Patio Screen Door Repair - How to Do it Yourself

A damaged or worn screen patio door glass repair isn't just unsightly; it provides an ideal entrance point for flies, mosquitoes, and other pests. Although there are services that can repair your patio door repair screen door, it's quite simple to complete the job yourself.

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

Damaged Screens

It's not a surprise that your window or door screens will begin to develop tears and holes due to weather animals, children, and pets. These damaged sections are not just ugly, but they also let insects and flies to enter your home. Repairing these issues is fairly simple. Patch kits and screen repair taps are quick fixes to minor damage. However, they won't perform as well for larger problems. This step-by-step guide will explain how to replace and repair your doors and windows.

The first thing to do is determine the damage. Are there ways to salvage the frame or will it require replacement? It is crucial to think about this as windows and door screen frames are more susceptible to being damaged than mesh. A bent frame could cause the screen to fall out of alignment, causing holes or weak spots.

Once you know whether the frame is salvageable or not, you can start fixing the mesh. You'll need some essential tools to accomplish this task. This process requires a spline roll for pressing the spline in the frame, a utility knife and scissors. These tools ensure precision and durability in your repairs.

If you have a huge hole in your screen, begin by removing as much possible of the old material to create a clean space. Cut an entirely new screen material that is at least a half inch larger all around than the damaged area. If your window is designed with grid pattern, make sure the patch is in line to it. Finally, trim the edges of the patch to eliminate any irregularities and fold over the ends of the spline to cover them.

Take into consideration the climate of your locale when you are looking to purchase a new screen. Fiberglass mesh is a popular choice because of its flexibility and affordability and aluminum screens provide strength and snag-resistance. If your area is plagued by pests like mosquitoes and snagged insects, you may need to select a special mesh specifically designed for insect screens. Whatever type of screen you select be sure to stretch the material tightly over the frame to avoid wrinkles and sagging.

Broken Rollers

A damaged roller can be a gruelling problem. It can make sliding the door a challenge and also allow bugs to get inside your home. The good news is that repair of your rollers isn't as expensive or complicated as replacing your door.

Begin by looking at the rollers to determine what the problem is. It may be that the wheel has sunk out, or perhaps one side of the wheel has worn out due to constant contact with the track. The wheels are usually mounted as a push fit on the bracket, and you might be able to place an screwdriver between it and the bracket and attempt to push it off. If you are still unable to remove the roller you can spray the shaft with WD-40 and try it again.

Also, you should look at the tracks from top to bottom. If they're bent, you can straighten them by placing a block of wood against the bent area and rapping it with a hammer. It is essential to wash the tracks well as they can collect grit and dust.

Once you've identified the type of roller that's damaged, you can purchase a replacement. Bring your old rollers to the hardware store so that you are sure you're buying the right type. Some doors have more than one roller, so be sure to purchase enough to replace them all.

Use an screwdriver inside of your door frame near the rollers to loosen the screws or bolts for adjustment. 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 free up your hands and concentrate on getting rid of the rollers.

Once the new roller is installed, the door can be raised and the bolts or screws that adjust can be tightened. Make sure to verify the alignment of the rollers and the track, as well. If everything is properly positioned the patio sliding door repair screen door will be able to slide effortlessly into place.

Frame Damaged

There are several ways to fix your screen door to stop it from rubbing against the frame. First, ensure that the hinges are tight. A hinge that is loose can cause a door to bind, which means it will stop when you open or close the door. If they're loose, just tighten the hinge screws. If this isn't working, you might require sanding the frame's top to make it smooth.

Another common problem with screen doors is a decaying frame. It can be expensive to repair since the frame needs to be replaced. To avoid this, keep looking for signs of rot. Treat them as soon you notice them. Check for signs of decay by looking for wood that appears darker than the rest of the frame. Be aware of any areas in which the wood is beginning to warp or bow. Call a professional if you observe any of these issues.

A mesh adhesive patch kit can be used to repair damaged frames. The kits range from $2 to $7. The kit comes with a small piece of mesh and glue, which you can use to fill any holes in your screen. If the damage is minimal it is possible to try fixing it with a wood filler. To do this apply the filler on the damaged area, wait for it to dry, then sand it to a smooth finish.

For a more durable solution you can purchase frames lifts. A frame lift is a metal structure that bolts onto your existing frame and lifts it up. This is a costly option, but is the best option if your frame is badly damaged or has rotted.

To create an easy stand for your screen door you can create legs from a scrap piece of wood or a picture frame display stand. Then, secure a wire or brackets 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 can be just as frustrating to handle as a damaged frame or door. It might seem like a minor issue that can be ignored, but letting it go long enough can let pests like flies and mosquitoes to slip through. This can quickly escalate into the issue of a bigger scale and result in costly repairs or the need for a new screen door.

The positive side is that replacing the broken spline is simple and affordable, particularly if you already have the equipment. Before you begin, you must remove the old spline from the door frame. This can be done by laying the frame flat on a surface such as a table, or the ground. Pull the spline out using the screwdriver. If the spline is particularly damaged or brittle, you might discover that it breaks when you try to pull it out of the groove.

While you are pulling out the old spline, ensure that you take off any caulking that has been used to keep the spline from moving. This will ensure that the new spline fits properly into the grooves.

After you've removed all the old spline a knife to cut any screen that is left the frame. This will ensure you have an even, clean fit on all sides of the frame when you put in the new spline.

When you have a clean frame and have the new screen material cut to size, it's time to install the new spline. Start with 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 move. Repeat this process for all of the shorter sides of the frame. While you work, use tape or spring clamps to keep the screen taut.

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