larger problems. This step-by-step guide will teach you how to correctly repair and replace your screen doors and windows.

Assessing the damage is the first step. Can the frame be repaired or does it need to be replaced? This is crucial because, as a rule windows and door screen frames are more susceptible to damage than mesh. A bent frame can pull the screen out of alignment, resulting in holes and weak spots in the mesh.

Once you've determined whether or not the frame is salvageable and you're ready to tackle the mesh. For this job, you'll need a few essential tools. This procedure requires a spline roller for pressing the spline inside the frame, an utility knife and a pair of scissors. These tools will ensure accuracy and durability when making repairs.

If you've got a large hole in your screen, start by removing as much as possible of the old material to create a clean space. Then cut a patch of new screen material in a way that it is at least a half an inch larger than the damaged area. If your window has grid patterns, be sure to match the patch to it. Cut the edges to eliminate any imperfections. Fold over the edges of spline to hide them.

Consider the climate of your area when you are looking to purchase a new screen. Fiberglass mesh is a popular choice because of its flexibility and affordability as well as aluminum screens that offer durability and snag-proofing. You might also select a special insect screen mesh if you live in an area that is a victim of mosquitoes and other pests. Whichever type of screen you select be sure to stretch the material tautly over the frame to prevent wrinkles and sagging.

Broken Rollers

A broken roller can be a major issue. It can make sliding the door difficult and allow bugs to get inside your home. The good news is that repairing the rollers doesn't have to be as difficult or costly as replacing the entire door.

Start by examining your rollers to find the problem. It could be that the wheel has flattened out, or maybe the other end of the wheel is worn out due to constant contact with the track. 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 could be beneficial to spray the shaft with WD-40 before trying again.

It's recommended to examine the tracks, both at the top and bottom. If they're bent and need to be straightened, you can do so by putting a piece of wood against the bent area and hitting it with the Hammer. It is important to clean the tracks as well because they can hold sand and grit.

Once you've identified the type of roller that's broken, you can buy a replacement. Make sure you bring your old rollers to the hardware store to ensure that you buy the correct type. Some doors have more than one roller, so be sure to purchase enough rollers to replace them all.

Before installing the new roller, use a screwdriver to loosen the adjustment screws or bolts on the inside of the frame, near the door rollers. Once the screws are loose, you can take the rollers from the bottom of the door. It is best to have a person help you with this step to liberate your hands and concentrate on removing the rollers.

After installing the new roller, the door can then be raised, and the adjustment screws or bolts tightened. Check the alignment of both the rollers and track. If everything is in the correct place the patio screen will be able to slide into place with ease.

Damaged Frame

There are several ways to repair your screen door that is to stop it from rubbing against the frame. Check that the hinges are tight. A door could be bowed if the hinges are loose. If they're loose, tighten the hinge screws. If this isn't working then you may need to sand the top of the frame.

A frayed frame is another common problem with screen door. It can be expensive to repair as the frame will need to be replaced. To avoid this, be alert for signs of decay. Make sure to treat them as soon as you spot them. Find signs of rot by looking for soft wood that looks darker than the rest of the frame. Be aware of any areas where the wood is starting to warp or bow. If you notice any of these issues you should contact a professional.

You can fix damaged frames by using mesh adhesive patch kits costing between $2 to $7. The kit comes with a small piece mesh and glue that you can use to repair any holes in the screen. If the damage is minimal you could also try fixing it using a wood filler. To do this apply the filler on the area that is damaged, wait for it to dry, and then sand it smooth.

Framelifts can be purchased which is a metallic structure bolted onto the frame you already have that lifts it. This is a very expensive option, but is the best option if your frame has been badly damaged or has rotted.

To create a simple stand for your screen door you can build a leg from a scrap piece of wood or a picture frame display stand. Then, attach the brackets or wire to the back of the frame to hang it on the wall. You can even attach a piece of felt to the bottom of the frame 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 minor issue that can be ignored and left unaddressed for too long can let pests like flies and mosquitoes to slip through. This can quickly escalate into the issue of a bigger scale, resulting in expensive repairs or the need for a new screen door.

It is simple to replace a broken spline, particularly when you have the proper tools. Before you can get started you must remove the old spline from the door frame. This can be done by laying the frame flat on a work surface, such as a table or the ground. Remove the spline by using the screwdriver. If the spline appears to be particularly worn or brittle you may discover that it breaks when you try to remove it from the groove.

When you are removing the old spline make sure that you also remove any caulking that has been used to keep the spline from moving. This will ensure that the new spline is capable of fitting into the grooves.

Once you have removed all the old spline a utility knife to trim any excess screen off the frame. This will ensure that you get a tight, clean fit on all sides of the frame once you put in the new spline.

Installing the new spline is straightforward after you've cleaned the frame and cut the new screen material to size. Start with one of the shorter sides of the frame. Roll the spline into the screen channel using your splining tool. Continue rolling the spline and pushing it into the screen channel as you move. Continue this process on each short side of the frame. While you work try to keep the screen taut with spring clamps or tape.

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